Comparative efficacy and safety of first-line treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
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By
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Yun Su
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Tongze Cai
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Jingxuan Wei
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Qiuju Huang
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Chun Yao
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Lei Fu
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Jinghui Zheng
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Hongwei Guo
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Xiongbin Gui
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June 5, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Efficacy and Safety Comparison of First-Line Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) |
| Key Mechanisms | Combination therapies including hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and immunotherapy-based regimens. |
| Target Population | Patients with advanced or unresectable HCC. |
| Care Setting | Oncology clinics and hospitals. |
Key Highlights
- HAIC-based regimens showed the highest rankings for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
- Immunotherapy combinations demonstrated significant survival benefits without increased severe adverse events.
- Subgroup analyses indicated consistent benefits across various clinical characteristics.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of advanced HCC should consider clinical features and imaging studies.
Management
- First-line treatment options include HAIC-based regimens and selected immunotherapy combinations.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and grade ≥ 3 adverse events.
Risks
- Consider the potential for treatment resistance and adverse events associated with therapies.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with advanced or unresectable HCC.
Combination therapies are preferred over single-agent treatments for improved outcomes.
Clinical Best Practices
- Utilize a multidisciplinary approach for treatment planning.
- Incorporate patient-specific factors such as age, sex, and performance status in treatment decisions.
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