Palliative external beam radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with right atrial tumor thrombus

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with right atrial (RA) tumor thrombus via progression through hepatic veins into the inferior vena cava is a challenging entity with limited treatment options. We describe a case of a patient with a symptomatic HCC RA tumor thrombus who achieved a durable and effective symptomatic response to palliative radiotherapy. We also report our institution’s experience treating 10 HCC patients with RA tumor thrombus with palliative radiotherapy to a median biological effective dose (α/β = 10) of 50.6 Gy (range, 29.3-71.2 Gy). Median follow-up was 5 months. Palliative radiotherapy was well-tolerated, with no grade ≥ 3 acute toxicities. Only one patient experienced in-field progression. Seven patients were alive at least 3 months following radiotherapy, and median overall survival was 5 months (range, 3-15 months). This unique series suggests HCC RA tumor thrombus-directed radiotherapy may offer safe palliation and can be considered to improve patients’ quality of life.