The FDA on Friday approved the PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for the first-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic liver cancer, in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin), an inhibitor of the VEGF receptor.
Approval was based on findings from IMbrave150, a phase III trial that randomized 501 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients 2:1 to either 1,200 mg atezolizumab plus 15 mg/kg bevacizumab (administered intravenously every 3 weeks) or oral sorafenib (Nexavar) given twice daily, and showed improved survival outcomes and response rates with the combination.
