Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy: Predictors of Response, Issues, and Challenges

Alessandro Rizzo1, Oronzo Brunetti1, Giovanni Brandi2,3

  • 1S.S.D. C.O.r.O. Bed Management Presa in Carico, TDM, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as durvalumab, tremelimumab, and atezolizumab, have emerged as a significant therapeutic option for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In fact, the efficacy of ICIs as single agents or as part of combination therapies has been demonstrated in practice-changing phase III clinical trials. However, ICIs confront several difficulties, including the lack of predictive biomarkers, primary and secondary drug resistance, and treatment-related side effects. Herein, we provide an overview of current issues and future challenges in this setting.

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