PDCD1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Although Lenvatinib (had been demonstrated not to be inferior to sorafenib), PD-1 (Pembrolizumab or Nivolumab) and PD-L1 (Atezolizumab) through several clinical trials have been suggested to be of potential benefit to HCC patients, at the time of our study, Sorafenib was still the standard first-line therapy.