HCC: VEGFR-TKIs alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors

In this medical education podcast episode, Prof. Peter Galle and Prof. Amit Singal discuss the use of VEGFR-TKIs in the treatment of advanced or unresectable HCC and explain the immunomodulation rationale to combine it with immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Combination approach has been validated recently with the atezolizumab+bevacizumab combination being the new standard of care in 1L setting for advanced HCC patients. In the context of advanced HCC, both experts share their view about the dosing approach with VEGFR-TKI and provide insight to handle the dosing when combining with PD-1 inhibitor.

Both experts reiterate that biomarkers are urgently needed in HCC and summarize the current stratification of patients used to predict the response with VEGFR-TKI monotherapy or in immunotherapy combination. Finally, they emphasize that pre-habilitation of HCC patients is key to make the HCC patient fit for the best available treatment option.