Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose of Review

Liver-directed SABR (stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy) is emerging as an effective local therapy option for HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma). This review summarizes recent clinical progresses and proposes future directions.

Recent Findings

SABR is an effective and safe, non-invasive local therapy option for HCC in the primary and salvage treatment settings, as well as a bridge to liver transplantation in selected patients. Randomized trials comparing SABR with other locoregional modalities are currently ongoing.

Summary

Research efforts are being made toward better predicting normal tissue toxicity and tumor radiosensitivity for a tailored maximal safe treatment in HCC SABR. More recently, potential synergy with immunotherapies is of increasing interest in HCC.