New, effective treatment using proton irradiation for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

In 34 hepatocellular carcinoma patients (44 lesions), proton irradiation was performed and assessed. Proton irradiation was effective for the nodular HCCin terms of tumor size reduction and histology and almost 100%local tumor control was obtained during the observation period of at least 2 years, which is still undergoing up to 4 years. This therapy is safe and has the merit of excellent QOL during the treatment without any complaints. Further, this method is feasible for patients ofdeepseated tumors, and for those with serious complications. Due to the excellent local tumor control, the determining factor for the survival is not affected by the proton irradiation but by the associated complications such as liver cirrhosis. Background