Review for 10.1186/s12876-022-02542-0 (2022)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Drug-Related Adverse Events Potentially Predict the Efficacy of Apatinib
on Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Version: 
0 
Date: 
31 May 2022
Reviewer's report:
The authors present the outcomes from a retrospective single centre study which
sought to analyze the possibility of adverse events induced by apatinib in
predicting the efficacy of apatinib onadvanced hepatocellular carcinoma. A total
of 207 patients were included. Based on their outcoems the authors concluded
that among all the AEs induced by apatinib except hypertension in advanced
HCC, proteinuria can potentially predict PFS and diarrhea is independent
predictor of OS. This is a very interesting, well-strucutred and -writen study. The
metholodology as well as the limitations are clearly described by the authors.
The results are well presented and the figures are illustrative. The outcomes are
well discussed in the context of the published literature.
Minor points to be addressed by the authors:
- In the abstract background section a sentence concerning advanced HCC is
more proper. What the authors provide in their background is the aim of the
study and is repeated later on.
- I would propose moving the paragraph "In summary, among all the adverse
events caused by apatinib in the....." into the conclusions section as it is more
appropriate.
- Add a reference after "Over 70% of HCC patients are diagnosed as advanced
disease that resection or transplantation are not suitable." ie. PMID 34405284
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
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Yes
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Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
Yes
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from apparent manipulation?
Yes