CT and MRI improve detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, compared with ultrasound alone, in patients with cirrhosis

Noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging versus ultrasonography for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance (MIRACLE-HCC): study protocol for a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Biannual ultrasound (US)-with or without alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-is recommended by current guidelines for the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the inadequate sensitivity of US has been a concern. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is known to have high sensitivity in detecting hepatic malignancies, even without contrast enhancement. The purpose of our study is to compare US with noncontrast (unenhanced) MRI for HCC surveillance of high-risk patients.

METHODS/DESIGN

MIRACLE-HCC (usefulness of noncontrast MagnetIc Resonance imAging versus nonContrast ultrasonography for surveiLlancE of HepatoCellular Carcinoma) is a prospective, single-center, nonblinded, balanced-randomized, parallel-group study. This study was approved by our institutional review board, and informed consent will be obtained from all participating patients. All patients with compensated liver cirrhosis will undergo noncontrast US or MRI, with serum AFP testing every 6 months. If a suspicious lesion is newly detected, or if the serum AFP level is elevated in an increasing trend for two consecutive tests, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The primary endpoints are detection rates of very early or early stage HCC, stage distribution at the initial diagnosis, and false positive referral rates, which will be compared using Fisher's exact or chi-square tests. The study will include 416 patients in a tertiary academic medical center in South Korea.

DISCUSSION

MIRACLE-HCC is the first prospective randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of noncontrast MRI and noncontrast US in the surveillance of HCC in at-risk patients. The results of this trial will show whether noncontrast MRI surveillance is superior to noncontrast US surveillance in the early detection of HCC. The trial will also determine whether there are fewer false referrals with noncontrast MRI than with noncontrast US and, eventually, whether there is improvement in the overall survival of HCC patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The date of trial registration (ClincalTrials.gov: NCT02514434 ) for this study is July 23, 2015. Enrollment of participants was finished in November 2017. No authors have relationships, conditions, or circumstances that present potential conflicts of interest.

Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced dynamic CT for small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma and assessment of dynamic enhancement patterns: Results of two-year follow-up using cone-beam CT hepatic arteriography

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of CT for small, hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and assess the enhancement patterns on CT.

Materials and methods

Ninety-nine patients who underwent cone-beam CT hepatic arteriography (CBCT-HA) during initial chemoembolization for HCC suspected on CT were enrolled in this study. A total of 297 hypervascular HCCs (142 ≥ 1 cm, 155 < 1 cm) were confirmed as HCCs based on two-year follow-up CT and CBCT-HA images. During the two-year follow-up, pre-existing hypervascular foci on CBCT-HA were regarded as HCCs at the initial presentation. Two radiologists categorized HCCs according to the following enhancement patterns on CT: type I, arterial enhancement and washout; type II, arterial enhancement without washout; and type III, no arterial enhancement. Two blinded reviewers rated the possibility of HCC.

Results

For the 297 HCCs, the enhancement patterns according to size were as follows: type I ≥1 cm in 114 HCCs; type I <1 cm in 40 HCCs; type II ≥1 cm in 16 HCCs; type II <1 cm in 37 HCCs; type III ≥1 cm in 12 HCCs; and type III <1 cm in 10 HCCs. The remaining 68 HCCs (22.9%) were not detected on CT. The detection rates of HCCs ≥ 1 cm were 83.1%, 76.8%, and 83.1% in the formal report for reviewer 1 and reviewer 2. In comparison, the detection rates of HCCs < 1 cm were 20.6%, 17.4%, and 17.4% in the formal report for reviewer 1 and reviewer 2.

Conclusion

Many subcentimeter sized hypervascular HCCs were frequently missed or not evident on CT at the initial diagnostic workup. CT has limitations for diagnosing HCCs that are <1 cm in size or have atypical enhancement patterns.

Predictors of Ultrasound Failure to Detect Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Current guidelines recommend ultrasound (US) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in cirrhosis. We assess predictors of decreased US sensitivity for detecting HCC. At a single center in the United States, all HCC patients evaluated for liver transplantation (LT) received an abdominal US. From 2007-2015, consecutive patients presenting for untreated lesions found on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 months of US were compared with US findings. Multivariate logistic regression models compared US sensitivities by patient characteristics. Of 1007 patients completing LT evaluation, 47.5% had indeterminate or previously treated nodules and were excluded; 10.4% had imaging that was too far apart or nondiagnostic. Median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) of the cohort (n= 352) was 11 (interquartile range [IQR], 9-14), median body mass index (BMI) was 28 kg/m² (IQR, 25-32 kg/m² ), 39% had received locoregional therapy, and 10% had moderate/large ascites. Per-patient sensitivity of US compared with CT/MRI was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.86). Patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² had a US sensitivity of 0.76 versus 0.87 for BMI < 30 kg/m² (P = 0.01). MELD and ascites did not affect sensitivity. US sensitivity was decreased in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) versus other etiologies (0.59 versus 0.84; P = 0.02). Relative to CT/MRI, US is significantly less sensitive in patients with NASH or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² . Further study is necessary to examine the added value of cross-sectional imaging for patients with NASH or obesity.

