Bristol Myers Squibb announced the first presentation of results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -9DW trial evaluating the dual immunotherapy combination of Opdivo (nivolumab) plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) compared to investigator’s choice of lenvatinib or sorafenib as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

“Despite recent advances in the treatment of HCC, prognosis remains poor for patients with advanced HCC, and therapies that improve survival and help delay disease progression are needed,” said Peter R. Galle, M.D., of the University Medical Center, Mainz. “These data from CheckMate -9DW confirm the efficacy of the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab and ability to extend survival, which is very encouraging.”

“The combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy has been an established second-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC and, with these results, we can demonstrate that Opdivo plus Yervoy significantly increases survival and other key efficacy measures in the first-line setting for patients with advanced disease,” said Dana Walker, M.D., M.S.C.E., vice president, global program lead, gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers, Bristol Myers Squibb. “We look forward to discussing these data with health authorities and potentially bringing the dual immunotherapy combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy to more patients.”