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Pan D, Liu HN, Yao ZY, Chen XX, Li YQ, Zhu JJ, Han ZX, Qin XB. Impact of baseline hepatitis B virus viral load on the long-term prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immunotherapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2504-2519. [PMID: 38994160 PMCID: PMC11236260 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the combination of lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors has become the standard regimen for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), real data on the impact of baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA levels on the clinical efficacy of this regimen is still limited. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of camrelizumab combined with lenvatinib in patients with HCC at varying levels of HBV-DNA. METHODS One hundred and twenty patients with HCC who received camrelizumab and lenvatinib treatment were categorized into two cohorts: HBV-DNA ≤ 2000 (n = 66) and HBV-DNA > 2000 (n = 54). The main outcomes measured were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), while additional outcomes included the rate of objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and any negative events. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed independent predictors of OS, leading to the creation of a nomogram incorporating these variables. RESULTS The median PFS was 8.32 months for the HBV-DNA ≤ 2000 group, which was similar to the 7.80 months observed for the HBV DNA > 2000 group (P = 0.88). Likewise, there was no notable variation in the median OS between the two groups, with durations of 13.30 and 14.20 months respectively (P = 0.14). The ORR and DCR were compared between the two groups, showing ORR of 19.70% vs 33.33% (P = 0.09) and DCR of 72.73% vs 74.07% (P = 0.87). The nomogram emphasized the importance of antiviral treatment as the main predictor of patient results, with portal vein tumor thrombus and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging following closely behind. CONCLUSION The clinical outcomes of patients with HBV-associated HCC treated with camrelizumab in combination with lenvatinib are not significantly affected by HBV viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao-Nan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Qi Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Xiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
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Pan D, Liu HN, Yao ZY, Chen XX, Li YQ, Zhu JJ, Han ZX, Qin XB. Impact of baseline hepatitis B virus viral load on the long-term prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immunotherapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2492-2507. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the combination of lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors has become the standard regimen for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), real data on the impact of baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA levels on the clinical efficacy of this regimen is still limited.
AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of camrelizumab combined with lenvatinib in patients with HCC at varying levels of HBV-DNA.
METHODS One hundred and twenty patients with HCC who received camrelizumab and lenvatinib treatment were categorized into two cohorts: HBV-DNA ≤ 2000 (n = 66) and HBV-DNA > 2000 (n = 54). The main outcomes measured were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), while additional outcomes included the rate of objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and any negative events. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed independent predictors of OS, leading to the creation of a nomogram incorporating these variables.
RESULTS The median PFS was 8.32 months for the HBV-DNA ≤ 2000 group, which was similar to the 7.80 months observed for the HBV DNA > 2000 group (P = 0.88). Likewise, there was no notable variation in the median OS between the two groups, with durations of 13.30 and 14.20 months respectively (P = 0.14). The ORR and DCR were compared between the two groups, showing ORR of 19.70% vs 33.33% (P = 0.09) and DCR of 72.73% vs 74.07% (P = 0.87). The nomogram emphasized the importance of antiviral treatment as the main predictor of patient results, with portal vein tumor thrombus and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging following closely behind.
CONCLUSION The clinical outcomes of patients with HBV-associated HCC treated with camrelizumab in combination with lenvatinib are not significantly affected by HBV viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao-Nan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Qi Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Xiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
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Liu QQ, Wang XX, Ji H, Dou QY, Zhang HM. The efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitor combined with TACE in the first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Oncol 2024; 41:91. [PMID: 38526607 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a first-line treatment for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma. Serving as a local treatment modality that can induce immunogenic cell death, the efficacy and safety of combined use with ICI have not been evaluated. Although there have been prospective studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of ICI combined with TACE in BCLC stage B HCC patients, there are few reports on the evaluation of BCLC stage C patients with distant metastasis or portal vein cancer thrombus. Data of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients received PD-1 inhibitor and TACE were collected in Xijing Hospital from June 2019 to December 2022. The tumor response was evaluated according to the Solid Tumor Modified Response Evaluation Standard (mRECIST), including complete response (CR), partial response (PR), disease stability (SD), disease progression (PD), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were used to estimate therapy efficacy. The treatment-related adverse events were evaluated based on National Cancer Institute Common Adverse Event Evaluation Criteria (CTCAE) version 5.0. A total of 42 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were included in this study, including 34 males (80.5%) and 8 females (19.5%). The average age is 54.5 years, ranging from 34 to 72. The median follow-up time was 12.3 months, with an ORR of 42.9% and a