Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HCC tend to live longer if both their HBV and HCC are treated. Liu and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of trials that addressed the question whether the same is true for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCC treated with either interferon or direct-acting antivirals (DAA). They included 23, mostly retrospective, cohort studies in the final meta-analysis. Recurrence data were available in 18 studies, with 2013 patients receiving DAA therapy, 1091 patients receiving interferon therapy, and 1571 patients receiving no intervention. There was no significant difference in recurrence between the DAA group and the interferon group. The meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with HCV-related HCC treated with DAA had a lower risk for HCC recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.74, P < .001; I² 66.6%, P < .001) and a better overall survival (OS) (adjusted HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16–0.83, P = .017; I² 90.7%, P < .001) than patients with no intervention. The authors concluded that DAA therapy can prevent recurrence and improve OS of patients with HCV-related HCC, especially if a sustained virologic response is achieved.

Atezolizumab with bevacizumab is the current first-line standard of care for patients with unresectable HCC, offering an improved OS compared to sorafenib, as demonstrated in the phase 3 IMbrave150 study. Alternate combinations, such as atezolizumab and cabozantinib, are also being investigated in this setting. The COSMIC-312 phase 3 randomized controlled trial evaluated 837 patients with unresectable HCC who had not received previous systemic therapy. They were randomly assigned in a 2:1:1 ratio to receive cabozantinib plus atezolizumab (n = 432), sorafenib (n = 217), or single-agent cabozantinib (n = 188). Although the patients receiving atezolizumab + cabozantinib had a significantly longer median progression-free survival (6.8 vs 4.2 months; HR, 0.63; P = .001) than patients who received sorafenib, both groups had a similar median OS (15.4 vs 15.5 months; HR, 0.90; P = .44). The authors concluded that this combination requires more study in this patient population.

For patients with unresectable HCC who are unable to tolerate combination therapy in the first-line setting, single-agent therapy might be an option. Verset and colleagues reported the results of a phase 2 study evaluating pembrolizumab in this setting. Cohort 2 of the KEYNOTE-224 study evaluated 51 systemic therapy–naive patients with unresectable HCC who received pembrolizumab for up to 2 years. After 27 months of median follow-up, the median progression-free survival was 4 months (95% CI 2-8 months) and the OS was 17 months (95% CI 8-23 months). The objective response rate was 16% (95% CI 7%-29%). Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 16% of patients. In this prospective study, pembrolizumab provided durable antitumor activity, a promising OS, and a safety profile consistent with previous observations.

Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HCC tend to live longer if both their HBV and HCC are treated. Liu and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of trials that addressed the question whether the same is true for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCC treated with either interferon or direct-acting antivirals (DAA). They included 23, mostly retrospective, cohort studies in the final meta-analysis. Recurrence data were available in 18 studies, with 2013 patients receiving DAA therapy, 1091 patients receiving interferon therapy, and 1571 patients receiving no intervention. There was no significant difference in recurrence between the DAA group and the interferon group. The meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with HCV-related HCC treated with DAA had a lower risk for HCC recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.74, P < .001; I² 66.6%, P < .001) and a better overall survival (OS) (adjusted HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16–0.83, P = .017; I² 90.7%, P < .001) than patients with no intervention. The authors concluded that DAA therapy can prevent recurrence and improve OS of patients with HCV-related HCC, especially if a sustained virologic response is achieved.

Atezolizumab with bevacizumab is the current first-line standard of care for patients with unresectable HCC, offering an improved OS compared to sorafenib, as demonstrated in the phase 3 IMbrave150 study. Alternate combinations, such as atezolizumab and cabozantinib, are also being investigated in this setting. The COSMIC-312 phase 3 randomized controlled trial evaluated 837 patients with unresectable HCC who had not received previous systemic therapy. They were randomly assigned in a 2:1:1 ratio to receive cabozantinib plus atezolizumab (n = 432), sorafenib (n = 217), or single-agent cabozantinib (n = 188). Although the patients receiving atezolizumab + cabozantinib had a significantly longer median progression-free survival (6.8 vs 4.2 months; HR, 0.63; P = .001) than patients who received sorafenib, both groups had a similar median OS (15.4 vs 15.5 months; HR, 0.90; P = .44). The authors concluded that this combination requires more study in this patient population.

