Dr. Montal on Systemic Therapy Advancements in HCC

Robert Montal, MD, visiting researcher, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, discusses advancements regarding systemic therapies in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Until now, the only systemic therapies that have shown survival benefits in phase III trials are the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib (Nexavar), lenvatinib (Lenvima), and regorafenib (Stivarga). However, now checkpoint inhibitors are available and have changed the landscape for several solid tumors, potentially HCC, Montal explains.

A phase II trial of nivolumab (Opdivo) have shown promising results in advanced patients with an objective response rate upwards of 20%, along with a manageable safety profile. A phase III trial is ongoing. The identification of predictive biomarkers of nivolumab, and checkpoint inhibitors overall, is a complex issue, he adds.

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