Randomized trial of proton beam radiotherapy versus transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

A randomized trial at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Jerry Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital (Loma Linda, CA) compared proton beam radiotherapy (PBT) versus transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for previously untreated hepatocellular carcinoma. The study found no significant difference between the two groups in two-year overall survival. Median progression-free survival and local control were improved with PBT versus TACE. Days of posttreatment hospitalization were 24 for PBT and 166 for TACE (p<0.001). Total mean cost per patient was 28% lower with PBT.