Real-world treatment characteristics for first-line therapy (1L) of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Canada and Europe.

Abstract

353 Background: Sorafenib is indicated for the treatment of HCC. This study captures and describes real-world use of 1L therapy for advanced unresectable or metastatic HCC across Canada and Europe. Methods: A retrospective, non-interventional survey of 278 physicians in Canada (7.5%) and Europe (92.5%) (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) was conducted between Feb-Mar 2018. Clinical and treatment data were collected from medical charts for patients aged ≥18y, who initiated and completed systemic 1L treatment for HCC within 2 years of data collection, and a Child-Pugh [CP] A/B at 1L initiation. Descriptive statistics compared 1L systemic therapy, sorafenib vs. other. Results: 706 patients were included (n = 504 sorafenib; n = 202 other [83% chemotherapy; 10% targeted therapy; 7% checkpoint inhibitors]) with a mean age at 1L of 62.7±9.3y and 79% males. Comorbidities did not differ by sorafenib vs. other for alcoholism (33%), Hepatitis C (14%), and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and/or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (9%) but did for Hepatitis B (12% vs. 6%) and cirrhosis (31% vs. 18%) (both p < 0.05). At diagnosis, more patients treated with sorafenib vs. other had portal vein invasion (56% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). At 1L initiation, sorafenib patients had better performance status (PS) (ECOG 0-1: 80% vs. 67%, p < 0.05) and preserved liver function (CP A: 58% vs. 47%, p < 0.05). The results indicated that sorafenib was used less compared to other systemic therapies among those with poor performance (ECOG 2-4) and poor liver function (CP B) (71% vs. 83%, p = 0.068). Median treatment duration was shorter for sorafenib (2 vs. 4 months, p < 0.001). The most common grade 3 adverse events were fatigue (9%), diarrhea (5%), and hand/foot skin reaction (4%). Conclusions: In this real-world chart survey of Canadian and European physicians, sorafenib remains the most commonly used 1L systemic therapy for advanced HCC. Patients treated with sorafenib were more likely to have cirrhotic liver disease, portal vein invasion, better PS and preserved liver function, but sorafenib use was not limited to CP A. Understanding determinants of 1L therapy is important as the treatment landscape of HCC is evolving to address unmet need.