Adjuvant anti-PD-L1 therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma following curative treatment: case series

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant worldwide health burden, accounting for a substantial proportion of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic strategies for HCC have advanced considerably over the past decade, particularly with the introduction of immunotherapy. Immune-based treatments have transformed the management of this malignancy. Methods A retrospective case series of four HCC patients who had histologically or radiologically confirmed HCC and received adjuvant treatment within 12 weeks after completion of curative therapy. Results Four patients were treated with anti-PD-L1, two of them received a full course for 18 cycles with tolerated side-effects and no recurrence, one experienced recurrence after 12 cycles, and the last case received only 3 months of treatment after local ablation with very early recurrence on the first follow-up. Conclusion Adjuvant ICIs may reduce recurrence in select high-risk HCC patients, though long-term benefits remain uncertain. Safety and tolerability are key considerations, especially in patients with underlying liver disease.