Potential role of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension and proteinuria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab: a pilot prospective observational study.

Purpose: Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is the first-line treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its inhibition of VEGF signaling may lead to proteinuria due to endothelial dysfunction but the association between endothelial function and clinical outcomes has not been established. This study aimed to investigate vascular endothelial function in patients with HCC receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, and to assess the correlation between reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and adverse renal outcomes.

Methods: This pilot prospective observational study included 20 patients with HCC who received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. We used reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) and evaluated vascular endothelial function on the basis of RHI. RHI, blood pressure, and proteinuria were recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after initiation of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the relationship of RHI to blood pressure and proteinuria.

Results: Following initiation of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment, systolic blood pressure and urine protein-creatinine ratio increased significantly, and RHI decreased. Patients with borderline or low baseline RHI had a higher incidence of grade ≥ 2 proteinuria than those with normal baseline RHI but not hypertension. A significant inverse correlation was found between RHI and urine protein-creatinine ratio.

Conclusion: Bevacizumab administration may cause endothelial dysfunction in patients with HCC. The vascular endothelial function status before and during atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment is associated with the risk of bevacizumab-induced proteinuria.