Abstract

The role of ablative stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been evolving over the last few decades. SBRT has mostly been used in early stages of HCC, including few (≤ 3 in number) tumors, small tumours (< 3 cm in size), as well as larger tumours which are ineligible for other ablative modalities, mostly without vascular invasion. In early stage HCC, SBRT is used as a definitive treatment with curative intent or with intent to bridge to liver transplant. Retrospective and prospective institutional series document a high rate of local control (68–95% at 3 years) following SBRT. This coupled with a low risk of toxicity makes this non-invasive ablative treatment an attractive option for patients who are ineligible for other ablative treatments. Small randomized studies of ablative radiation have also shown non-inferiority of radiation as compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Currently, SBRT is widely available as a safe and effective liver directed therapy, although there is a need for more studies providing higher level evidence. This review gives a brief overview of SBRT and the evidence for its use in HCC patients with ablative intent.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.