Multicenter phase 2 trial of first-line toripalimab plus bevacizumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

A multicenter phase 2 trial in China evaluated the combination of toripalimab and bevacizumab as first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). The objective response rate as assessed by local investigators was 31% (95% CI 19.5-45.6), meeting the primary efficacy endpoint. The median progression-free survival was 8.5 months (95% CI 5.5-11.0) and the median overall survival was not reached, with 12- and 24 months rates of 77.3% and 63.5%, respectively. Grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 50% of patients. The authors conclude that the combination of toripalimab and bevacizumab as first-line therapy for aHCC showed a favorable efficacy and safety profile, supporting further studies of this combination.