Role of Imaging in Surveillance and Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is dependent on tumor stage at diagnosis, with curative treatment options more available to early-detected HCCs. Professional organizations have produced HCC screening guidelines in at-risk groups, with ultrasound the most commonly used screening tool and increased interest in MRI in specific populations. HCC may be diagnosed by imaging features alone and have been universally incorporated into management guidelines. The radiology community has standardized imaging criteria for HCC with the development of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System, which has expanded to incorporate computed tomography, MR, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for diagnostic purposes.

Frontiers in Gastrointestinal Oncology: Advances in Multi-Disciplinary Patient Care

Cancers of the digestive system remain highly lethal; therefore, the care of patients with malignant diseases of the digestive tract requires the expertise of providers from multiple health disciplines. Progress has been made to advance the understanding of epidemiology and genetics, diagnostic and screening evaluation, treatment modalities, and supportive care for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. At the Multi-Disciplinary Patient Care in Gastrointestinal Oncology conference at the Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pennsylvania on 29 September 2017, the faculty members of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center presented a variety of topics that focused on this oncological specialty. In this continuing medical education-certified conference, updates on the population sciences including health disparities and resistance training were presented. Progress made in various diagnostic evaluation and screening procedures was outlined. New developments in therapeutic modalities in surgical, radiation, and medical oncology were discussed. Cancer genetic testing and counseling and the supportive roles of music and arts in health and cancer were demonstrated. In summary, this disease-focused medical conference highlighted the new frontiers in gastrointestinal oncology, and showcase the multi-disciplinary care provided at the Penn State Cancer Institute.

The search for biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma and the impact on patient outcome

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th most common cancer, but the 3rd leading cause of cancer death globally with approximately 700,000 fatalities annually. The severity of this cancer arises from its difficulty to detect and treat. The major etiologies of HCC are liver fibrosis or cirrhosis from chronic viral infections, as well as metabolic conditions. Since most cases arise from prior pathologies, biomarker surveillance in high-risk individuals is an essential approach for early detection and improved patient outcome. While many molecular biomarkers have been associated with HCC, there are few that have made clinical impact for this disease. Here we review some major approaches used for HCC biomarker discovery-proteomics and glycomics-and describe new methodologies being tested for biomarker development.

Evaluation of a CT-Guided Robotic System for Precise Percutaneous Needle Insertion

PURPOSE

To assess overall targeting accuracy for CT-guided needle insertion using prototype robotic system for common target sites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using CT guidance, metallic (2 × 1 mm) targets were embedded in retroperitoneum (n = 8), kidneys (n = 8), and liver (n = 14) of 8 Yorkshire pigs (55-65 kg). Bronchial bifurcations were targeted in the lung (n = 13). CT datasets were obtained for planning and controlled needle placement of commercially available 17- to 19-gauge needles (length 15-20 cm) using a small, patient-mounted, CT-guided robotic system with 5° of motion. Mean distance to target was 92.9 mm ± 19.7 (range, 64-146 mm). Planning included selection of target, skin entry point, and 4.6 ± 1.3 predetermined checkpoints (range, 2-9) where additional CT imaging was performed to permit stepwise correction of needle trajectory path as needed. Scanning and needle advancement were coordinated with breath motion using respiratory gating. Accuracy was assessed as distance from needle tip to predefined target.

RESULTS

Of 45 needle insertions performed, 2 were unsuccessful owing to technical issues. Accuracy of targeting was 1.2-1.4 mm ± 0.6 for kidney, retroperitoneum, and lung (P = .51), with 2.9 mm ± 1.9 accuracy for liver (P = .0003). This was achieved in 39 cases (91%) using a single insertion. Intraprocedural target movement was detected (3.5 mm ± 2.1 in retroperitoneum and 6.4 mm ± 3.9 in liver); the system compensated for 52.9% ± 30.3 of this movement. One pneumothorax was the only complication (8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate needle insertion (< 3 mm error) can be achieved in common target sites when using a CT-guided robotic system. Stepwise checks with corrective angulation can potentially overcome issues of target movement during a procedure from organ deformity and other causes.

Predictors of failure to detect early hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B who received regular surveillance

BACKGROUND

A proportion of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) despite regular surveillance.

AIMS

To determine predictors for HCC detection failure in CHB patients who underwent regular surveillance.

METHODS

CHB patients with well-preserved liver function, who underwent ultrasonography and alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) analysis every 6 months, were enrolled. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors for detection failure, defined as HCC initially diagnosed at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B or C.

RESULTS

Of the 4590 CHB patients (mean age, 52.1 years; men, 61.6%), 169 patients were diagnosed with HCC (3.68%) and 35 (20.7%) HCC patients were initially diagnosed with HCC BCLC stage B or C. The cumulative incidence of HCC detection failure was 0.2% at year 1 and 1.3% at year 5. Multivariate analyses indicated that cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.078; 95% CI, 1.389-6.821; P = 0.006), AFP levels ≥9 ng/mL (HR, 5.235; 95% CI, 2.307-11.957; P = 0.010), and diabetes mellitus (HR, 3.336; 95% CI, 1.341-8.296; P = 0.010) were independent predictors of HCC detection failure. Another model that incorporated liver stiffness (LS) values identified LS values ≥11.7 kPa (HR, 11.045; 95% CI, 2.066-59.037; P = 0.005) and AFP levels ≥9 ng/mL (HR, 4.802; 95% CI, 1.613-14.297; P = 0.005) as predictors of detection failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In CHB patients undergoing regular surveillance with ultrasonography and alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) analysis every 6 months, the HCC detection failure rate was not high (0.8% per person; 0.1% per test). However, careful attention should be paid in patients with advanced liver fibrosis (clinical cirrhosis or LS value >11.7 kPa), high AFP levels, or diabetes mellitus, who are prone to surveillance failure.

