{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Consistent efficacy of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy irrespective of PD‑L1 positivity in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
{Author}: Kim JH;Kim YH;Nam HC;Kim CW;Yoo JS;Han JW;Jang JW;Choi JY;Yoon SK;Chun HJ;Oh JS;Kim S;Lee SH;Sung PS;
{Journal}: Oncol Lett
{Volume}: 28
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 2024 Aug
{Factor}: 3.111
{DOI}: 10.3892/ol.2024.14521
{Abstract}: Atezolizumab/bevacizumab is the first line of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), combining immune checkpoint inhibitor and anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is administered when the above-described combination fails to confer sufficient clinical benefit. The present study aimed to explore the association between tumor programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positivity and HAIC response. A total of 40 patients with HCC who had undergone HAIC with available biopsy samples obtained between January 2020 and May 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. Tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. PD-L1 expression in tumor samples was assessed using a combined positivity score. The response rates of HAIC-treated patients with advanced HCC after failure of atezolizumab/bevacizumab combination therapy were recorded. OS (P=0.9717) and PFS (P=0.4194) did not differ between patients with and without PD-L1 positivity. The objective response rate (P=0.7830) and DCR (P=0.7020) also did not differ based on PD-L1 status. In conclusion, the current findings highlight the consistent efficacy of HAIC, regardless of PD-L1 positivity.