Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Response Rates, Adverse Events, and Predictors of Response

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Medical Oncology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer.
• Advanced HCC treatment guidelines recommend antiangiogenic agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab is a key first-line therapy for advanced HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab in advanced HCC.
• To determine response rates, survival outcomes, and adverse events.
• To identify predictors of treatment response and survival in HCC patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 63 HCC patients treated with Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab.
• Assessment of overall response rate (ORR) using mRECIST criteria.
• Evaluation of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events.

Main Results:

• The overall response rate (ORR) was 48.8% (CR 9.3%, PR 39.5%).
• One-year OS was 39% and PFS was 27%.
• Child-Pugh class and BCLC stage predicted survival; AFP response predicted radiological response.

Conclusions:

• Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab demonstrated notable response rates in advanced HCC.
• Child-Pugh class is the most significant determinant of survival.
• AFP response is a predictor of radiological response, not overall survival.