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

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 15;25(20):11091. doi: 10.3390/ijms252011091.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: PD-L1; cancer; hepatocellular carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immunotherapy; liver cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.