Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
06:38
An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Combined With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Unresectable Hepatocellular
Justin Dreyer1, Raksha Narasimhan1, Ana R Dias Neto1
1Department of Radiation Oncology.
American Journal of Clinical Oncology
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) shows promising survival and response rates for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This combination therapy offers manageable toxicity, warranting further investigation in randomized trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are standard for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in combination with ICI for HCC remains unclear.
- Prior studies suggest survival benefits with SBRT plus sorafenib in HCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy and safety of SBRT combined with ICI in unresectable HCC.
- To assess improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with SBRT plus ICI.
- To evaluate objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and toxicity profiles.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
- Included phase II-III RCTs, prospective cohorts, and retrospective comparative studies (≥20 patients) from 2020 onwards.
- Primary outcomes: OS and PFS. Secondary outcomes: ORR, DCR, and grade ≥3 toxicity. Single-arm meta-analysis using REML method.
Main Results:
- Six studies (258 patients) met inclusion criteria.
- Pooled median OS: 22.7 months; pooled median PFS: 7.9 months.
- High DCR (93.4%) and ORR (56.3%) observed. Grade ≥3 toxicity in 17.5% of patients.
Conclusions:
- SBRT plus ICI demonstrates encouraging survival and response outcomes in unresectable HCC.
- The toxicity profile of this combination appears manageable.
- Further prospective randomized trials are necessary to confirm efficacy and establish optimal treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...