Successful Lenvatinib Re-challenge following Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Combination Therapy Failure for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Intern Med. 2023 Jun 15;62(12):1771-1774. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9581-22. Epub 2022 Nov 2.

Abstract

To our knowledge, there have been no reports of first-line lenvatinib (LEN) and LEN re-challenge following atezolizumab/bevacizumab (Atezo-Bev) failure in the same patient. We herein report a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who failed either 1st line LEN and 2nd line Atezo-Bev, and successfully achieved complete response to LEN rechallenge with sequencial transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). This patient had a poor response to TACE before immunotherapy and introduction of molecular-targeted drugs but showed a good response to selective TACE after LEN rechallenge. Our findings suggest the need to reconsider the use of molecular-targeted drugs and TACE with advances in immunotherapy.

Keywords: TACE; atezolizumab; bevacizumab; hepatocellular carcinoma; lenvatinib.

MeSH terms

  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / drug therapy
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • atezolizumab
  • lenvatinib
  • Bevacizumab