Addressing Disparities in Liver Cancer Care

(BPT) – Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and the burden of this disease falls disproportionately on minorities and underserved communities.1,2 There are approximately 1.5 to 2 times as many new cases of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, among American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black, and Latino populations compared to White populations.3These disparities stem from a range of barriers, including socioeconomic challenges, cultural differences, and geographic obstacles that can prevent timely and equitable access to care.3 Addressing this issue requires a shift from a one-size-fits-all model to a more patient-centered approach that accounts for these factors.The Impact of DisparitiesUnderstanding patients’ unique circumstances—whether they lack transportation, fear job loss, or are navigating language barriers—is essential to providing holistic care.4,5 For many patients, structural barriers can mean the difference between life and death. Shikha Jain, MD, FACP, associate professor of medicine, division of hematology and oncology, GI oncology integrated practice unit lead and director of communication strategies in medicine at the University of Illinois (UI) Chicago, recounts a case that starkly illustrates this issue: “I had a patient who needed to be admitted for HCC. I told him ‘you are going to die if we do not admit you.’ He refused to get admitted because he thought he was going to lose his job,” she recalls. “So, I ended up getting on the phone with a translator, the patient, and his boss to explain the situation. Ultimately, we ended up getting him admitted to the hospital.”This case highlights how open communication between healthcare providers and patients and self-advocacy can help underserved communities who face disparities in care.Accessing Innovative Liver Cancer TreatmentsThe availability of Tecentriq (atezolizumab) plus Avastin (bevacizumab) has brought significant progress in managing first-line unresectable or metastatic HCC (mHCC). Approved in 2020, this combination treatment became the first cancer immunotherapy (CIT) approved for mHCC that demonstrated superior overall survival and progression-free survival compared to the previous standard of care, sorafenib.6 Yet, access to groundbreaking therapies like Tecentriq plus Avastin remains a challenge for many. Insurance coverage gaps, logistical issues, and lack of job protection are just some of the hurdles patients may face.4,7Healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in closing these gaps by creating supportive environments where patients feel safe to share their concerns and advocate for themselves.7 “I think as HCPs, we need to really spend that time to figure out why the patient didn’t come, instead of labeling them as non-compliant. Maybe they didn’t have a ride. Maybe they were scared,” Dr. Jain says.Achieving equity in liver cancer care will require systemic changes to improve access to care and protect vulnerable patients.3 By addressing social and environmental factors that affect health, which can become barriers to care and prioritizing patient-centered communication, we can work toward a more equitable healthcare system.IndicationTECENTRIQ, in combination with bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have not received prior systemic therapy.Important Safety InformationSevere and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse ReactionsTECENTRIQ is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1) or the PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. The following immune-mediated adverse reactions may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur in any organ system or tissue and at any time after starting TECENTRIQ. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with TECENTRIQ, they can also manifest after discontinuation of treatment. Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of TECENTRIQ.Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.Withhold or permanently discontinue TECENTRIQ depending on severity. In general, if TECENTRIQ requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less, then initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.Immune-Mediated PneumonitisTECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiationImmune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3% (83/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including fatal (<0.1%), Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.8%), and Grade 2 (1.1%) adverse reactions. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.5% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 1.5% of patientsSystemic corticosteroids were required in 55% (46/83) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 69% of the 83 patients. Of the 39 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for pneumonitis, 25 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvement; of these, 4% had recurrence of pneumonitisImmune-Mediated ColitisTECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated colitis. Colitis can present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologiesImmune-mediated colitis occurred in 1% (26/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.5%) and Grade 2 (0.3%) adverse reactions. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.5% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 50% (13/26) of patients with colitis. Colitis resolved in 73% of the 26 patients. Of the 12 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for colitis, 8 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvement; of these, 25% had recurrence of colitisImmune-Mediated HepatitisTECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (48/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including fatal (<0.1%), Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.5%), and Grade 2 (0.5%) adverse reactions. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (12/48) of patients with hepatitis. Hepatitis resolved in 50% of the 48 patients. Of the 6 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for hepatitis, 4 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of hepatitisImmune-Mediated EndocrinopathiesAdrenal InsufficiencyTECENTRIQ can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicatedAdrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.4% (11/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (<0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.2%) adverse reactions. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 82% (9/11) of patients with adrenal insufficiency; of these, 3 patients remained on systemic corticosteroids. The single patient in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for adrenal insufficiency did not reinitiate TECENTRIQHypophysitisTECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicatedHypophysitis occurred in <0.1% (2/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 2 (1 patient, <0.1%) adverse reactions. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient and no patients required withholding of TECENTRIQ. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 50% (1/2) of patients with hypophysitis. Hypophysitis did not resolve in these 2 patientsThyroid DisordersTECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or medical management for hyperthyroidism as clinically indicatedThyroiditis occurred in 0.2% (4/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 2 (<0.1%) adverse reactions. Thyroiditis did not lead to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in any of these patients, but led to withholding of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient. Hormone replacement therapy was required in 75% (3/4) of patients with thyroiditis. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (1/4) of patients with thyroiditis. Thyroiditis resolved in 50% of patients. The single patient in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for thyroiditis reinitiated TECENTRIQ; this patient did not have a recurrence of thyroiditisHyperthyroidism occurred in 0.8% (21/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 2 (0.4%) adverse reactions. Hyperthyroidism did not lead to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in any of these patients, but led to withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.1% of patients. Antithyroid therapy was required in 29% (6/21) of patients with hyperthyroidism. Of these 6 patients, the majority remained on antithyroid treatment. Of the 3 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for hyperthyroidism, 1 patient reinitiated TECENTRIQ; this patient did not have recurrence of hyperthyroidismHypothyroidism occurred in 4.9% (128/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (3.4%) adverse reactions. Hypothyroidism did not lead to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in any of these patients, but led to withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.6% of patients. Hormone replacement therapy was required in 81% (104/128) of patients with hypothyroidism. The majority of patients with hypothyroidism remained on thyroid hormone replacement. Of the 17 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for hypothyroidism, 8 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvementType 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Which Can Present With Diabetic KetoacidosisMonitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicatedType 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.3% (7/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (<0.1%) adverse reactions. Type 1 diabetes mellitus led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 2 patients. Treatment with insulin was required for all patients with confirmed Type 1 diabetes mellitus and insulin therapy was continued long-term. Of the 2 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for Type 1 diabetes mellitus, both reinitiated TECENTRIQ treatmentImmune-Mediated Nephritis With Renal DysfunctionTECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated nephritisImmune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction occurred in <0.1% (1/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, and this adverse reaction was a Grade 3 (<0.1%) adverse reaction. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in this patient. This patient required systemic corticosteroids. In this patient, nephritis did not resolveImmune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse ReactionsTECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), DRESS, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashesImmune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 0.6% (15/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (<0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.2%) adverse reactions. Dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.1% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 20% (3/15) of patients with dermatologic adverse reactions. Dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 87% of the 15 patients. Of the 4 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, none reinitiated TECENTRIQOther Immune-Mediated Adverse ReactionsThe following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received TECENTRIQ or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies- Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis- Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy- Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss- Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis- Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatic- Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism- Other (Hematologic/Immune): Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejectionInfusion-Related ReactionsTECENTRIQ can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt, slow the rate of, or permanently discontinue TECENTRIQ based on the severity. For Grade 1 or 2 infusion-related reactions, consider using pre-medications with subsequent dosesInfusion-related reactions occurred in 1.3% of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.2%) reactionsThe frequency and severity of infusion-related reactions were similar across the recommended dose rangeComplications of Allogeneic HSCT After PD-1/PD-L1 InhibitorsFatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodyTransplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause)These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockage and allogeneic HSCTFollow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefits versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCTEmbryo-Fetal ToxicityBased on its mechanism of action, TECENTRIQ can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of TECENTRIQ in pregnant women. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-related rejection of the developing fetus, resulting in fetal deathVerify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TECENTRIQ. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment with TECENTRIQ and for at least 5 months after the last doseUse in Specific PopulationsNursing MothersThere is no information regarding the presence of TECENTRIQ in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. As human IgG is excreted in human milk, the potential for absorption and harm to the infant is unknownBecause of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from TECENTRIQ, advise female patients not to breastfeed while taking TECENTRIQ and for at least 5 months after the last doseFertilityBased on animal studies, TECENTRIQ may impair fertility in females of reproductive potential while receiving treatmentMost Common Adverse ReactionsThe most common adverse reactions (rate ≥20%) in patients who received TECENTRIQ in combination with bevacizumab for HCC were hypertension (30%), fatigue/asthenia (26%), and proteinuria (20%).You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.Please see full TECENTRIQ Prescribing Information and full Avastin Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.ReferencesNational Cancer Institute. (2024). 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