For patients with unresectable HCC who are unable to tolerate combination therapy in the first-line setting, single-agent therapy might be an option. Verset and colleagues reported the results of a phase 2 study evaluating pembrolizumab in this setting. Cohort 2 of the KEYNOTE-224 study evaluated 51 systemic therapy–naive patients with unresectable HCC who received pembrolizumab for up to 2 years. After 27 months of median follow-up, the median progression-free survival was 4 months (95% CI 2-8 months) and the OS was 17 months (95% CI 8-23 months). The objective response rate was 16% (95% CI 7%-29%). Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 16% of patients. In this prospective study, pembrolizumab provided durable antitumor activity, a promising OS, and a safety profile consistent with previous observations.

Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HCC tend to live longer if both their HBV and HCC are treated. Liu and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of trials that addressed the question whether the same is true for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCC treated with either interferon or direct-acting antivirals (DAA). They included 23, mostly retrospective, cohort studies in the final meta-analysis. Recurrence data were available in 18 studies, with 2013 patients receiving DAA therapy, 1091 patients receiving interferon therapy, and 1571 patients receiving no intervention. There was no significant difference in recurrence between the DAA group and the interferon group. The meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with HCV-related HCC treated with DAA had a lower risk for HCC recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.74, P < .001; I² 66.6%, P < .001) and a better overall survival (OS) (adjusted HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16–0.83, P = .017; I² 90.7%, P < .001) than patients with no intervention. The authors concluded that DAA therapy can prevent recurrence and improve OS of patients with HCV-related HCC, especially if a sustained virologic response is achieved.

Atezolizumab with bevacizumab is the current first-line standard of care for patients with unresectable HCC, offering an improved OS compared to sorafenib, as demonstrated in the phase 3 IMbrave150 study. Alternate combinations, such as atezolizumab and cabozantinib, are also being investigated in this setting. The COSMIC-312 phase 3 randomized controlled trial evaluated 837 patients with unresectable HCC who had not received previous systemic therapy. They were randomly assigned in a 2:1:1 ratio to receive cabozantinib plus atezolizumab (n = 432), sorafenib (n = 217), or single-agent cabozantinib (n = 188). Although the patients receiving atezolizumab + cabozantinib had a significantly longer median progression-free survival (6.8 vs 4.2 months; HR, 0.63; P = .001) than patients who received sorafenib, both groups had a similar median OS (15.4 vs 15.5 months; HR, 0.90; P = .44). The authors concluded that this combination requires more study in this patient population.

For patients with unresectable HCC who are unable to tolerate combination therapy in the first-line setting, single-agent therapy might be an option. Verset and colleagues reported the results of a phase 2 study evaluating pembrolizumab in this setting. Cohort 2 of the KEYNOTE-224 study evaluated 51 systemic therapy–naive patients with unresectable HCC who received pembrolizumab for up to 2 years. After 27 months of median follow-up, the median progression-free survival was 4 months (95% CI 2-8 months) and the OS was 17 months (95% CI 8-23 months). The objective response rate was 16% (95% CI 7%-29%). Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 16% of patients. In this prospective study, pembrolizumab provided durable antitumor activity, a promising OS, and a safety profile consistent with previous observations.

Key clinical point: Use of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers is associated with prolonged survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Beta-blocker use was associated with better overall survival (hazard ratio 0.69; P  =  .0031), with no significant heterogeneity across studies (I²  =  41%; P  =  .18).

Study details: The data come from a meta-analysis of 3 cohort studies involving 5148 patients with HCC that analyzed the association between the use of beta-blockers (including propranolol) and overall survival of the patients.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chang H and Lee SH. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and hepatocellular carcinoma survival: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med. 2022 (Jun 23). Doi: 10.1007/s10238-022-00842-z

Key clinical point: Use of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers is associated with prolonged survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Beta-blocker use was associated with better overall survival (hazard ratio 0.69; P  =  .0031), with no significant heterogeneity across studies (I²  =  41%; P  =  .18).

