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Advancing Immunotherapy in Unresectable HCC: Insights from Dr. Aparna Parikh

Aparna Raj Parikh/LinkedIn

Jan 13, 2025, 13:45

Advancing Immunotherapy in Unresectable HCC: Insights from Dr. Aparna Parikh

Mediamedic posted on LinkedIn:

“Advancing Immunotherapy in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Insights from Dr. Aparna Parikh

In a recent interview with OncLive, Dr. Aparna Parikh, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, discussed the evolving first-line treatment landscape for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Dr. Parikh highlighted the progress in immunotherapy-based combinations, specifically the FDA approvals of Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) plus Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Durvalumab (Imfinzi) plus Tremelimumab (Imjudo). These therapies have expanded treatment options but present challenges in selecting the most suitable regimen due to the absence of direct comparison trials.
She emphasized that patient-specific factors, such as the risk of bleeding associated with Bevacizumab, influence treatment decisions. Patients with untreated or active varices might benefit more from the Durvalumab and Tremelimumab combination.
Regarding the emerging combination of Durvalumab and Lenvatinib (Lenvima), Dr. Parikh expressed caution, noting its limited advantage over existing first-line therapies.
Dr. Parikh’s insights reflect the importance of tailoring treatments to individual patient needs, guiding the future of HCC care.

Read more about this evolving treatment landscape and Dr. Parikh’s perspective in her full interview with OncLive.”

Aparna Raj Parikh is a GI oncologist, at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor at the Harvard Medical School. She has a long-standing background and interest in global health, having spent time in several African countries, Haiti and India. Most recently, at MGH, she co-founded and co-leads a program called POETIC (Program for Enhanced Training in Cancer (POETIC)). This fellowship exchange program, conducted in collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Cancer Center and Lowell Schnipper, MD, trains clinical oncology fellows from the University of Cape Town in South Africa and Ocean Road Cancer Center in Tanzania. She is a member of the OncoDaily Editorial Board.