Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in China and is also a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Recent advances in immunotherapy have identified new treatments in which immunotherapy can be combined with antiangiogenic therapy. We report a case of hepatocellular carcinoma with a tumor thrombus at the inferior vena cava-right atrium junction and multiple lung metastases after a multiple-course treatment. Treatment with sintilimab in combination with sorafenib led to a partial remission and immune-related hepatitis.
Keywords: IBI308; anti-PD-1 antibody; hepatitis; hepatocellular carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immunotherapy; sintilimab; sorafenib.
Lay abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma is often found at intermediate or advanced stages and thus often has a poor outcome. This is due to a high chance of return and spread of the cancer. Combining immunotherapy and targeted therapy can improve the anticancer effects of treatment. Here we describe a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma who developed widespread cancer after multiple-course treatment. Sintilimab combined with sorafenib shrunk the tumor. This shows this regimen as a promising treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.