Study details: The data come from a meta-analysis of 3 cohort studies involving 5148 patients with HCC that analyzed the association between the use of beta-blockers (including propranolol) and overall survival of the patients.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chang H and Lee SH. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and hepatocellular carcinoma survival: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med. 2022 (Jun 23). Doi: 10.1007/s10238-022-00842-z

Key clinical point: Use of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers is associated with prolonged survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Beta-blocker use was associated with better overall survival (hazard ratio 0.69; P  =  .0031), with no significant heterogeneity across studies (I²  =  41%; P  =  .18).

Study details: The data come from a meta-analysis of 3 cohort studies involving 5148 patients with HCC that analyzed the association between the use of beta-blockers (including propranolol) and overall survival of the patients.

Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chang H and Lee SH. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and hepatocellular carcinoma survival: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med. 2022 (Jun 23). Doi: 10.1007/s10238-022-00842-z

Key clinical point: First-line lenvatinib plus idarubicin-loaded drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (IDADEB-TACE) is safe and offers a better safety profile than lenvatinib alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Patients receiving lenvatinib plus IDADEB-TACE vs lenvatinib alone had a significantly higher objective response rate (57.7% vs 25.7%; P < .001), longer median overall survival (15.7 vs 11.3 months; hazard ratio 0.50; P < .001), and comparable toxicity profile, with most adverse events being mild and manageable.

Study details: Findings are from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study that propensity-score matched patients with advanced HCC who received lenvatinib plus IDADEB-TACE (n = 78) with those who received lenvatinib alone (n = 78).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, among others. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Source: Fan W et al. Idarubicin-loaded DEB-TACE plus lenvatinib versus lenvatinib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score-matching analysis. Cancer Med. 2022 (Jun 13). Doi: 10.1002/cam4.4937

Key clinical point: First-line lenvatinib plus idarubicin-loaded drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (IDADEB-TACE) is safe and offers a better safety profile than lenvatinib alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Patients receiving lenvatinib plus IDADEB-TACE vs lenvatinib alone had a significantly higher objective response rate (57.7% vs 25.7%; P < .001), longer median overall survival (15.7 vs 11.3 months; hazard ratio 0.50; P < .001), and comparable toxicity profile, with most adverse events being mild and manageable.

Study details: Findings are from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study that propensity-score matched patients with advanced HCC who received lenvatinib plus IDADEB-TACE (n = 78) with those who received lenvatinib alone (n = 78).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, among others. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Source: Fan W et al. Idarubicin-loaded DEB-TACE plus lenvatinib versus lenvatinib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score-matching analysis. Cancer Med. 2022 (Jun 13). Doi: 10.1002/cam4.4937

Key clinical point: First-line lenvatinib plus idarubicin-loaded drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (IDADEB-TACE) is safe and offers a better safety profile than lenvatinib alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Patients receiving lenvatinib plus IDADEB-TACE vs lenvatinib alone had a significantly higher objective response rate (57.7% vs 25.7%; P < .001), longer median overall survival (15.7 vs 11.3 months; hazard ratio 0.50; P < .001), and comparable toxicity profile, with most adverse events being mild and manageable.

Study details: Findings are from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study that propensity-score matched patients with advanced HCC who received lenvatinib plus IDADEB-TACE (n = 78) with those who received lenvatinib alone (n = 78).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, among others. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Source: Fan W et al. Idarubicin-loaded DEB-TACE plus lenvatinib versus lenvatinib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score-matching analysis. Cancer Med. 2022 (Jun 13). Doi: 10.1002/cam4.4937

Key clinical point: Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy prevents recurrence and improves overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in those with a sustained virologic response (SVR).

Major finding: Patients receiving DAA vs no therapy had a significantly reduced recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.55; P < .001) and improved OS (aHR 0.36; P  =  .017). After DAA therapy, patients with SVR vs nonresponders had significantly lower recurrence rates (hazard ratio [HR] 0.37; P  =  .017) and mortality (HR 0.17; P  =  .001).

