Efficacy and Safety of PD-1 Inhibitors Combined with Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and targeted Therapy in Advanced Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitors combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and targeted therapy in advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 68 patients with advanced liver cancer who received PD-1 inhibitors combined with TACE and targeted therapy at hospitals across China from January 1, 2019, to April 2, 2021. The efficacy and safety of triple therapy (TACE, PD-1 inhibitors, and targeted therapy) were compared with those of double therapy (TACE and targeted therapy). Results Compared with the control group, the triple therapy group had a significantly better objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) (ORR 56.3% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.008). No significant difference in the disease control rate (DCR) was observed between the two groups (p = 0.524), and adverse reactions were mainly mild, with no severe adverse events. Conclusion PD-1 inhibitors combined with TACE and targeted therapy constitute a safe and effective treatment strategy for advanced primary liver cancer, significantly improving patient prognosis. However, further studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy.