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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Aug 15, 2026; 18(8): 119966
Published online Aug 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v18.i8.119966
Published online Aug 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v18.i8.119966
Impact of sintilimab plus anlotinib on progression-free survival in advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Cai Sheng, Huan Li, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
Cai Sheng, Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, University of South China, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
Author contributions: Sheng C contributed to research design, data collection, data analysis, paper writing, research design, and funding application; Li H was responsible for reviewing and editing, communication coordination, ethical review, copyright and licensing, and follow-up; and all authors have read and approve the final manuscript.
AI contribution statement: During the writing process of this article, the author only used artificial intelligence tools (DeepSeek) to polish the language and text and optimize the fluency of expression. AI tools do not participate in any research data generation, results discussion, content analysis, and research conclusion formation. All output content generated by AI has been strictly reviewed, modified and finally confirmed by all authors, who bear full responsibility for the entire content of the article.
Institutional review board statement: The research was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Review Committee of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 2025071087.
Informed consent statement: All research participants or their legal guardians provided written informed consent prior to study registration.
Conflict-of-interest statement: No conflict of interest is associated with this work.
STROBE statement: The authors have read the STROBE Statement—checklist of items, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the STROBE Statement—checklist of items.
Data sharing statement: No other data available.
Corresponding author: Huan Li, MD, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China. 15211450392@163.com
Received: March 10, 2026
Revised: March 31, 2026
Accepted: May 6, 2026
Published online: August 15, 2026
Processing time: 146 Days and 20.9 Hours
Revised: March 31, 2026
Accepted: May 6, 2026
Published online: August 15, 2026
Processing time: 146 Days and 20.9 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This retrospective study demonstrates that the combination of sintilimab (an anti-programmed death receptor 1 antibody) and anlotinib (a multi-target anti-angiogenic TKI) significantly improves progression-free survival, overall survival, and tumor response rates compared to sintilimab monotherapy in patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, with a manageable safety profile.