Study details: This was a meta-analysis of 23 cohort studies that evaluated the effects of DAA therapy, interferon therapy, or no intervention on recurrence or OS in patients with HCV-related HCC.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the Taishan Scholars Program for Young Expert of Shandong Province, China, among others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Liu H et al. Clinical benefits of direct-acting antivirals therapy in hepatitis C virus patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 (Jun 20). Doi: 10.1111/jgh.15915

Key clinical point: Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy prevents recurrence and improves overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in those with a sustained virologic response (SVR).

Major finding: Patients receiving DAA vs no therapy had a significantly reduced recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.55; P < .001) and improved OS (aHR 0.36; P  =  .017). After DAA therapy, patients with SVR vs nonresponders had significantly lower recurrence rates (hazard ratio [HR] 0.37; P  =  .017) and mortality (HR 0.17; P  =  .001).

Study details: This was a meta-analysis of 23 cohort studies that evaluated the effects of DAA therapy, interferon therapy, or no intervention on recurrence or OS in patients with HCV-related HCC.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the Taishan Scholars Program for Young Expert of Shandong Province, China, among others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Liu H et al. Clinical benefits of direct-acting antivirals therapy in hepatitis C virus patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 (Jun 20). Doi: 10.1111/jgh.15915

Key clinical point: Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy prevents recurrence and improves overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in those with a sustained virologic response (SVR).

Major finding: Patients receiving DAA vs no therapy had a significantly reduced recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.55; P < .001) and improved OS (aHR 0.36; P  =  .017). After DAA therapy, patients with SVR vs nonresponders had significantly lower recurrence rates (hazard ratio [HR] 0.37; P  =  .017) and mortality (HR 0.17; P  =  .001).

Study details: This was a meta-analysis of 23 cohort studies that evaluated the effects of DAA therapy, interferon therapy, or no intervention on recurrence or OS in patients with HCV-related HCC.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the Taishan Scholars Program for Young Expert of Shandong Province, China, among others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Liu H et al. Clinical benefits of direct-acting antivirals therapy in hepatitis C virus patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 (Jun 20). Doi: 10.1111/jgh.15915

Key clinical point: Statin use is associated with a lower risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Major finding: Statin users vs nonusers had a 41% reduced risk for HCC (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.59; P  =  .001) and a lower weighted HCC incidence rate (incidence rate difference −3.7; P < .001), with the incidence rate ratio being 0.56 (P < .001).

Study details: This retrospective observational study included 6165 patients aged ≥ 19 and < 85 years with HBV or HCV infection who were on maintenance dialysis and received ≥28 cumulative defined daily doses of statins (users; n = 2655) or did not receive statins (nonusers; n = 3510) in the first 3 months after dialysis commencement.

Disclosures: No financial support was reported. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Kim HW et al. Association of statin treatment with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in end-stage kidney disease patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Sci Rep. 2022;12:10807 (Jun 25. Doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-14713-w

Key clinical point: Statin use is associated with a lower risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Major finding: Statin users vs nonusers had a 41% reduced risk for HCC (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.59; P  =  .001) and a lower weighted HCC incidence rate (incidence rate difference −3.7; P < .001), with the incidence rate ratio being 0.56 (P < .001).

Study details: This retrospective observational study included 6165 patients aged ≥ 19 and < 85 years with HBV or HCV infection who were on maintenance dialysis and received ≥28 cumulative defined daily doses of statins (users; n = 2655) or did not receive statins (nonusers; n = 3510) in the first 3 months after dialysis commencement.

Disclosures: No financial support was reported. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Kim HW et al. Association of statin treatment with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in end-stage kidney disease patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Sci Rep. 2022;12:10807 (Jun 25. Doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-14713-w

Key clinical point: Statin use is associated with a lower risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Major finding: Statin users vs nonusers had a 41% reduced risk for HCC (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.59; P  =  .001) and a lower weighted HCC incidence rate (incidence rate difference −3.7; P < .001), with the incidence rate ratio being 0.56 (P < .001).

