Clinical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with Child-Pugh class B treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Abstract

560 Background: Caution is usually employed in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to the inherent liver radiosensitivity, especially in patients with Child Pugh (CP) B and C classes. This study aims to review the outcomes of patients treated with SBRT for CP class B with HCC. Methods: Medical records of all patients with HCC and compromised liver function (CP class B) treated with SBRT between 2003 and 2018 were retrieved after institutional review board approval. Clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related data were collected and analyzed for their correlation to toxicity and survival. Liver function was assessed prior to SBRT and at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment using the CP score classification. Patients were censored for toxicity after extensive tumor progression in the liver, new liver-directed therapies, or liver transplant. Time-to-events were calculated from date of SBRT. Results: A total of 22 patients were identified, but 3 were excluded for incomplete follow-up. Median follow-up time was 33 months (range: 11-95 months). At baseline, 13 (68%) patients had a CP score of 7, and 6 (32%) had a CP score of 8. The median PTV volume was 94 cc (range: 14-710 cc). The median prescribed dose was in 5 fractions (range: 35-45 Gy in 3-5 fractions). After SBRT, 8 (42%) patients presented with worsening in CP score, with a mean increase of 1.5 points (95% CI, 0.6-2.5; p = 0.005) at the first month of follow-up, but followed by recovery in liver function with change in CP score not statistically different from baseline at 3- or 6-month follow-up times (p = 0.35 and p = 0.13, respectively). Eight patients (42%) presented with acute hepatobiliary toxicity, with six of those presenting with ≥grade 2 toxicity. Patients with CP score change ≥2 points (n = 6) showed a significantly higher incidence of acute grade 2 or higher hepatobiliary toxicity (p = 0.001) with a trend toward worse overall survival (33 vs. 51 months, p = 0.45). Conclusions: In our cohort, SBRT demonstrated to be safe for patients with Child Pugh Class B liver function.