An expert consensus for the management of chronic hepatitis B in Asian Americans

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common with major clinical consequences. In Asian Americans, the HBsAg carrier rate ranges from 2% to 16% which approximates the rates from their countries of origin. Similarly, HBV is the most important cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver related deaths in HBsAg positive Asians worldwide.

AIM

To generate recommendations for the management of Asian Americans infected with HBV.

METHODS

These guidelines are based on relevant data derived from medical reports on HBV from Asian countries as well as from studies in the HBsAg positive Asian Americans. The guidelines herein differ from other recommendations in the treatment of both HBeAg positive and negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB), in the approach to HCC surveillance, and in the management of HBV in pregnant women.

RESULTS

Asian American patients, HBeAg positive or negative, with HBV DNA levels >2000 IU/mL (>10⁴ copies/mL) and ALT values above normal are candidates for anti-viral therapy. HBeAg negative patients with HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL and normal ALT levels but who have either serum albumin <3.5 g/dL or platelet count <130 000 mm³ , basal core promoter (BCP) mutations, or who have first-degree relatives with HCC should be offered treatment. Patients with cirrhosis and detectable HBV DNA must receive life-long anti-viral therapy. Indications for treatment include pregnant women with high viraemia, coinfected patients, and those requiring immunosuppressive therapy. In HBsAg positive patients with risk factors, life-long surveillance for HCC with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing and abdominal ultrasound examination at 6-month intervals is required. In CHB patients receiving HCC treatments, repeat imaging with contrast CT scan or MRI at 3-month intervals is strongly recommended. These guidelines have been assigned to a Class (reflecting benefit vs. risk) and a Level (assessing strength or certainty) of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of the recommendations made based on a review of the relevant literature and the opinion of a panel of Asian American physicians with expertise in HBV treatment will inform physicians and improve patient outcomes.

Risk factors and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of precision medicine

Patients who develop chronic fibrotic liver disease, caused by viral or metabolic aetiologies, are at a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Even after complete HCC tumour resection or ablation, the carcinogenic tissue microenvironment in the remnant liver can give rise to recurrent de novo HCC tumours, which progress into incurable, advanced-stage disease in most patients. Thus, early detection and prevention of HCC development is, in principle, the most impactful strategy to improve patient prognosis. However, a "one-size-fits-all" approach to HCC screening for early tumour detection, as recommended by clinical practice guidelines, is utilised in less than 20% of the target population, and the performance of screening modalities, including ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein, is suboptimal. Furthermore, optimal screening strategies for emerging at-risk patient populations, such as those with chronic hepatitis C after viral cure, or those with non-cirrhotic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease remain controversial. New HCC biomarkers and imaging modalities may improve the sensitivity and specificity of HCC detection. Clinical and molecular HCC risk scores will enable precise HCC risk prediction followed by tailoured HCC screening of individual patients, maximising cost-effectiveness and optimising allocation of limited medical resources. Several aetiology-specific and generic HCC chemoprevention strategies are evolving. Epidemiological and experimental studies have identified candidate chemoprevention targets and therapies, including statins, anti-diabetic drugs, and selective molecular targeted agents, although their clinical testing has been limited by the lengthy process of cancer development that requires long-term, costly studies. Individual HCC risk prediction is expected to overcome the challenge by enabling personalised chemoprevention, targeting high-risk patients for precision HCC prevention and substantially improving the dismal prognosis of HCC.

Prognostic Role of Liver Stiffness Measurements Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Patients with Compensated Chronic Liver Disease

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the prognostic role of liver stiffness (LS) measurement using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in patients with compensated chronic liver disease (cCLD).

METHODS

We enrolled 217 patients with cCLD who underwent MRE. After mean follow-up of 45.0 ± 17.6 months, cumulative incidence (CI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence, development of decompensation and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, HCC occurred in 33 patients, and 1-, 3- and 5-year CIs of HCC occurrence were 3.8%, 14.8% and 18.9%, respectively. The LS value was a significant predictive factor for HCC occurrence [p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.59 per unit (1.25-2.03)]. Eighteen patients experienced hepatic decompensation, and 1-, 3- and 5-year CIs of decompensation were 2.8%, 7.3% and 11.3%, respectively. The LS value was also significantly associated with decompensation development [p < 0.001, HR = 2.02 per unit (1.37-2.98)]. Fourteen patients died, and 1-, 3- and 5-year OSs were 99.1%, 98.0% and 89.8%, respectively. The LS value was demonstrated to be a significant affecting factor for OS [p = 0.008, HR = 1.39 per unit (1.10-1.78)].

CONCLUSIONS

LS obtained from MRE was a significant predictive factor for the development of decompensation, HCC occurrence and OS in cCLD patients.