Study details: This retrospective observational study included 6165 patients aged ≥ 19 and < 85 years with HBV or HCV infection who were on maintenance dialysis and received ≥28 cumulative defined daily doses of statins (users; n = 2655) or did not receive statins (nonusers; n = 3510) in the first 3 months after dialysis commencement.

Disclosures: No financial support was reported. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Kim HW et al. Association of statin treatment with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in end-stage kidney disease patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Sci Rep. 2022;12:10807 (Jun 25. Doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-14713-w

Key clinical point: Lenvatinib-based combination therapies are associated with a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and better objective response (OR) than lenvatinib monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Lenvatinib combination therapy vs monotherapy was associated with a significantly longer PFS (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours [RECIST] v1.1: 7.77 vs 4.43 months; P  =  .045; modified RECIST [mRECIST]: 6.97 vs 5.27 months; P  =  .067) and a higher OR rate (RECIST v1.1: 37% vs 5%; P < .001; mRECIST: 53% vs 11%; P < .001) but no significant overall survival benefit (P  =  .71).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study that included 215 patients with HCC who received lenvatinib-based therapies.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chen J et al. The combination treatment strategy of lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jun 25). Doi: 10.1007/s00432-022-04082-2

Key clinical point: Lenvatinib-based combination therapies are associated with a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and better objective response (OR) than lenvatinib monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Lenvatinib combination therapy vs monotherapy was associated with a significantly longer PFS (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours [RECIST] v1.1: 7.77 vs 4.43 months; P  =  .045; modified RECIST [mRECIST]: 6.97 vs 5.27 months; P  =  .067) and a higher OR rate (RECIST v1.1: 37% vs 5%; P < .001; mRECIST: 53% vs 11%; P < .001) but no significant overall survival benefit (P  =  .71).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study that included 215 patients with HCC who received lenvatinib-based therapies.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chen J et al. The combination treatment strategy of lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jun 25). Doi: 10.1007/s00432-022-04082-2

Key clinical point: Lenvatinib-based combination therapies are associated with a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and better objective response (OR) than lenvatinib monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Lenvatinib combination therapy vs monotherapy was associated with a significantly longer PFS (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours [RECIST] v1.1: 7.77 vs 4.43 months; P  =  .045; modified RECIST [mRECIST]: 6.97 vs 5.27 months; P  =  .067) and a higher OR rate (RECIST v1.1: 37% vs 5%; P < .001; mRECIST: 53% vs 11%; P < .001) but no significant overall survival benefit (P  =  .71).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study that included 215 patients with HCC who received lenvatinib-based therapies.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chen J et al. The combination treatment strategy of lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jun 25). Doi: 10.1007/s00432-022-04082-2

Key clinical point: Lenvatinib-based combination therapies are associated with a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and better objective response (OR) than lenvatinib monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Lenvatinib combination therapy vs monotherapy was associated with a significantly longer PFS (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours [RECIST] v1.1: 7.77 vs 4.43 months; P  =  .045; modified RECIST [mRECIST]: 6.97 vs 5.27 months; P  =  .067) and a higher OR rate (RECIST v1.1: 37% vs 5%; P < .001; mRECIST: 53% vs 11%; P < .001) but no significant overall survival benefit (P  =  .71).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study that included 215 patients with HCC who received lenvatinib-based therapies.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chen J et al. The combination treatment strategy of lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jun 25). Doi: 10.1007/s00432-022-04082-2

Key clinical point: Lenvatinib-based combination therapies are associated with a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and better objective response (OR) than lenvatinib monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Lenvatinib combination therapy vs monotherapy was associated with a significantly longer PFS (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours [RECIST] v1.1: 7.77 vs 4.43 months; P  =  .045; modified RECIST [mRECIST]: 6.97 vs 5.27 months; P  =  .067) and a higher OR rate (RECIST v1.1: 37% vs 5%; P < .001; mRECIST: 53% vs 11%; P < .001) but no significant overall survival benefit (P  =  .71).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study that included 215 patients with HCC who received lenvatinib-based therapies.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chen J et al. The combination treatment strategy of lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jun 25). Doi: 10.1007/s00432-022-04082-2

