Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Combined Apatinib/Camrelizumab for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with apatinib and camrelizumab in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatectomy.

METHODS

From July 2020 to December 2024, consecutive medical records of recurrent HCC patients treated with HAIC plus apatinib/camrelizumab were retrospectively reviewed. Key outcomes, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), therapeutic response, and treatment-related complications, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study was followed up until January 31, 2025, with a median follow-up duration of 11 months (range: 2-26 months). Among the 110 eligible recurrent HCC patients (91 males and 19 females), 62 deaths were recorded. The objective response rate (ORR) was 31.8%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 87.3%. The median OS was 14 months (95% CI: 12.9-15.1 months), with multivariable analysis identifying vascular invasion as an independent prognostic factor for OS. The median PFS was 7 months (95% CI: 5.3-8.7 months), and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was found to be an independent prognostic factor for PFS. All adverse events were manageable, and no treatment-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

HAIC combined with apatinib/camrelizumab is effective and safe in the treatment of recurrent HCC after hepatectomy, which may be a promising treatment for recurrent HCC.