DEB-TACE+RALOX-HAIC vs DEB-TACE for Large HCC

This is a multicenter randomized study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DEB-TACE plus RALOX-HAIC (DEB-TACE+HAIC) compared with DEB-TACE alone for unresectable large HCC (>7cm).

130 patients with unresectable large HCC (> 7cm) will be enrolled in this study. The patients will receive either DEB-TACE+HAIC or DEB-TACE using an 1:1 randomization scheme. In the DEB-TACE+HAIC arm, the microcatheter will be reserved at the main hepatic tumor-feeding artery and chemotherapy drugs (RALOX-based regimen) will be intra-arterially administered though the microcatheter. In the DEB-TACE arm, patients will be treated with DEB-TACE alone. The treatments can be repeated on demand (at a 4-week interval usually) based on the evaluation of follow-up laboratory and imaging examination by the multidisciplinary team. During follow-up, the potential resectability of the tumor will be assessed by the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Once the tumors become resectable, curative surgical resection will be recommended for the patients.

The primary end point of this study is progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints are tumor response (objective response rate and disease control rate), overall survival (OS) , and adverse events (AEs).

Inclusion criteria

• HCC confirmed by histology/cytology or diagnosed clinically.
• At least one measurable intrahepatic target lesion.
• The largest tumor size > 7 cm.
• Tumor recurrence after curative treatment (hepatectomy or ablation) is eligible for enrollment.
• Child-Pugh score 5-7.
• ECOG performance status ≤ 1.
• Adequate organ and hematologic function with platelet count ≥75×10^9/L, leukocyte >3.0×10^9/L, Neutrophil count ≥1.5×10^9/L, ASL and AST≤5×ULN, creatinine clearance≤1.5×ULN, and prolongation of prothrombin time ≤4 seconds.

Exclusion criteria

• Macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis.
• Diffuse HCC.
• Decompensated liver function, including: ascites, bleeding from gastroesophageal varices, and hepatic encephalopathy.
• Previous palliative treatments, including TACE, transcatheter arterial embolization, HAIC, radiation therapy, systemic therapy.
• Organ (heart and kidneys) dysfunction, unable to tolerate TACE or HAIC treatment.
• History of other malignancies.
• Uncontrollable infection.
• History of HIV.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding within 30 days, or other bleeding> CTCAE grade 3.
• History of organ or cells transplantation.
• Pregnant or lactating patients.