Key clinical point: Lenvatinib-based combination therapies are associated with a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and better objective response (OR) than lenvatinib monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Lenvatinib combination therapy vs monotherapy was associated with a significantly longer PFS (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours [RECIST] v1.1: 7.77 vs 4.43 months; P  =  .045; modified RECIST [mRECIST]: 6.97 vs 5.27 months; P  =  .067) and a higher OR rate (RECIST v1.1: 37% vs 5%; P < .001; mRECIST: 53% vs 11%; P < .001) but no significant overall survival benefit (P  =  .71).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study that included 215 patients with HCC who received lenvatinib-based therapies.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Chen J et al. The combination treatment strategy of lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022 (Jun 25). Doi: 10.1007/s00432-022-04082-2

Key clinical point: Radiotherapy (RT) plus monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD1) has a better efficacy and safety profile than transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Patients receiving RT+anti-PD1 vs TACE+sorafenib showed significantly higher objective response (54.05% vs 12.20%; P < .001), disease control (70.27% vs 46.34%; P  =  .041), and 9-month overall survival (75.50% vs 60.60%; P < .001) rates. They also had a longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.51; P  =  .017); and a lower grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event rate (29.70% vs 75.60%; P < .001).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective real-world study that included 78 adult patients with advanced HCC who received RT+anti-PD1 (n = 37) or TACE+sorafenib (n = 41).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the Development and Application Project for the Appropriate Technology of Health of Guangxi Province, China, among others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Li JX et al. Efficacy and safety of radiotherapy plus anti-PD1 versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. Radiat Oncol. 2022;17:106 (Jun 11. Doi: 10.1186/s13014-022-02075-6

Key clinical point: Radiotherapy (RT) plus monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD1) has a better efficacy and safety profile than transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Patients receiving RT+anti-PD1 vs TACE+sorafenib showed significantly higher objective response (54.05% vs 12.20%; P < .001), disease control (70.27% vs 46.34%; P  =  .041), and 9-month overall survival (75.50% vs 60.60%; P < .001) rates. They also had a longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.51; P  =  .017); and a lower grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event rate (29.70% vs 75.60%; P < .001).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective real-world study that included 78 adult patients with advanced HCC who received RT+anti-PD1 (n = 37) or TACE+sorafenib (n = 41).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the Development and Application Project for the Appropriate Technology of Health of Guangxi Province, China, among others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Li JX et al. Efficacy and safety of radiotherapy plus anti-PD1 versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. Radiat Oncol. 2022;17:106 (Jun 11. Doi: 10.1186/s13014-022-02075-6

Key clinical point: Radiotherapy (RT) plus monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD1) has a better efficacy and safety profile than transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Major finding: Patients receiving RT+anti-PD1 vs TACE+sorafenib showed significantly higher objective response (54.05% vs 12.20%; P < .001), disease control (70.27% vs 46.34%; P  =  .041), and 9-month overall survival (75.50% vs 60.60%; P < .001) rates. They also had a longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.51; P  =  .017); and a lower grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event rate (29.70% vs 75.60%; P < .001).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective real-world study that included 78 adult patients with advanced HCC who received RT+anti-PD1 (n = 37) or TACE+sorafenib (n = 41).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the Development and Application Project for the Appropriate Technology of Health of Guangxi Province, China, among others. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Li JX et al. Efficacy and safety of radiotherapy plus anti-PD1 versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world study. Radiat Oncol. 2022;17:106 (Jun 11. Doi: 10.1186/s13014-022-02075-6

Key clinical point: Sustained virologic response (SVR) decreases the risk for hepatic decompensation in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving nonsurgical treatment.

Major finding: Patients with SVR vs viremia had a significantly lower likelihood of hepatic decompensation (adjusted odds ratio 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.59).

Study details: Findings are from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including adult patients with HCV cirrhosis and treatment-naive HCC who had active viremia (n = 431) or SVR before HCC diagnosis (n = 135).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health. Some authors reported serving as consultants, advisory board members, speakers for, or receiving research funding or consulting fees from various sources.

