The Safety and Maximum Tolerated Dose of Axitinib in Combination With Radiotherapy for HCC

Axitinib (dose escalation): for total 8 weeks during and after RT, with starting dose of 1mg BID. According to the rule of traditional 3 + 3 design, 3-level axitinib dose escalation will be conducted: 1mg BID (level - I), 2mg BID (level - II) and 3mg BID (level - III).

Radiotherapy (RT) dose (fixed strength for normal liver): 37.5 to 67.5 Gy in 15 fractions (2.5 to 4.5 Gy per fraction) to liver tumor(s) (e.g. portal vein thrombosis, tumors with size ≥3 cm, or recurrent/refractory tumors). The final prescribed dose is based on an upper limit of mean liver dose of 18 Gy for all plans. (Daily Entecavir 0.5-1mg or Telbivudine 600mg is recommended for patients with positive hepatitis B during and 3 months after RT.)