Dr. Harris on Remaining Questions With Treatment Sequencing in HCC

William P. Harris, MD, physician, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, associate professor, Division of Oncology, University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine, physician, UW Medicine, associate professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, discusses remaining questions regarding treatment sequencing after atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Avastin) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Although the integration of first-line atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has been revolutionary to the treatment of most patients with HCC, questions regarding sequencing after the doublet remain unanswered, Harris says. As such, more clinical trials are needed to identify and optimize available second- and third-line options for patients.

Additionally, trials are needed to determine whether there is a role for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition among patients who progress on checkpoint inhibitors, as well as to evaluate experimental novel agents and adoptive T-cell therapies, Harris says. Finally, data are needed to determine if and where localized therapy fits into the treatment plan for patients who progress on checkpoint inhibitors, Harris concludes.