Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the management of patients with intermediate- and advanced-stage HCC, even making some of them potential candidates for liver transplantation. However, acute rejection has been observed after ICI therapy, challenging its safety in transplant settings. We summarize the key basic impact of immune checkpoints on HCC and liver transplantation. We analyze the available case reports and case series on the use of ICI therapy prior to and after liver transplantation. A three-month washout period is desirable between ICI therapy and liver transplantation to reduce the risk of acute rejection. Whenever possible, ICIs should be avoided after liver transplantation, and especially so early after a transplant. Globally, more robust prospective data in the field are required.
免疫检查点抑制剂(ICIs)改善了中晚期肝细胞癌(HCC)患者的治疗,甚至使部分患者成为肝移植的潜在候选者。然而,ICI治疗后观察到急性排斥反应,这对其在移植环境中的安全性提出了挑战。本文综述了免疫检查点在HCC及肝移植中的关键基础影响,分析了现有关于肝移植前后使用ICI治疗的病例报告及病例系列。为降低急性排斥风险,建议在ICI治疗与肝移植之间设置三个月的洗脱期。肝移植后应尽可能避免使用ICIs,尤其是在移植后早期阶段。总体而言,该领域需要更可靠的前瞻性数据支持。
Immunotherapy and Liver Transplantation: A Narrative Review of Basic and Clinical Data