SBRT Plus Systemic Therapy vs Systemic Therapy Alone in BCLC C Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Overview

This prospective, multicenter, phase II randomized controlled trial compares the efficacy and safety of SBRT combined with systemic therapy versus systemic therapy alone in BCLC stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The primary objective is to compare overall survival (OS) between the two arms. Secondary objectives include progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), quality of life (QoL), and incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs). Eligible patients will be randomized 2:1 to an experimental arm (SBRT + systemic therapy) or control arm (systemic therapy alone). Key inclusion criteria include BCLC C disease, Child-Pugh A-B liver function, ECOG ≤2, measurable disease per RECIST 1.1, and stable intrahepatic disease after initial systemic therapy for ≥3 months when applicable. The trial will also include predefined safety monitoring, QoL assessments (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18), and exploratory biomarker analyses.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with limited curative options. Systemic therapies (targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors) have improved outcomes in BCLC C patients, but their therapeutic effect is unsatisfactory. SBRT provides precise high-dose local control and may synergize with systemic therapy by enhancing tumor immunogenicity and improving local disease control. Study design: Prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase II trial. In the experimental arm, patients will continue the guideline-recommended systemic treatment received prior to enrollment, in accordance with approved labels and national guidelines, combined with SBRT delivered to portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT, if present) and/or limited extrahepatic metastatic lesions. In the control arm, patients will continue the same guideline-recommended systemic treatment without SBRT. Endpoints: The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR by RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18), and safety (CTCAE v5.0). Exploratory endpoints may include biomarker dynamics (e.g., immune cell infiltration, viral markers) and patterns of progression. Safety and monitoring: AEs will be collected from consent through 30 days after the last radiotherapy; SAEs will be reported per protocol (including deaths up to 90 days after radiotherapy). Regular imaging and clinical assessments will monitor efficacy and safety. Data management and monitoring will follow GCP.