Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Single-agent anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) demonstrated promising efficacy in early-phase trials, a finding that was not confirmed in phase III studies. The combination of atezolizumab (an anti-PD-L1 ICI) with bevacizumab (an anti-VEGF antibody) was approved as first-line therapy in 2020, however, with significant improvement in response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival in comparison with the previous standard of care, sorafenib. Numerous ongoing clinical trials are assessing ICIs in combination with each other or with targeted agents, and also in earlier stages with local therapies. This review summarizes the latest concepts in the use of ICIs for the management of HCC.

Automated summary

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary liver malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related death. Single-agent anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) showed initial promise, but failed to demonstrate efficacy in phase III trials. The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has been approved as first-line therapy, showing significant improvements in response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival compared to standard treatments. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the use of ICIs in combination with other drugs.