Dr. Li on the Subgroup Analysis of the IMbrave150 Trial in Older Patients With HCC

Daneng Li, MD, medical oncologist, assistant clinical professor, co-director, Neuroendocrine Tumor Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, discusses the subgroup analysis of the phase 3 IMbrave150 trial in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

During the 2020 ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancers, findings from an exploratory subgroup analysis of the IMbrave150 trial revealed that older adult patients with previously untreated, unresectable HCC derived similar benefit from the combination of atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Avastin) versus the intent-to-treat (ITT) population.

Moreover, the combination elicited a 42% reduction in the risk of death versus sorafenib (Nexavar) in the older patient population compared with a 41% reduction in the risk of death in the ITT population.

In the overall population, 50% of patients were over the age of 65 and had a median age of 71, says Li.

Notably, the benefit with the combination was observed despite the older patient population having comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as having a higher usage rate of concomitant medications, adds Li.

Ultimately, atezolizumab/bevacizumab is a valid frontline option for older adult patients with unresectable HCC with regard to efficacy, concludes Li.