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Qin et al. Hepatoma Res 2020;6:24 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-5079.2020.04 Page 13 of

atezolizumab are targeting PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4, and there have been encouraging results for a variety of
tumors. However, phase III clinical research is still lacking, and more clinical research is urgently needed.

In addition, the results of the present study indicate that the effect of single immunotherapy on liver
cancer remains limited. The indication of immunotherapy in HCC may depend on combination therapies.
Combination of liver-targeted therapy and immunotherapy can enhance tumor and systemic immune
response. In conclusion, the advent of immunotherapy revolutionized cancer therapy and brought treatment
for HCC to a brand-new period.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Study concept and design: Xu XD
Literature search: Qin W
Drafting of the manuscript: Qin W, Cao ZY, Liu SY
Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Xu XD

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 81670111).

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020.

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