Can Combined Therapy Benefit Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with high mortality rate. The effects of most therapies are limited. The immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) improves the prognosis in multiple malignancies. The application of immune checkpoint blockade to hepatocellular carcinoma patients has recently started. Early phase clinical trials have shown some benefits to cancer patients.

METHODS/RESULTS: This review focuses on the immune system of liver and clinical trials of immune checkpoint blockage therapies. In particular, we analyze the mechanisms by which immune checkpoint blockade therapies can be used for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma patients, then examine the factors in cancer resistance to the therapies and finally suggest possible combination therapies for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

CONCLUSION: ICB is a promising therapy for advanced HCC patients. Combined therapy exhibits a great potential to enhance ICB response in these patients. The better understanding of the factors influencing the sensitivity of ICB and more clinical trials will consolidate the efficiency and minimize the adverse effects of ICB.