DCR of 90.5% as of the follow-up time. The median PFS is 7.5 months (95% CI: 5.76-9.23), and the median OS has not yet been reached; 6-month PFS was 62.2%. Safety analysis showed that 41 (97.6%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse reactions, mainly including elevated AST and ALT, fever, elevated bilirubin, hypothyroidism, nausea, abdominal pain, and rash. 40 patients had grade 1/2 adverse reactions, and only one patient had grade 3 adverse reactions, manifested as intolerable rash, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment is terminated when symptomatic treatment and drug suspension cannot be alleviated. In this study, thre patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with PD-1 inhibitor combined with TACE to achieve good tumor reduction effect and underwent liver cancer resection surgery. For patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, whether in BCLC stage B or stage C, effective systemic therapy (PD-1 inhibitor) combined with local therapy (TACE) can achieve a high rate of tumor regression and objective response. Some patients may even pursue surgical treatment opportunities, and the treatment-related adverse reactions are controllable, which is expected to provide new options for extending the survival of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiang-Xu Wang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongchen Ji
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiong-Yi Dou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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Ji J, Zhou C, Yan LL, Ma Y, Xu C, Wang FA, Zhou WZ, Lv PH. Transarterial Chemoembolization Plus Tyrosinkinase Inhibitors and PD-1 Inhibitors for Spontaneously Ruptured Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2024; 47:299-309. [PMID: 38291158 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-023-03653-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with tyrosinkinase inhibitors (TKI) and PD-1 inhibitors, versus TACE monotherapy for the treatment of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 104 patients with ruptured HCC receiving either combination therapy or TACE monotherapy at two centers between June 2015 and June 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used at a 1:2 ratio to reduce bias between the two groups. The primary outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcome measures were the occurrence of adverse events (AEs, Common Terminology Criteria for AEs, version 5.0.) and the peritoneal metastasis rate. RESULTS A total of 69 patients were enrolled after PSM, including 23 patients in the combination group and 46 patients in the monotherapy group. The combination group exhibited a significantly longer median OS (553 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 222.6-883.9) compared to the monotherapy group (105 days, 95% CI 81.2-128.7; P < 0.001). Similarly, the combination group showed a better median PFS (356 days, 95% CI 299.5-412.4) compared to the monotherapy group (97 days, 95% CI 75.9-118.1; P < 0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the peritoneal metastasis rate (combination group: 8.6% vs. monotherapy group: 26.1%, P = 0.119). Grade 3 AEs occurred at a rate of 21.7% and 13% in combination and monotherapy groups, respectively. No Grade 4/5 AEs were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that the combination of TACE with TKI and PD-1 inhibitors significantly enhances OS and PFS compared to TACE monotherapy in ruptured HCC patients. Furthermore, this combined approach exhibited an acceptable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 West Nantong Road, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Chun Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Gulou, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Le-le Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 West Nantong Road, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 West Nantong Road, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 West Nantong Road, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Fu-An Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 West Nantong Road, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Wei-Zhong Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Gulou, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Peng-Hua Lv
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, 98 West Nantong Road, Yangzhou, 225001, China.
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Haber PK, Krenzien F, Sarıbeyoğlu K, Pratschke J, Schöning W. Integrating the new systemic treatment landscape and surgical therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Turk J Surg 2024; 40:1-10. [PMID: 39036000 PMCID: PMC11257723 DOI: 10.47717/turkjsurg.2024.6375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The treatment landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma has evolved rapidly within the last decade. Minimally-invasive techniques have reached a new level of safety, affording surgeons to pursue more aggressive treatment strategies to ultimately improve oncological outcomes. These procedures have been increasingly applied to treat patients with more progressed tumors and in select case even patients with advanced stage disease confined to the liver. Concomitantly, a dramatic increase in research into immunotherapy has altered the treatment paradigm in advanced disease stages, where the emerging treatment regimens can provide durable responses in a subset of the patient population for whom prognosis is dramatically improved. These treatments are now tested in early-stage disease to address the pressing unmet need of high recurrence rates after resection and in intermediate stage to complement the proven efficacy of intraarterial embolization in delaying progression. This review provides an in-depth discussion of these trends and describes how the treatment landscape has already changed and which impediments remain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felix Krenzien
- Department of Surgery, Charité University, Berlin, Germany
