Dr. Bekaii-Saab on the Promise of Non–VEGF Inhibitor Platforms in HCC

Tanios S. Bekaii-Saab, MD, FACP, medical oncologist, medical director, Cancer Clinical Research Office, vice chair and section chief, Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, discusses the promise of non–VEGF inhibitor platforms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

When looking at different combinations being evaluated in HCC, it is possible that some may be more beneficial than established regimens in this patient population, Bekaii-Saab says. This could include nivolumab (Opdivo) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) or durvalumab (Imfinzi) plus tremelimumab, Bekaii-Saab explains. If the clinical trials examining these combinations yield positive results, then patients with HCC will have non–VEGF inhibitor platforms as available treatment options, Bekaii-Saab adds.

The addition of a non–VEGF inhibitor platform could be beneficial because many patients with HCC who have a high risk for bleeding events or other toxicities may be eligible for these combinations, Bekaii-Saab continues. Ultimately, these combinations could become preferred regimens or serve as useful alternatives for certain patients with HCC, Bekaii-Saab concludes.