Network meta-analysis of nivolumab plus ipilimumab in the second-line setting for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims: To compare the efficacy of nivolumab 1 mg/kg + ipilimumab 3 mg/kg with regorafenib 160 mg, cabozantinib 60 mg and nivolumab 3 mg/kg monotherapy for second-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials & methods: Indirect comparison using network meta-analysis and propensity score weighting. Results: Nivolumab 1 mg/kg + ipilimumab 3 mg/kg had significantly higher objective response rate (median 31.2% [95% credible interval: 19.6–44.5%]) than cabozantinib (4.2% [2.0–6.5%]) and regorafenib (4.8% [1.1–8.3%]), and significantly longer overall survival (cabozantinib: hazard ratio: 0.46 [95% credible interval: 0.27–0.79]; regorafenib: 0.56 [0.32–0.97]). Nivolumab 1 mg/kg + ipilimumab 3 mg/kg had significantly better objective response rate (difference 21.0% [4.5–37.5%]) and overall survival (hazard ratio: 0.58 [0.35–0.96]) than nivolumab monotherapy. Conclusion: Nivolumab 1 mg/kg + ipilimumab 3 mg/kg had a superior efficacy versus cabozantinib 60 mg, regorafenib 160 mg and nivolumab 3 mg/kg monotherapy as second-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.