EMERALD-3: STRIDE Plus Lenvatinib and TACE Extends PFS, Not Yet OS

This first phase 3 trial of dual checkpoint inhibition plus transarterial chemoembolisation shows a progression-free survival gain in embolisation-eligible hepatocellular carcinoma, with a clear toxicity cost that matters for pharmacist-led monitoring.

📅 Journal publication: Sep 2026 · Last updated: Oct 29, 2026

durvalumabtremelimumablenvatinibSTRIDETACEimmune checkpoint inhibitoranti-CTLA-4anti-PD-L1tyrosine kinase inhibitorhepatocellular carcinomaembolisation-eligiblephase 3 randomised trialprogression-free survivalimmune-mediated adverse eventsEMERALD-3 Oncology Pharmacy

Also in Gastroenterology / Hepatology

Background Information

Combination therapy advances progression-free survival in liver cancer.

This study investigates a novel combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which could enhance progression-free survival in patients considered for transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE). STRIDE, in combination with lenvatinib and TACE, significantly improved progression-free survival (13.0 months versus 9.8 months, Hazard Ratio 0.70, p=0.0007) compared to TACE alone. The study presents a promising treatment alternative for HCC, although adverse events are a concern. Additional research is necessary to assess overall survival benefits. STRIDE plus lenvatinib with TACE could represent a new strategy for increasing progression-free survival in HCC cases.

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Authors: Kudo M, Abou-Alfa GK, Ren Z, Heo J, Lencioni R, Arai Y, Bouattour M, Gonzalez-Carmona MA, Guo Y, Xu AB, Alves GV, Dechaphunkul A, Ho GF, Lim YN, Hu H, Liu R, Gu S, Ostwal V, Manasirisuk W, Chiu CF, Tekumalla SH, Shroff M, Dave V, Rahma O, Erinjeri JP, Fan J, EMERALD-3 Investigators

Citation: Kudo M, Abou-Alfa GK, Ren Z, et al. Durvalumab and tremelimumab, with or without lenvatinib, combined with transarterial chemoembolisation in participants with embolisation-eligible hepatocellular carcinoma (EMERALD-3): a global, randomised, open-label, sponsor-blinded, phase 3 study. The Lancet. Oncology. 2026;27(9):1077-1093. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00278-0

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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