Published online Mar 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i12.3100
Revised: December 20, 2013
Accepted: January 8, 2014
Published online: March 28, 2014
Processing time: 179 Days and 12.6 Hours
Core tip: The integration of new technologies has raised an interest in radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with literature evolving to support its efficacy. These advances, particularly stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), have been critical in improving local control or potential cure in liver lesions not amenable to first-line surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation. Active investigation of SBRT has recently started, yielding promising local control rates. However, information on optimal treatment indications, doses, and methods remains limited. In HCC, significant differences in patient characteristics and treatment availability exist by country. Further studies are required to validate and maximize the efficacy of SBRT.