KEY POINTS

• Liver stiffness (LS) values obtained from MRE can provide prognostic information. • The LS value was a significant predictive factor for occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. • The LS value was significantly associated with development of hepatic decompensation. • Survival of compensated chronic liver disease patients was affected by the LS value.

Utility of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopy in diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma and its complications: What does endoscopic ultrasonography offer above and beyond conventional cross-sectional imaging?

Hepatocellular carcinoma constitutes over 90% of the primary liver tumors, the rest being cholangiocarcinoma. It has an insidious presentation, which is responsible for the delayed presentation. Hence, the management strategy relies on screening to diagnose it an early stage for curative resection and/or treatment with local ablative techniques or chemotherapy. However, even with different screening programs, more than 60% of tumors are still detected at an advanced stage, leading to an unchanged mortality rate, thereby implying a room for improvement in the screening and diagnostic process. In the last few years, there has been evolution of utility of endoscopy, specifically endoscopic ultrasonography along with Fine needle aspiration, for this purpose, which we comprehensively review in this article.

Diagnostic per-lesion performance of a simulated gadoxetate disodium-enhanced abbreviated MRI protocol for hepatocellular carcinoma screening

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic per-lesion performance of a simulated gadoxetate disodium-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI) in cirrhotic and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-nine consecutive patients at risk for HCC due to cirrhosis and/or CHB were included in this retrospective study. For each patient, the first gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI between 2008 through 2014 was analysed. Two independent readers read an anonymised abbreviated image set comprising axial T1-weighted (W) images with fat saturation in the hepatobiliary phase, 20 minutes or more after gadoxetate injection, and axial T2W single-shot fast spin echo images. Each observation >10 mm was scored as negative or suspicious for HCC. Inter-reader agreement was assessed. A composite reference standard was used to determine the per-lesion diagnostic performance for each reader.

RESULTS

Inter-reader agreement was substantial (κ = 0.75). The final reference standard showed 27 HCCs in 13 patients (median 21 mm, range 11-100 mm). The two readers each correctly scored 23 as suspicious for HCC (sensitivity = 85.2%), scored a total of 27 and 32 observations as suspicious for HCC (positive predictive value [PPV] = 85.2% and 71.9%), and scored 83 and 78 observations or complete examinations as negative for HCC (negative predictive value [NPV] = 95.2% and 94.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The AMRI protocol provides higher per-lesion sensitivity and NPV than reported values for ultrasound, the current recommended technique for screening, and similar per-lesion sensitivity and PPV to reported values for complete dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

Development of a nomogram for screening of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Current strategy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance evaluates individual risks of HCC for defining candidates for surveillance, but estimated risks are not utilized for clinical decision-making during actual screening. We sought to determine whether consideration of individual risks improve the performance of ultrasound (US)-based HCC screening in a real-world chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cohort. This single center retrospective cohort study analyzed 27,722 screening US tests from 4,175 consecutive CHB patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent parameters predicting presence of HCC. A nomogram was built based on the independent predictors of HCC and compared with US-only screening by receiver operating characteristics analysis. The cost-effectiveness of the nomogram was assessed by decision curve analysis. HCC developed in 222 patients with the incidence of 0.769 per 1000 person-year during the median follow-up of 63 months. Age, sex, presence of cirrhosis, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and positive US test results were independent predictors of HCC presence. A nomogram based on these predictors showed higher C-statistics compared to US-only screening (0.960 vs. 0.731 and 0.935 vs. 0.691 for derivation and validation cohort, respectively; p < 0.001). Decision curve analysis showed higher net benefit of the HCC nomogram-guided screening model compared to US-only screening in the risk threshold range between 0 and 0.3. A nomogram composed of age, sex, presence of cirrhosis, serum AFP levels and US findings better predicted the presence of HCC compared to US-only screening in CHB on surveillance.

Utility of [18F]FSPG PET to Image Hepatocellular Carcinoma: First Clinical Evaluation in a US Population

PURPOSE

Non-invasive imaging is central to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis; however, conventional modalities are limited by smaller tumors and other chronic diseases that are often present in patients with HCC, such as cirrhosis. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of (4S)-4-(3-[¹⁸F]fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid ([¹⁸F]FSPG) positron emission tomography (PET)/X-ray computed tomography (CT) to image HCC. [¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT was compared to standard-of-care (SOC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT, and [¹¹C]acetate PET/CT, commonly used in this setting. We report the largest cohort of HCC patients imaged to date with [¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT and present the first comparison to [¹¹C]acetate PET/CT and SOC imaging. This study represents the first in a US HCC population, which is distinguished by different underlying comorbidities than non-US populations.

PROCEDURES

x_C- transporter RNA and protein levels were evaluated in HCC and matched liver samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 16) and a tissue microarray (n = 83). Eleven HCC patients who underwent prior MRI or CT scans were imaged by [¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT, with seven patients also imaged with [¹¹C]acetate PET/CT.

