Dr. Somer on the Clinical Implications of Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab Approval in HCC

Bradley G. Somer, MD, associate professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, medical oncologist, senior partner, Executive Cancer Council, and head of strategic expansion/development, West Cancer Center Research Program, West Cancer Center, discusses the clinical implications of the FDA approval of atezolizumab (Tecentriq) in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) in unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The May 2020 approval signaled a new standard of care for patients with HCC, Somer says. The regimen demonstrated superior overall survival, progression-free survival, and safety compared with sorafenib (Nexavar) in the phase 3 IMbrave150 trial. The results of the trial served as the basis for the approval.

Some patients, such as those who undergo transplant, may not be eligible for atezolizumab/bevacizumab as treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor could be contraindicated, explains Somer.

Additionally, the regimen should be reserved for patients with Child Pugh A disease as this population comprised eligible patients in the IMbrave150 trial, concludes Somer.