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Duan X, Li H, Kuang D, Chen P, Zhang K, Li Y, He X, Xing C, Wang H, Liu Y, Xie L, Zhang S, Zhang Q, Zhu P, Dong H, Xie J, Li H, Wang Y, Shi M, Jiang G, Xu Y, Zhou S, Shang C, Ren J, Han X. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus apatinib with or without camrelizumab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:915-926. [PMID: 37012542 PMCID: PMC10386927 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was limited. This study aimed to evaluate the role of TACE plus apatinib (TACE + A) and TACE combined with apatinib plus camrelizumab (TACE + AC) in patients with unresectable HCC. METHODS This study retrospectively reviewed patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE + A or TACE + AC in 20 centers of China from January 1, 2019 to June 31, 2021. Propensity score matching (PSM) at 1:1 was performed to reduce bias. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were collected. RESULTS A total of 960 eligible patients with HCC were included in the final analysis. After PSM, there were 449 patients in each group, and the baseline characteristics were balanced between two groups. At data cutoff, the median follow-up time was 16.3 (range: 11.9-21.4) months. After PSM, the TACE + AC group showed longer median OS (24.5 vs 18.0 months, p < 0.001) and PFS (10.8 vs 7.7 months, p < 0.001) than the TACE + A group; the ORR (49.9% vs 42.5%, p = 0.002) and DCR (88.4% vs 84.0%, p = 0.003) of the TACE + AC group were also higher than those in the TACE + A group. Fever, pain, hypertension and hand-foot syndrome were the more common TRAEs in two groups. CONCLUSIONS Both TACE plus apatinib and TACE combined with apatinib plus camrelizumab were feasible in patients with unresectable HCC, with manageable safety profiles. Moreover, TACE combined with apatinib plus camrelizumab showed additional benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Duan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, East Jian She Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, East Jian She Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Donglin Kuang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, East Jian She Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, East Jian She Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanliang Li
- Department of Interventional and Oncology, Dengzhou People's Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Xiang He
- Department of Medical Imaging, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Cheng Xing
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, Henan, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaoxian Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Luohe Central Hospital, Luohe, Henan, China
| | - Limin Xie
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shangqiu First People's Hospital, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - Shixi Zhang
- Department of Infection, Shangqiu Municipal Hospital, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Anyang District Hospital, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Peixin Zhu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, General Hospital of Pingmei Shenma Group, Pingdingshan, Henan, China
| | - Honglin Dong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The People's Hospital of Anyang City, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Jichen Xie
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Puyang City, Puyang, Henan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The People's Hospital of Jiaozuo City, Jiaozuo, Henan, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Xingtai, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Guangbin Jiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Suizhou Central Hospital, Suizhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yandong Xu
- Department of CT-MRI, Erdos Central Hospital, Erdos, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Chunyu Shang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Siping Central People's Hospital, Siping, Jilin, China
| | - Jianzhuang Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, East Jian She Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, East Jian She Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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Jiang N, Zhong B, Huang J, Li W, Zhang S, Zhu X, Ni C, Shen J. Transarterial chemoembolization combined with molecularly targeted agents plus immune checkpoint inhibitors for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1205636. [PMID: 37583693 PMCID: PMC10425157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1205636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To retrospectively evaluate and compare treatment effectiveness and safety between transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with molecularly targeted agents plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (TACE+T+I) and TACE combined with molecularly targeted agents (TACE+T) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with unresectable HCC from January 2018 to June 2022. The patients were screened based on the inclusion criteria and were divided into the triple combination group (TACE+T+I) and the double combination group (TACE+T). The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs). The secondary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Risk factors associated with PFS and OS were determined by Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 87 patients were enrolled in this study, including 42 patients in the TACE+T+I group and 45 patients in the TACE+T group. Over a median follow-up of 29.00 and 26.70 months, patients who received TACE+T+I therapy achieved a significantly longer median OS (24.00 vs. 21.40 months, p = 0.007) and median PFS (9.70 vs. 7.00 months, p = 0.017); no grade 4 AEs or treatment-related death occurred in the two groups. Grade 3 AEs attributed to systemic agents in the two groups showed no significant difference (19.0% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.667). Patients in the TACE+T+I group demonstrated better tumor response when compared with patients in the TACE+T group, with an ORR of 52.4% vs. 17.8% (p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in DCR between the two groups (83.3% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.514). Cox regression analysis showed that only the treatment method was an independent factor of OS, and both age and treatment method were independent factors related to PFS. Conclusion Compared with TACE plus molecularly targeted agents (TACE+T), the triple therapy (TACE+T+I) could improve survival and tumor response in unresectable HCC with manageable toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Caifang Ni
