Multicenter phase 3 trial of addition of transarterial chemoembolization to first-line lenvatinib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Although lenvatinib (LEN) is a standard first-line option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC), survival rates for this patient population still remain poor. The phase 3 LAUNCH trial, at 12 centers in China, evaluated addition of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to first-line LEN for aHCC. Both overall and progression-free survival were significantly longer with LEN-TACE compared with LEN alone. The side effect profile was manageable. The authors conclude that LEN-TACE is a potential first-line treatment for aHCC.