Oncologic outcomes and rates of hepatotoxicity following stereotactic body radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) localized to the liver has various treatment options, including external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Despite many prospective and retrospective reports showing excellent local control (LC) and favorable toxicity, EBRT has not been widely adopted in the first-line setting and this may be due to a perceived lack of evidence. This study aims to share a decade of experience with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for HCC, leveraging a homogenous treatment technique. Methods: This retrospective study at a single institution included patients with HCC treated with SBRT, with a standardized treatment protocol. Freedom from local progression (FFLP), overall survival (OS), and rates of hepatotoxicity post-treatment using child-pugh (CP) and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores were analyzed. A mixed-effects multivariable analysis (MVA) was also performed to assess various factors’ impact on outcomes. Results: A total of 138 lesions in 106 patients were treated between 2009 and 2020. FFLP was 91% at one year and 86% at three years. OS was 80% and 46% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Baseline liver function was a significant predictor of FFLP and OS on MVA. CP scores and ALBI grades were stable 3 months after treatment in ≥ 70% of patients. Conclusion: SBRT provides excellent LC and low toxicity for HCC patients. While long-term survival remains challenging, treatment decisions should consider overall clinical status. Multidisciplinary review and forthcoming prospective trial results will further clarify radiotherapy’s role in HCC management.