External beam radiation for HCC: Ready for incorporation into guidelines?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management is evolving.
• External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is an emerging treatment modality for HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting EBRT in HCC management.
• To advocate for the inclusion of EBRT in clinical guidelines for HCC.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current evidence.
• Analysis of randomized trials across all HCC stages.

Main Results:

• EBRT demonstrates excellent efficacy in early, intermediate, advanced, and palliative HCC stages.
• Growing body of evidence supports its use.

Conclusions:

• EBRT is a valuable tool for HCC management.
• Inclusion in guidelines can improve patient outcomes due to its effectiveness, low cost, and global availability.