Chinese Expert Consensus on Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2021 Edition)

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in China. Most HCC patients are first diagnosed at an advanced stage, and systemic treatments are the mainstay of treatment. SUMMARY: In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have made a breakthrough in the systemic treatment of middle-advanced HCC, breaking the single therapeutic pattern of molecular-targeted agents. To better guide the clinical treatment for effective and safe use of immunotherapeutic drugs, the Chinese Association of Liver Cancer and Chinese Medical Doctor Association has gathered multidisciplinary experts and scholars in relevant fields to formulate the “Chinese Clinical Expert Consensus on Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2021)” based on current clinical studies and clinical medication experience for reference in China. KEY MESSAGES: The consensus contained 17 recommendations, including the preferred regimen for first- and second-line immunotherapy, evaluation and monitoring before/during/after treatment, management of complications, precautions for special patients, and potential population for immunotherapy.