RESULTS

x_C- transporter RNA and protein levels were elevated in HCC samples compared to background liver. Over 50 % of low-grade HCCs and ~70 % of high-grade tumors exceeded background liver protein expression. [¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT demonstrated a detection rate of 75 %. [¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT also identified an HCC devoid of typical MRI enhancement pattern. Patients scanned with [¹⁸F]FSPG and [¹¹C]acetate PET/CT exhibited a 90 and 70 % detection rate, respectively. In dually positive tumors, [¹⁸F]FSPG accumulation consistently resulted in significantly greater tumor-to-liver background ratios compared with [¹¹C]acetate PET/CT.

CONCLUSIONS

[¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT is a promising modality for HCC imaging, and larger studies are warranted to examine [¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT impact on diagnosis and management of HCC. [¹⁸F]FSPG PET/CT may also be useful for phenotyping HCC tumor metabolism as part of precision cancer medicine.

The uptake exploration of 68Ga-labeled NGR in well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts: Indication for the new clinical translational of a tracer based on NGR

18F-FDG has low uptake and poor diagnostic efficiency in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in well-differentiated HCC. The NGR peptide selectively targets CD13, which is overexpressed in many types of tumor cells as well as neovasculature cells. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing 68Ga-NGR to image CD13-positive well-differentiated HCC xenografts. The in vitro cellular uptake, in vivo micro-PET/CT imaging and biodistribution studies of 68Ga-NGR and 18F-FDG were quantitatively compared in SMMC-7721-based well‑differentiated HCC xenografts. The human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) xenografts were respectively used as positive and negative reference groups for CD13. The expression of CD13 was qualitatively verified by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistostaining studies. The expression levels of CD13 and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) were semi-quantitatively analyzed by western blotting. The in vitro SMMC-7721 cellular uptake of 68Ga‑NGR was significantly higher than that of 18F-FDG (1.23±0.11 vs. 0.515±0.14%; P<0.01). The in vivo micro-PET/CT imaging results revealed that the uptake of 68Ga-NGR in SMMC-7721-derived tumors was 2.17±0.21% ID/g (percentage of injected dose per gram of tissue), which was higher compared to that of 18F-FDG (0.73±0.26% ID/g; P<0.01); however, the tumor/liver ratio of 68Ga-NGR was 2-fold higher than that of 18F-FDG. We concluded that the uptake of 68Ga-NGR was significantly higher both in vitro and in vivo than 18F-FDG in the well‑differentiated HCC xenografts and therefore, it is promising for further clinical translation in well-differentiated HCC PET/CT diagnosis.

Pitfalls in surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma: How successful is it in the real world?

Background/Aims

Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ultrasound in high-risk populations is generally believed to improve opportunities for treatment. However, tumors are still missed due to various factors. This study explores success versus failure of HCC surveillance.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 1,125 HCC cases. Categories considered for successful detection were largest tumor ≤3.0 cm, single tumors ≤3.0 cm and ≤2.0 cm, and adherence to Milan criteria. Examined factors were age <60 years, gender, rural residence, body-mass index (BMI), hepatitis infection, smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cirrhosis, ascites, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease <10.

Results

HCC was found on surveillance in 257 patients with a mean tumor size of 3.17 cm; multiple tumors were seen in 28% of cases, bilateral tumors in 7.4%, and vascular invasion in 3.7%. Surveillance was successful in 61.5% of cases involving a largest tumor ≤3.0 cm, with BMI ≥35 negatively affecting detection (odds ratio [OR] 0.28, P=0.014) and cirrhosis positively affecting detection (OR 2.31, P=0.036). Ultrasound detected 19.1% of single tumors ≤2.0 cm with ascites improving the detection rate (OR 3.89, P=0.001). Finally, adherence to Milan criteria occurred in 75.1% of cases, revealing negative associations with diabetes (OR 0.48, P=0.044 and male gender (OR 0.49, P=0.08).

Conclusions

Although surveillance is recommended for HCC, not all surveillance ultrasound are ideal. Tumor detection can depend on gender, BMI, diabetes, cirrhosis, and ascites and is achieved in 19.1–75% of cases depending on the definition of success. Closer follow-up or additional imaging might be necessary for some patient subgroups.

Long-term survival after surveillance and treatment in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main cause of mortality in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH). We determined the impact of surveillance and treatments on long‐term outcomes in patients with CVH who developed HCC. Between 1984 and 2014, 333 patients with HCC and with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection were evaluated. An adjusted lead time bias interval was added to patients with HCC who presented with HCC (no surveillance), and their survival was compared to patients whose HCC was detected by surveillance. After HCC treatments, survival rates within and beyond 3 years of follow‐up were compared. In 175 (53%) patients, HCC was detected through surveillance using alpha‐fetoprotein and abdominal ultrasound examinations. Compared to 158 (47%) patients with HCC who had no surveillance, more patients with HCC detected by surveillance received surgical and locoregional treatments (P <  0.0001 to P <  0.001), and their 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates were significantly higher (P <  0.001 for both). During the first 3 years of follow‐up, patients with HCC receiving liver transplantation had similar survival rates as those with liver resection or radiofrequency ablation (RFA); however, due to HCC recurrence, survival in resection and RFA patients became significantly less when followed beyond 3 years (P =  0.001 to P =  0.04). Factors associated with mortality included tumors beyond University of California at San Francisco criteria (hazard ratio [HR] 2.02; P <  0.0001), Child‐Pugh class B and C (HR, 1.58‐2.26; P =  0.043 to P =  0.015, respectively), alpha‐fetoprotein per log ng/mL increase (HR, 1.30; P <  0.0001), previous antiviral therapy in hepatitis B virus patients (HR, 0.62; P =  0.032), and treatments other than liver transplantation (HR, 2.38‐6.45; P <  0.0001 to P < 0.003).

