Low-dose bevacizumab plus atezolizumab enhances transarterial chemoembolization in HCC via correcting vascular-immune niche dysfunction

This study investigates the vascular and immune microenvironment changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and aims to optimize combination therapy. The authors found that TACE leads to a dysfunctional vascular niche characterized by increased angiogenesis and immunosuppression, primarily driven by PDGFC+ tumor-associated macrophages. They propose that low-dose bevacizumab combined with atezolizumab can normalize this microenvironment, enhance antitumor immunity, and improve clinical outcomes in HCC patients post-TACE.