Identifying baseline plasma biomarkers associated with survival in previously treated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
The following case study focusing on plasma biomarkers features published data from Rimassa et al., 2021, Liver Cancer.
Study Aim
In the global phase 3 CELESTIAL trial patients with previously treated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma cancer (HCC), were treated with cabozantinib, which resulted in longer overall survival and longer progression-free survival than placebo treated patients. Fios contributed to this study by analysing the cancer trial data using survival analysis models. Survival analysis assessed associations between the biomarker levels and survival. The prognostic effect of the biomarkers was also evaluated.
Plasma Biomarkers Analysis and Results
Fios bioinformaticians implemented multiple models to assess survival with respect to the plasma biomarker levels. The biomarker level was considered as a dichotomous variable in terms of low and high levels of the biomarkers of interest and separately as a continuous variable. More complex models were also considered, taking into account additional clinical factors.
These data analyses allowed the biomarkers to be investigated at an in-depth level to highlight which biomarkers were associated with survival and could potentially be used in future to inform HCC prognoses. High levels of IGF-1 and low baseline levels of MET, HGF, GAS6, IL-8, and ANG2 were identified as potential favourable prognostic biomarkers for survival.
Conclusions
The team found that cabozantinib improved overall survival and progression free survival compared with the placebo at high and low baseline concentrations for all biomarkers analysed. Potential favourable prognostic plasma biomarkers for survival in advanced HCC were also identified.
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