Current Perspectives on the Immunosuppressive Niche and Role of Fibrosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Development of Antitumor Immunity

Summary: This study identified prognostic factors for anti-PD-1 antibody treatment in advanced HCC based on molecular and immunological features. Factors associated with better response included low alpha-fetoprotein levels, negative beta-catenin/GS staining, high CPS of PD-L1, and increased CD8(+) cell infiltration. Negative staining of beta-catenin/GS, CPS of PD-L1 >= 1, and high CD8(+) TILs were significantly associated with longer survival. These findings suggest that the combined score of Wnt/beta-catenin activation, CPS of PD-L1, and CD8(+) TILs can predict the response to ICI in HCC cases.