Study summary

Double immunotherapy extended survival over targeted pills as first treatment

CheckMate-9DW trial · 668 people, phase 3 · Published May 2025, The Lancet; FDA approved April 2025

What was tested

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab, against lenvatinib or sorafenib pills, as first treatment for unresectable liver cancer, followed for over 4 years.

What they found

• Median survival was 23.7 vs 20.6 months at long-term follow-up.
• 38% vs 24% were alive at 3 years.
• Tumors shrank in 36% vs 13%.
• A small early excess of deaths in the first 6 months reversed by 1 year.

What it means

A second first-line immunotherapy option alongside durvalumab-tremelimumab, for people who can tolerate a stronger upfront regimen.