Work

The double-edged sword: impact of antibiotic use on immunotherapy efficacy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the impact of antibiotics (ATBs) use on the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), providing insights into the prudent use of ATBs in patients undergoing immunotherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from patients with advanced HCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) at our institution between January 1, 2021, and December 30, 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on ATBs use: an ATB group and a non-ATB group. Clinical baseline characteristics were analyzed, and survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier model. A Cox proportional hazards model was employed to analyze influencing factors. RESULTS: Among the 102 advanced HCC patients receiving ICIs treatment, 29 were in the ATB group, and 73 were in the non-ATB group. The progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.034) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.021) were significantly shorter in the ATB group compared to the non-ATB group. The difference in PFS between the two groups was associated with ATBs use and patients' AFP levels, while ATBs use was identified as an independent risk factor for the difference in OS between the groups. CONCLUSION: ATB use in the context of immunotherapy for advanced HCC is associated with reduced PFS and OS. Caution is warranted in the administration of ATBs to patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Source: BMC Gastroenterology

DOI: 10.1186/s12876-025-03819-w

Authors: Yang Li, Ziwei Feng, Canhua Liang, Shaohuan Lu, GuangZhao Wang, Guangyi Meng

Language: English

Topic: Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment and Prognosis

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funder: Science and Technology Major Project of Guangxi