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Brandi N, Renzulli M. The Synergistic Effect of Interventional Locoregional Treatments and Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108598. [PMID: 37239941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has remarkably revolutionized the management of advanced HCC and prompted clinical trials, with therapeutic agents being used to selectively target immune cells rather than cancer cells. Currently, there is great interest in the possibility of combining locoregional treatments with immunotherapy for HCC, as this combination is emerging as an effective and synergistic tool for enhancing immunity. On the one hand, immunotherapy could amplify and prolong the antitumoral immune response of locoregional treatments, improving patients' outcomes and reducing recurrence rates. On the other hand, locoregional therapies have been shown to positively alter the tumor immune microenvironment and could therefore enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. Despite the encouraging results, many unanswered questions still remain, including which immunotherapy and locoregional treatment can guarantee the best survival and clinical outcomes; the most effective timing and sequence to obtain the most effective therapeutic response; and which biological and/or genetic biomarkers can be used to identify patients likely to benefit from this combined approach. Based on the current reported evidence and ongoing trials, the present review summarizes the current application of immunotherapy in combination with locoregional therapies for the treatment of HCC, and provides a critical evaluation of the current status and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Brandi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Han CL, Tian BW, Yan LJ, Ding ZN, Liu H, Mao XC, Tian JC, Xue JS, Tan SY, Dong ZR, Yan YC, Hong JG, Chen ZQ, Wang DX, Li T. Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic spread: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 studies with 6187 hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03390-x. [PMID: 36811662 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The impacts of macrovascular invasion (MVI) or extrahepatic spread (EHS) on the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remain unclear. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify whether ICI therapy is a feasible treatment option for HCC with MVI or EHS. METHODS Eligible studies published before September 14, 2022, were retrieved. In this meta-analysis, the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and occurrence of adverse events (AEs) were outcomes of interest. RESULTS Fifty-four studies involving 6187 individuals were included. The findings indicated that the presence of EHS in ICI-treated HCC patients may indicate an inferior ORR (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.96), but may not significantly affect the PFS (multivariate analyses: HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.70-2.31) and OS (multivariate analyses: HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.70-2.16). Additionally, the presence of MVI in ICI-treated HCC patients may not have significant prognostic impact on ORR (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.64-1.10), but may indicate inferior PFS (multivariate analyses: HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07-2.84) and OS (multivariate analyses: HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.31-3.14). The presence of EHS or MVI in ICI-treated HCC patients may not significantly impact the occurrence of any serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs) (grades ≥ 3) (EHS: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.12-1.56; MVI: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.24-1.88). CONCLUSION The presence of MVI or EHS in ICI-treated HCC patients may not significantly impact the occurrence of serious irAEs. However, the presence of MVI (but not EHS) in ICI-treated HCC patients may be a significant negative prognostic factor. Therefore, ICI-treated HCC patients with MVI warrant more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Long Han
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Wen Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Cheng Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Cheng Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Shuai Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yu Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Guo Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wen Hua Road, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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Zhu D, Ma K, Yang W, Zhou HF, Shi Q, Ren JW, Xie YG, Liu S, Shi HB, Zhou WZ. Transarterial chemoembolization plus apatinib with or without camrelizumab for unresected hepatocellular carcinoma: A two-center propensity score matching study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1057560. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1057560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeTo compare the effectiveness and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with apatinib and camrelizumab with those of TACE as well as apatinib among patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methodsThe data of patients with unresectable HCC (uHCC) who received TACE-apatinib-camrelizumab combination (TACE + AC group) and TACE-apatinib combination (TACE + A group) were collected from two centers between January 2018 and January 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to diminish the bias between the two groups. The primary outcome measures of the study were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcome measures were response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs).ResultsA total of 102 patients were enrolled in this study after PSM, with 34 patients in the TACE + AC group and 68 patients in the TACE + A group. Compared to the TACE + A group, TACE + AC had a significantly longer median OS (25.5 months, interquartile range [IQR], 23.5–33.0) than 18.5 months (IQR, 13.0–25.0; P = 0.001). Similarly, the PFS of the TACE + AC group was significantly improved (14.0 months, IQR, 9.0–NA) compared to that of the TACE + A group (5.0 months, IQR, 2.5–9.0; P = 0.001). The ORR rates (55.9% vs. 51.5%), and DCR rates (79.4% vs. 72.1%) were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). All treatment-related adverse events were tolerable and manageable, and no serious adverse events were observed.ConclusionTACE combined with apatinib plus camrelizumab demonstrated superior efficacy to TACE plus apatinib for patients with unresectable HCC. The two combination therapies showed similar safety profiles.
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