Transarterial chemoembolization in combination with programmed death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A mini review

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. With the development of systemic therapies, several studies are currently underway, especially those related to the use of programmed death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immunotherapy. Moreover, studies on transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy have demonstrated some interesting outcomes. This article reviewed the current clinical evidence on the combination of TACE and PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Overall, our review summarized that a favorable survival time could be achieved using this combination in most patients. However, complications such as hyperprogression should be taken seriously, and the underlying mechanisms need to be explored.