Clinical Edge Journal Scan

Alpha-fetoprotein: A real-time monitor in HCC treatment with atezolizumab and bevacizumab


 

Key clinical point: In patients receiving atezolizumab and bevacizumab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) responses of 50% and 20% served as predictors of overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), respectively, with both responses being associated with progression-free survival (PFS).

Major finding: An AFP relative decrease of ≥50% was associated with ORR (odds ratio 5.7; 95% CI 1.9-17) and PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 5.60; P = .006), whereas that of ≥20% was associated with DCR (positive predictive value 100%; sensitivity 52.0%) and PFS (HR 4.44; P < .001).

Study details: This multicenter prospective study included 91 patients with unresectable HCC and AFP ≥10 ng/mL who were treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development. Two authors declared receiving lecture fees from a pharmaceutical company.

Source: Tamaki N et al. Optimal threshold of alpha-fetoprotein response in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. Invest New Drugs. 2022 (Sep 24). Doi: 10.1007/s10637-022-01303-w

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