Conclusion. Patients with HCC detected by surveillance had prolonged survival. Due to HCC recurrence, survival rates after liver resection and RFA were lower when followed beyond 3 years after treatments. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:595–608)

MRI With Liver-Specific Contrast for Surveillance of Patients With Cirrhosis at High Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Importance

Current recommendations for patients with cirrhosis are to undergo surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ultrasonography (US) every 6 months. However, the sensitivity of US screening to detect early-stage HCC is suboptimal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with liver-specific contrast may detect additional HCCs missed by US in high-risk patients with cirrhosis.

Objective

To compare the HCC detection rate of US and MRI in patients with cirrhosis who are at high risk for HCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A prospective surveillance study of 407 patients with cirrhosis and an estimated annual risk of HCC greater than 5% who underwent 1 to 3 biannual screening examinations with paired US and liver-specific contrast-enhanced MRI at a tertiary care hospital between November 2011 and August 2014. All patients were followed-up with dynamic computed tomography (CT) at 6 months after the study. The confirmation of HCC was based on the results of histologic examination and/or typical CT images of HCC.

Main Outcomes and Measures

HCC detection rates and false-positive findings of US vs MRI.

Results

A total of 407 eligible patients received 1100 screenings with paired US and MRI. Hepatocellular carcinomas were diagnosed in 43 patients: 1 detected by US only, 26 by MRI only, 11 by both, and 5 were missed by both. The HCC detection rate of MRI was 86.0% (37/43), significantly higher than the 27.9% (12/43) of US (P < .001). Magnetic resonance imaging showed a significantly lower rate of false-positive findings than US (3.0% vs 5.6%; P = .004). Of the 43 patients with HCC, 32 (74.4%) had very early-stage HCC (a single nodule <2 cm), and 29 (67.4%) received curative treatments. The 3-year survival rate of the patients with HCC (86.0%) was not inferior to those without HCC (94.2%; hazard ratio, 2.26; 95% CI, 0.92-5.56; P = .08).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with cirrhosis at high-risk of HCC, screening that used MRI with liver-specific contrast resulted in a higher HCC detection rate and lower false-positive findings compared with US. With MRI screening, most of the cancers detected were at very early stage, which was associated with a high chance of curative treatments and favorable survival of patients. Whether surveillance with MRI would reduce mortality from HCC in high-risk patients requires further investigation.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01446666.

The Impact of Early Dermatologic Events in the Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The presence of dermatologic reaction as an adverse event to sorafenib treatment in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma has been indicated as a prognostic factor for survival in a recent prospective analysis. To date, this is the only clinical predictor of treatment response, which can be evaluated earlier in the treatment and, therefore, contribute to a better and more individualized patient management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 127 patients treated with sorafenib under real-life practice conditions in two hepatology reference centers in Brazil. Demographic data, disease/medical history and time of sorafenib administration as well as adverse events related to the medication were recorded in a database.

RESULTS

Cirrhosis was present in 94% of patients, 85.6% were Child-Pugh A, 80.3%BCLC-C, 81% had vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread and 95% had a performance status 0 to 1.The median duration of treatment was 10.1 months (range: 0.1-47 months).The most common adverse event within the first 60 days of treatment were diarrhea (62.2%) and dermatological reaction (42%).The median overall survival for the cohort was 20 months, and it was higher for patients who developed dermatological reactions within the first 60 days compared to those who did not present this adverse event.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis showed the use of sorafenib in patients selected according to BCLC staging, and it is the first external validation of early dermatologic adverse events as a predictor of overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cost-effectiveness of EOB-MRI for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Japan

PURPOSE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan compared with extracellular contrast media-enhanced MRI (ECCM-MRI) and contrast media-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) scanning.

METHODS

A 6-stage Markov model was developed to estimate lifetime direct costs and clinical outcomes associated with EOB-MRI. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, along with clinical data on HCC survival, recurrence, treatment patterns, costs, and health state utility values, were derived from predominantly Japanese publications. Parameters unavailable from publications were estimated in a Delphi panel of Japanese clinical experts who also confirmed the structure and overall approach of the model. Sensitivity analyses, including one-way, probabilistic, and scenario analyses, were conducted to account for uncertainty in the results.

FINDINGS

Over a lifetime horizon, EOB-MRI was associated with lower direct costs (¥2,174,869) and generated a greater number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (9.502) than either ECCM-MRI (¥2,365,421, 9.303 QALYs) or CE-CT (¥2,482,608, 9.215 QALYs). EOB-MRI was superior to the other diagnostic strategies considered, and this finding was robust over sensitivity and scenario analyses. A majority of the direct costs associated with HCC in Japan were found to be costs of treatment. The model results revealed the superior cost-effectiveness of the EOB-MRI diagnostic strategy compared with ECCM-MRI and CE-CT.

