Investigators aimed to conduct an exploratory study- an open-label, single-arm and multi-center -to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sorafenib plus toripalimab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). The primary objectives are 6-month progression free survival (PFS) rate and safety. Secondary objectives include objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and duration of response. The study is divided into dose escalation stage and expansion stage.~Stage I (escalation stage) was designed to identify the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of the combination therapy. Subjects enrolled were divided into two cohorts. Subjects (n=3) in cohort A received oral sorafenib at doses of 400 mg once daily, in combination with intravenous toripalimab 240 mg on the first day, every 3 weeks. Subjects (n=3) in cohort B received oral sorafenib at doses of 400 mg twice daily, in combination with intravenous toripalimab 240 mg on the first day, every 3 weeks. If DLT does not occur within 42 days of the first administration, the dose is escalated. If one subject experienced DLTs, additional 3 subjects are enrolled at that level. Unless no DLT occurs, the next dose level test is continued.~Once ≥2 subjects in cohort A experienced DLT, the study is suspended in advance. If ≥2 subjects in cohort B experienced DLT, the dose of cohort A is recommended in expansion stage. If DLT does not occur in cohort B or only 1 of 6 subjects suffered DLT, the dose of cohort B is recommended in expansion stage.~For subjects who experienced DLT, if adverse events (AEs) return to normal or common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) level 1 within 2 weeks and researchers believe continuing treatment is beneficial to the subjects, they can continue treatment after dose adjustment. Otherwise, termination of treatment is suggested.~According to CTCAE version 4.0, DLT was defined as any grade ≥3 treatment-related toxicity occurring within the first 42 days of administration. Six to twelve patients will be included in this stage.~Stage II (Expansion stage): According to the expansion dose based on stage I, subjects are enlarged to 39. Subjects enrolled are treated with oral sorafenib in combination with toripalimab (every 3 weeks) until suffering progressive disease (PD) or un-tolerated toxicities. Previous literature indicated 6-month PFS rate for HCC with PVTT treated with sorafenib is about 20%. Investigators hypothesize sorafenib plus toripalimab could improve 6-month PFS rate to 40%. Software (PASS) is used to calculate the sample size (β=0.2，α=0.05). According to the results, 35 subjects should be enrolled. When 10% missing rate is considered, total subjects is 39.
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sorafenib plus toripalimab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).