Proton vs Photon Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

This report compares proton beam therapy and photon beam therapy, two types of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer in adults. It outlines HCC diagnosis, staging systems—including the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) systems—and treatment considerations based on liver function and tumor characteristics. Studies reviewed indicate that proton therapy offers higher local control and overall survival rates within the first 1 to 3 years post-treatment, while photon therapy shows better local control and survival outcomes at 5 years. Both therapies have roles in managing HCC, with treatment choice influenced by cancer stage, liver health, and patient condition.