IMPLICATIONS

EOB-MRI could be the first-choice imaging modality for medical care of HCC among patients with hepatitis or liver cirrhosis in Japan. Widespread implementation of EOB-MRI could reduce health care expenditures, particularly downstream treatment costs, associated with HCC.

Tailored algorithms for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: Is one-size-fits-all strategy outdated?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Current clinical practice guidelines recommend regular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance with biannual ultrasound with or without serum alpha-fetoprotein uniformly applied to all patients with cirrhosis. However, clinical implementation of this one-size-fits-all strategy has been challenging as evidenced by very low application rate below 20% due to various reasons, including suboptimal performance of the surveillance modalities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Newly emerging imaging techniques such as abbreviated MRI (AMRI) and molecular HCC risk biomarkers have increasingly become available for clinical evaluation and implementation. These technologies may have a potential to reshape HCC surveillance by enabling tailored strategies. This would involve performing optimized surveillance tests according to individual HCC risk, and allocating limited medical resources for HCC surveillance based on cost-effectiveness.

SUMMARY

Tailored HCC surveillance could lead to achievement of precision HCC care and substantial improvement of the current dismal patient prognosis.

Changes in the Glycosylation of Kininogen and the Development of a Kininogen-Based Algorithm for the Early Detection of HCC

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the greatest increase in mortality among all solids tumors in the United States related to low rates of early tumor detection. Development of noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of HCC may reduce HCC-related mortality.Methods: We have developed an algorithm that combines routinely observed clinical values into a single equation that in a study of >3,000 patients from 5 independent sites improved detection of HCC as compared with the currently used biomarker, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), by 4% to 20%. However, this algorithm had limited benefit in those with AFP <20 ng/mL. To that end, we have developed a secondary algorithm that incorporates a marker, fucosylated kininogen, to improve the detection of HCC, especially in those with AFP <20 ng/mL and early-stage disease.Results: The ability to detect early-stage AFP-negative (AFP <20 ng/mL) HCC increased from 0% (AFP alone) to 89% (for the new algorithm). Glycan analysis revealed that kininogen has several glycan modifications that have been associated with HCC, but often not with specific proteins, including increased levels of core and outer-arm fucosylation and increased branching.Conclusions: An algorithm combining fucosylated kininogen, AFP, and clinical characteristics is highly accurate for early HCC detection.Impact: Our biomarker algorithm could significantly improve early HCC detection and curative treatment eligibility in patients with cirrhosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 795-803. ©2017 AACR.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cirrhotic liver: diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and evaluation of response to treatment - Part 1

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modern gold standard for the noninvasive evaluation of the cirrhotic liver. The combination of arterial phase hyperenhancement and delayed wash-out allows a definitive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis or chronic liver disease, without the requirement for confirmatory biopsy. That pattern is highly specific and has been endorsed in Western and Asian diagnostic guidelines. However, the sensitivity of the combination is relatively low for small HCCs. In this two-part review paper, we will address MRI of the cirrhotic liver. In this first part, we provide a brief background on liver cirrhosis and HCC, followed by descriptions of imaging surveillance of liver cirrhosis and the diagnostic performance of the different imaging modalities used in clinical settings. We then describe some of the requirements for the basic MRI technique, as well as the standard MRI protocol, and provide a detailed description of the appearance of various types of hepatocellular nodules encountered in the setting of the carcinogenic pathway in the cirrhotic liver, ranging from regenerative nodules to HCC.

Comparison of hepatic MDCT, MRI, and DSA to explant pathology for the detection and treatment planning of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims

The diagnosis and treatment plan for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be made from radiologic imaging. However, lesion detection may vary depending on the imaging modality. This study aims to evaluate the sensitivities of hepatic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the detection of HCC and the consequent management impact on potential liver transplant patients.

Methods

One hundred and sixteen HCC lesions were analyzed in 41 patients who received an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). All of the patients underwent pretransplantation hepatic DSA, MDCT, and/or MRI. The imaging results were independently reviewed retrospectively in a blinded fashion by two interventional and two abdominal radiologists. The liver explant pathology was used as the gold standard for assessing each imaging modality.

Results

The sensitivity for overall HCC detection was higher for cross-sectional imaging using MRI (51.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]=36.2-58.4%) and MDCT (49.8%, 95% CI=43.7-55.9%) than for DSA (41.7%, 95% CI=36.2-47.3%) (P=0.05). The difference in false-positive rate was not statistically significant between MRI (22%), MDCT (29%), and DSA (29%) (P=0.67). The sensitivity was significantly higher for detecting right lobe lesions than left lobe lesions for all modalities (MRI: 56.1% vs. 43.1%, MDCT: 55.0% vs. 42.0%, and DSA: 46.9% vs. 33.9%; all P<0.01). The sensitivities of the three imaging modalities were also higher for lesions ≥2 cm vs. <2 cm (MRI: 73.4% vs. 32.7%, MDCT: 66.9% vs. 33.8%, and DSA: 62.2% vs. 24.1%; all P<0.01). The interobserver correlation was rated as very good to excellent.

Conclusion

The sensitivity for detecting HCC is higher for MRI and MDCT than for DSA, and so cross-sectional imaging modalities should be used to evaluate OLT candidacy.

