Meta-analysis of toxicity profiles of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

The recent development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy had made neoadjuvant therapy and attractive option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). However, there are concerns that adverse effects of neoadjuvant therapy with these agents could lead to delayed or even cancelled surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis of toxic effects of TKIs and ICIs for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma found that serious adverse events were less frequent with ICIs than with TKIs, while liver toxic effects were similar with ICIs and TKIs. The authors conclude that combination therapy with novel ICIs is an appealing option in trials of neoadjuvant therapy for aHCC, requiring evaluation in preoperative trials.