Combination treatment for liver cancer significantly improves progression-free survival in global trial

Medical Xpress / The Mount Sinai Hospital / The Lancet ^ | Jan. 9, 2025

[ConservativeMind]

Researchers at Mount Sinai have made a breakthrough in treating a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This research tested a combination of treatments that could help patients live longer without their cancer getting worse.

Liver cancer is a serious and deadly cancer. In 2023, liver cancer was the fourth most common cause of death globally, accounting for more than 800,000 deaths annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma represents approximately 90% of primary liver cancers. This cancer is most commonly found in people living with chronic viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

This landmark trial demonstrates that the novel combination of lenvatinib, pembrolizumab, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) significantly improves progression-free survival compared to TACE alone, addressing a critical unmet need in the treatment of intermediate-stage HCC.

"For over 20 years, TACE has been the standard treatment for intermediate-stage HCC, but its efficacy has been limited," said Dr. Llovet.

"Our study is the first to show a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival when combining TACE with systemic therapies, paving the way for a potential new standard of care."

This combination therapy extended the time patients lived without disease progression compared to TACE alone. Additionally, a trend towards improved overall survival was observed, with longer follow-up planned to confirm these results.

"This approach represents a significant step forward in treating the 25% of liver cancer patients classified in the intermediate stage," said Dr. Llovet.

"For clinicians, this study introduces a groundbreaking approach to managing intermediate-stage HCC by integrating immunotherapy and targeted therapies with established local treatments. For patients, it offers hope for improved disease control and potentially extended survival compared to current standards."

[ConservativeMind]

The important part:

“Lenvatinib, pembrolizumab, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) significantly improves progression-free survival compared to TACE alone.”

[ConservativeMind]

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[atc23]

I had the Yessium-90 treatment last week and had zero after effects so far from the radiation.

it’s my view that the industry wants to make as much money off sick people as possible so maybe TACE is less profitable than Yessium-90 therapy which came in at 44,000.00 dollars. The end goal for them is to sell you a new liver is is 950,000.00 out the door not including the anti rejection drugs that you need to take the rest of your life.

So what do people without insurance or Medicare do? - they die