[Radiotherapy for bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreas cancer]

There are few reports on the treatment for bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreas cancer. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with bone metastases from these cancers. Bone metastases from HCC are typically lytic and expansive. We evaluated 13 patients with 16 bone metastases from HCC undergoing RT (30-40 Gy, median 39 Gy) in our department from September 2002 to December 2004. Tumor regression was evaluated by CT or MRI. More than 50% tumor regression was achieved in 4 of 16 lesions (25%). Pain relief was achieved in 12/13 (92%). The median survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4-10 months), and the 6-month and 12-month local control rates were 81% and 67%, respectively. For patients with a limited life expectancy, standard dose RT is appropriate, however,with more than one year life expectancy, investigation employing dose escalation or combination with surgery or TAE is needed. Thirteen patients with 18 bone metastases from pancreas cancer received RT (20-30 Gy, median 30 Gy) from September 2002 to March 2005. The median survival was 3 months (95% CI, 1-6 months). Pain relief was achieved in 12/13 (92%). The prognosis of patients with bone metastases from pancreas cancer is still very poor, and a single fraction or short fraction schedule RT is appropriate.