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)

Up to half of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） in China are diagnosed at an advanced stage and often with a dismal prognosis. More effective treatment strategies are mandatory. In recent years， the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenic targeted therapy has shown a promising treatment effect in advanced HCC with prolonged survival of patients， which also offered an opportunity for sequential curative surgery. Sequential curative hepatectomy or liver transplantation following conversion therapy brings survival benefits to patients. Aiming to improve the long-term survival of overall population with liver cancer and contribute to the goal of a 15% increase in the 5-year survival of overall cancer patients outlined in the “Healthy China 2030” blueprints， the Professional Committee for Prevention and Control of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association， Chinese Society of Liver Cancer， and the Liver Study Group of Surgery Committee of Beijing Medical Association organized in-depth discussions among relevant domestic experts. These discussions focus on the latest progress since the release of Chinese expert consensus on conversion therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined antiangiogenic targeted drugs for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma （2021 edition） and have reached new consensus on the modifications and supplements to some key points. This consensus aims to further guide clinical practice， standardize medical protocol， and usher the new development in liver surgery.