Comparing SBRT and Ablation for Liver Cancer Treatment

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Versus Ablation for Perivascular Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Phase 2, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Sun Yat-sen University · NCT04434989

This study is testing whether Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) works better than radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating liver cancer in patients with perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment170 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-sen University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT04434989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness and safety of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma. It is a multi-center, phase III, randomized trial aiming to enroll 170 patients diagnosed with this type of liver cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either SBRT or RFA, and the primary outcomes will focus on the local recurrence rate and disease-free survival after one year.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with unifocal hepatocellular carcinoma tumors ≤5cm that are close to major blood vessels and have a good performance status.

Not a fit: Patients with vascular invasion, extra-hepatic metastasis, or significant liver dysfunction are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for both SBRT and RFA in treating liver tumors, indicating that this approach is built on established methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment.
2. Unifocal tumor ≤5cm
3. Closed to great vessels (diameter ≥3mm)
4. ECOG score 0-1
5. Child-Pugh grade A or B7
6. Sufficient liver and kidney function

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Vascular invasion
2. Extra-hepatic metastasis
3. Received TACE before
4. Inflammation of local skin
5. Dysfunction of liver, kidney or bone marrow.
6. Concomitant other malignant tumor or HIV infection

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.