Immunotherapy: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Immunotherapy Combined with SBRT for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma?A Review

Ajay Patel*

Immunotherapy has been proven to act synergistically with radiotherapy to prime the immune response against the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. This strategy may improve local control and systemic control through the abscopal effect. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) has provided excellent local control rates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Retrospective and prospective studies involving advanced-stage HCC patients support combining SBRT with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms by which immunotherapy can improve the efficacy of SBRT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The review will outline current guidelines for HCC treatment, the rationale for combining immunotherapy and radiotherapy, the impact of the HCC tumour microenvironment and the potential for SBRT to elicit an abscopal effect.

Published Date: 2025-01-23; Received Date: 2024-08-10