In our latest “Ask the Author” session, Professor Peter Galle presented the groundbreaking results of the CheckMate 9DW clinical trial, which explored the efficacy of the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab versus lenvatinib or sorafenib as first-line treatments for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Below you will find the video as well as the summary:
Background: Systemic therapy for HCC has rapidly evolved, with combination therapy becoming the standard of care. Despite advances, 70% of patients in trials like IMbrave150 still do not show an objective response, indicating a significant unmet medical need. CheckMate 9DW addresses this by evaluating nivolumab plus ipilimumab as a potential solution.
Study Design: The trial, with a long duration, compared the combination of nivolumab (administered continuously) and ipilimumab (up to four cycles) against a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of the investigator’s choice—either lenvatinib or sorafenib, with 85% of patients receiving lenvatinib.
Results: The combination therapy produced impressive outcomes, with an overall survival of 23.7 months compared to 20.6 months in the comparator arm. Notably, the objective response rate (ORR) was 36%, the highest seen to date, with responses lasting more than 30 months on average.
Implications: This trial represents a significant milestone in HCC treatment, adding another combination therapy option. While comparing different trials is complex, the emergence of a third combination therapy offers more tailored treatment choices based on individual patient characteristics.
Professor Galle’s insights underscore the ongoing evolution in HCC treatment, highlighting the importance of personalizing therapy to improve patient outcomes. For more details, you can check at the original journal publication.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest advancements in HCC treatment. If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to reach out!