Source: Parikh ND et al. Association between sustained virological response and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatitis C infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer. 2022 (Jul 7). Doi:  10.1002/cncr.34378

Key clinical point: Sustained virologic response (SVR) decreases the risk for hepatic decompensation in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving nonsurgical treatment.

Major finding: Patients with SVR vs viremia had a significantly lower likelihood of hepatic decompensation (adjusted odds ratio 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.59).

Study details: Findings are from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including adult patients with HCV cirrhosis and treatment-naive HCC who had active viremia (n = 431) or SVR before HCC diagnosis (n = 135).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health. Some authors reported serving as consultants, advisory board members, speakers for, or receiving research funding or consulting fees from various sources.

Source: Parikh ND et al. Association between sustained virological response and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatitis C infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer. 2022 (Jul 7). Doi:  10.1002/cncr.34378

Key clinical point: Sustained virologic response (SVR) decreases the risk for hepatic decompensation in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving nonsurgical treatment.

Major finding: Patients with SVR vs viremia had a significantly lower likelihood of hepatic decompensation (adjusted odds ratio 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.59).

Study details: Findings are from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including adult patients with HCV cirrhosis and treatment-naive HCC who had active viremia (n = 431) or SVR before HCC diagnosis (n = 135).

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health. Some authors reported serving as consultants, advisory board members, speakers for, or receiving research funding or consulting fees from various sources.

Source: Parikh ND et al. Association between sustained virological response and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatitis C infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer. 2022 (Jul 7). Doi:  10.1002/cncr.34378

Key clinical point: Transplant waitlist mortality and dropout rates were not significantly different between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and those who received radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Major finding: TACE and RFA were associated with a comparable 5-year cumulative incidence of mortality or dropout in patients both within (13.4% and 12.9%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.91; 95% CI 0.79-1.03) and outside (19.2% and 19.0%, respectively; aHR 1.29; 95% CI 0.79-2.09) the Milan criteria.

Study details: This retrospective study analyzed the data of 11,824 patients with HCC (within and outside the Milan criteria) from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients who underwent RFA (n = 2449) or TACE (n = 9375).

Disclosures: This study was funded by the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Kolarich AR et al. Radiofrequency ablation versus trans-arterial chemoembolization in patients with HCC awaiting liver transplant: An analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2022 Jun 28. Doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.06.016

Key clinical point: Transplant waitlist mortality and dropout rates were not significantly different between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and those who received radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Major finding: TACE and RFA were associated with a comparable 5-year cumulative incidence of mortality or dropout in patients both within (13.4% and 12.9%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.91; 95% CI 0.79-1.03) and outside (19.2% and 19.0%, respectively; aHR 1.29; 95% CI 0.79-2.09) the Milan criteria.

Study details: This retrospective study analyzed the data of 11,824 patients with HCC (within and outside the Milan criteria) from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients who underwent RFA (n = 2449) or TACE (n = 9375).

Disclosures: This study was funded by the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Kolarich AR et al. Radiofrequency ablation versus trans-arterial chemoembolization in patients with HCC awaiting liver transplant: An analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2022 Jun 28. Doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.06.016

Key clinical point: Transplant waitlist mortality and dropout rates were not significantly different between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and those who received radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Major finding: TACE and RFA were associated with a comparable 5-year cumulative incidence of mortality or dropout in patients both within (13.4% and 12.9%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.91; 95% CI 0.79-1.03) and outside (19.2% and 19.0%, respectively; aHR 1.29; 95% CI 0.79-2.09) the Milan criteria.

Study details: This retrospective study analyzed the data of 11,824 patients with HCC (within and outside the Milan criteria) from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients who underwent RFA (n = 2449) or TACE (n = 9375).

Disclosures: This study was funded by the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Kolarich AR et al. Radiofrequency ablation versus trans-arterial chemoembolization in patients with HCC awaiting liver transplant: An analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2022 Jun 28. Doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.06.016