Phase 1-2a trial of yttrium-90 radioembolization plus durvalumab for locally advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Synergistic activity of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported. A phase 1-2a trial at Seoul National University (South Korea) evaluated the combination of radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres and durvalumab for locally advanced unresectable HCC. Complete response was seen in 29.2% of patients and partial response in 54.2%.. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 8.7%. The median time to progression was 15.2 months. With median follow-up of 19.0 months, the median overall survival was not reached, and the 18-months OS rate was 58.3%. Median progression-free survival was 6.9 months. The authors conclude that in patients with locally advanced unresectable HCC, the combination of Y90-radioembolization and durvalumab had promising efficacy and was safe.