Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) and Yttrium-90 (Y90) are among the ablative therapies used as treatment options for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, direct comparisons of the 2 modalities’ outcomes and costs are lacking. This study aimed to analyze demographic, treatment, and cost information for patients with HCC treated with SBRT and Y90.

Patients with HCC treated with SBRT or Y90 radioembolization between January 2018 and January 2020 at one institution were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and treatment data were compared utilizing χ2 tests. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were applied to compare overall survival and progression-free survival in different treatment groups. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to analyze the unadjusted and adjusted survival differences. Ten SBRT and 10 Y90 patients were randomly selected for Medicare cost analysis.

Sixty-three patients received Y90, and 21 received SBRT. On univariable and multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference in overall survival or progression-free survival between the Y90 and SBRT cohorts. SBRT patients had higher American Joint Committee on Cancer staging (P=0.039), greater tumor size (4.07 vs. 2.96 cm, P=0.013), and greater rates of prior liver-directed therapy (71.4% SBRT vs. 12.7% Y90, P<0.001). The average cost for SBRT was $15,148, and Y90 was $41,360.

SBRT and Y90 are effective therapies in the treatment of HCC, specifically having similar overall survival and progression-free survival. Y90 was found to have a significantly higher cost than SBRT. This study demonstrates the need for prospective studies to assess these modalities in treating HCC.