These findings should be confirmed in randomized trials or, if not feasible, through meta-analyses to provide more robust evidence for treatment decisions in advanced HCC.<h4>Impact and implications</h4>This multicenter retrospective study was scientifically justified by the need to clarify whether the addition of VEGF inhibition to PD-L1-based immunotherapy confers differential bleeding or thromboembolic risks in patients with advanced HCC. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.