[Expert consensus on immunotherapy-based combination conversion therapy followed by sequential surgery for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(2026 edition)].

Abstract

Patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are often already at an advanced stage at the time of initial diagnosis, with limited effective curative treatment options available and a generally poor overall prognosis. In recent years, combination therapy regimens incorporating immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated clinical advantages in improving the objective response rate and prolonging patient survival. Following standardized transition therapy, some patients with initially unresectable advanced HCC may subsequently undergo curative hepatectomy or liver transplantation, ultimately achieving stable long-term survival benefits. To further standardize the comprehensive management of the sequential surgical treatment approach in the immunotherapy-based transition therapy for advanced HCC, relevant academic organizations have convened multidisciplinary experts to revise and update the content of this consensus, drawing upon the latest evidence-based data since the publication of the "Expert consensus on the sequential surgery following conversion therapy based on the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic targeted drugs for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma（2024 edition）" and incorporating domestic clinical practice experience. This initiative aims to guide clinicians in making informed diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, maximize patient treatment benefits, and contribute to the continuous advancement of comprehensive HCC management standards in China.