Comparative outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy versus radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To systematically compare the clinical efficacy and adverse events between stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria through a meta-analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to May 1, 2025, for studies comparing SBRT and RFA in HCC patients meeting the Milan criteria. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software for meta-analysis.

Results

Ten studies (9 retrospective and 1 randomized controlled trial) involving 1505 patients were included. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS: HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.72-1.32, P = 0.87) and progressio

SUBMITTER: Jing J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12436108 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature