J Dig Cancer Res.  2025 Apr;13(1):65-73. 10.52927/jdcr.2025.13.1.65.

Management and Outcomes of Adverse Events Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Lee SK
• Kim BH

• KMID: 2567140
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.52927/jdcr.2025.13.1.65

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. As a result, approximately half of patients with HCC received systemic therapy during the disease course. In recent years, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—notably, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and tremelimumab plus durvalumab—has transformed the treatment paradigm for advanced HCC, making them a firstline treatment option. Considering the increasing use of ICIs, understanding the incidence and appropriate management of their adverse events (AEs) is necessary for patient care. Hence, this review summarizes the incidence and management strategies for key immune-related AEs, including liver injury (hepatitis), thyroiditis, colitis, skin rash, and pneumonitis. Additionally, we discuss AEs associated with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, such as hypertension, proteinuria, and bleeding. By thoroughly understanding these treatment-related AEs, the clinical outcomes of patients with HCC undergoing ICI-based therapy may be improved.

Keyword

Hepatocellular carcinoma; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4; Programmed death-1