Dual-level network meta-analysis maps first-line immunotherapy strategies in HCC

Background Information

Determining the best immunotherapy strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma remains a challenging decision for clinicians.

Selecting the appropriate immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is complex due to the diversity in clinical trial results and the lack of direct comparisons between therapies. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) or Programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors combined with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody demonstrated the most favorable overall survival rate compared to tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy, offering a superior efficacy profile. However, combinations with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor resulted in increased toxicity. This analysis aids healthcare providers in understanding the balance between efficacy and toxicity when selecting first-line immunotherapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. It highlights both the benefits and challenges of different therapeutic classes. The combination of PD-L1 or PD-1 with VEGF monoclonal antibody provides the optimal survival benefits along with manageable toxicity in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.