An Early Increase in IL-10 and TNF-α Levels Following Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Treatment Predicts Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Due to a shortage of reliable biomarkers for predicting outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following treatment with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Ate/Bev), we assessed the impact of early changes in cytokine levels on the clinical outcomes of advanced HCC patients. We prospectively enrolled 32 patients, analyzing changes in IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels from blood samples collected before the first and second Ate/Bev treatments. Patients with increased IL-10, IL-17, and TNF-α levels demonstrated significantly better survival and marginally improved progression-free survival compared to those with decreased cytokine levels. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between changes in IL-10 and TNF-α levels. Multivariable analysis confirmed that increases in these cytokines are significant predictors of improved survival (p = 0.005). Early increases in IL-10 and TNF-α levels post-Ate/Bev treatment may thus serve as effective biomarkers for clinical outcomes in advanced HCC patients.