Lenvatinib Might Induce Activation of Host Immunity in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Oncology
; 101(1): 32-40, 2023.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36191570
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, plus bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is an approved first-line systemic treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors are more effective in patients with HCC when administered with anti-VEGF drugs; however, these drugs affect host immunity. Lenvatinib is an anti-VEGF agent used to treat HCC; therefore, this study evaluated the effect of treatment of HCC with lenvatinib on host immunity in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).METHODS:
We studied adult Japanese patients with CLD and unresectable HCC treated with lenvatinib at our hospital. Lenvatinib was administered for 4 weeks (8 mg/day for bodyweight <60 kg; 12 mg/day for bodyweight >60 kg). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 4 weeks of treatment and examined for immune-related changes.RESULTS:
Forty-three patients were enrolled in this study. We found a significant increase in T helper (Th) 1 cells following 4 weeks of lenvatinib treatment, although there was no significant difference in Th2 cells and regulatory T cells. We also found a significant increase in serum levels of TNF-alpha, soluble TNF-alpha receptor I, and endothelial growth factor following 4 weeks of lenvatinib treatment. Furthermore, an increase in Th1 cells and serum levels of TNF-alpha was found in patients with partial response.CONCLUSION:
Lenvatinib might induce Th1-dominant host immunity in patients with CLD and unresectable HCC treatment in patients who showed a partial response. These changes in host immunity may be a biomarker in HCC patients treated with lenvatinib.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
/
Liver Neoplasms
/
Antineoplastic Agents
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Oncology
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Japón