Factors associated with the response to atezolizumab/bevacizumab combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze factors associated with the overall survival (OS) of atezolizumab/bevacizumab combination therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). We also assessed the OS of patients with ineffective therapy and those who discontinued treatment owing to adverse events (AEs). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study involved 139 patients with aHCC who received atezolizumab/bevacizumab combination therapy between November 2020 and September 2022. RESULTS: The median duration of treatment was 136.5 days, and the median observation period was 316 days. The overall response rate was 40%, and the disease control rate was 78% according to mRECIST criteria. Grade ≥2 AEs occurred in 63 patients (43%) and led to treatment discontinuation in 16 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that treatment response and occurrence of grade ≥2 AEs after therapy, as well as low level of albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) grade and low level of des‐gamma carboxy prothrombin (DCP) before therapy, were extracted as factors that contributed to OS. Log‐rank tests with the Kaplan–Meier method showed significant differences in OS among these factors. The OS of patients who discontinued owing to AEs was significantly shorter than that of other patients. CONCLUSION: Not only factors before therapy but also treatment response and the appearance of AEs are involved in OS for atezolizumab/bevacizumab combination therapy. Although the development of AEs also contributed to OS, appropriate management of AEs is important to avoid discontinuing treatment with this combination.