(Liver Cancer) Opdivo Treatment Possible Even with Deteriorated Liver Function
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On May 27, 2021, an international collaborative research group led by Kindai University published clinical trial results in an international journal, showing that cancer immunotherapy drug Opdivo (nivolumab) may be used in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with deteriorated liver function. Previously, immunotherapy drugs were used only in patients with normal liver function, but this research demonstrated the possibility of use even when liver function is impaired.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is commonly associated with cirrhosis, which may impair the patient's liver function. Because taking medications could cause serious side effects, immunotherapy drugs were not administered to these patients. Liver function is evaluated using a composite score from various tests, and in clinical trials, only patients with Child-Pugh A liver function were eligible for treatment.
The research group conducted a clinical trial based on prior studies suggesting that Opdivo might improve liver function, treating 49 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and Child-Pugh B liver function, and evaluating efficacy and safety.
In the clinical trial, 12% of patients showed tumor disappearance or reduction of more than 30%, while 24% experienced serious adverse events — results nearly identical to those in patients with Child-Pugh A liver function. The median overall survival was 7.6 months, exceeding the 5.2 months reported in previous clinical trials using Nexavar (sorafenib).
Professor Masatoshi Kudo of Kindai University stated: "We have demonstrated the possibility of using immunotherapy in patients who previously had no drug treatment options due to deteriorated liver function."
Source: https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP5V63VBP5TPLBJ003.html
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