Comparison between Computer Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) less than 2 cm in diameter generally demonstrate a good outcome after curative therapy. However, the diagnosis of small HCC can be problematic and requires one or more dynamic imaging modalities. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity and agreement between CT and MRI for the diagnosis of small HCCs.

Methods:

CT and/or MRI scans of HCCs (1-2 cm) diagnosed by histopathology or typical vascular pattern according to the 2005 AASLD criteria were blindly reviewed by an abdominal radiologist. The reports were defined as conclusive/typical when arterial enhancement and washout during the portal/delayed phases were observed and as inconclusive when typical vascular patterns were not observed. The sensitivity and Cohen’s kappa (k) for agreement were calculated.

Results:

In 27 patients, 27 HCC nodules (1-2 cm) were included. Diagnosis with a single-imaging modality (CT or MRI) was 81 % versus 48 % (p = 0.01). The CT sensitivity was significantly higher than MRI (78 % versus 52 %, p = 0.04). Among 27 nodules that underwent both CT and MRI, a discordance in typical enhancement patterns was found (k = 0.319, p = 0.05). In cases with inconclusive CT results, MRI gave only an additional 3.7 % sensitivity to reach a diagnosis. In contrast, further CT imaging following inconclusive MRI results gave an additional 29.6 % sensitivity.

Conclusions:

A single typical imaging modality is sufficient to diagnose small HCCs. Compared with MRI, multiphasic CT has a higher sensitivity. The limitations of MRI could be explained by the greater need for patient cooperation and the types of MRI contrast agent.

Hepatocellular carcinoma screening and surveillance in 2293 chronic hepatitis B patients in an endemic area

AIM

To determine the role of screening and surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

METHODS

We recruited 2293 CHB patients (both males and females; aged 20-65 years). All patients were screened and underwent surveillance using abdominal ultrasonography (AUS) and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay every 6 mo. The diagnosis, staging and treatment of HCC followed the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases practice guidelines and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines. The exclusion criteria included: decompensated cirrhosis; a history of any cancer in the last 5 years; previous antiviral treatment for CHB; concurrent infection with hepatitis C virus or human immunodeficiency virus; a Karnofsky Performance Status score < 60%; or any medical condition preventing eligibility to complete the protocol. The prevalence and incidence rates of HCC were determined; survival rates were calculated at 3-year post HCC diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated on a per-patient basis.

RESULTS

Among 2293 treatment-naïve CHB patients, seven cases had HCC at initial screening, giving a prevalence rate of 305 per 100000 persons; 3.3% were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, all of which were Child-Pugh class A. With a median follow-up time of 42 (range, 3-48) mo, 10 additional cases were diagnosed with HCC, resulting in an incidence rate of 143 per 100000 persons per year. This burden was as high as that reported in other studies from East Asian countries. All HCC patients were aged ≥ 40 years. Most were at an early stage (Stage 0, A or B); 14/17 cases were successfully treated with surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation, with a high 3-year survival rate of 90%. Hemangioma was the most common focal liver lesion in CHB patients detected by AUS; the main causes of AFP elevation at the initial screening were cirrhosis, increased alanine aminotransferase level and HCC. AUS detected 16/17 HCC cases whereas AFP levels ≥ 20 μg/L at diagnosis were observed in only 7/17 patients, most with a tumor size > 5 cm. For HCC screening and surveillance, AUS had a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 82%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of AFP at a cut-off value of ≥ 20 μg/L were 41% and 98%, respectively. Combined use of AUS and AFP assay did not improve effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of active screening and surveillance using AUS to detect early-stage HCC in naïve CHB patients aged ≥ 40 years in an endemic area is of benefit.

Diffusion-weighted MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma screening in chronic liver disease: Direct comparison with ultrasound screening

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound is a widely utilized method of screening patients with chronic liver disease for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the sensitivity of ultrasound for small tumours is limited. We have prospectively compared ultrasound screening with diffusion-weighted (DWI) MRI for detecting HCC.

METHODS

Patients with chronic liver disease referred for ultrasound screening underwent a liver ultrasound and a liver MRI comprising free breathing DWI. Each test was independently read to determine the accuracy of each modality for detecting HCC.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-two patients were recruited and HCC was diagnosed in six patients (3%); all of whom were detected at ultrasound screening, and five detected at MRI screening. Ultrasound had false-positive studies 20 times (10%) while DWI MRI had three false-positive examinations (2%) p≥0.05. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values for ultrasound are 100%, 90%, 23% and 100%, respectively, while for MRI are 83%, 98%, 63% and 99%.

CONCLUSION

In patients with chronic liver disease undergoing surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma, DWI MRI screening shows similar sensitivity to screening ultrasound but with a significantly lower false-positive rate.

Brazilian society of hepatology recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy of global importance and is associated with a high rate of mortality. Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease make it imperative to update the recommendations on the management of the disease. In order to draw evidence-based recommendations concering the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology has sponsored a single-topic meeting in João Pessoa (PB). All the invited pannelists were asked to make a systematic review of the literature and to present topics related to the risk factors for its development, methods of screening, radiological diagnosis, staging systems, curative and palliative treatments and hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic liver. After the meeting, all panelists gathered together for the discussion of the topics and the elaboration of those recommendations. The text was subsequently submitted for suggestions and approval of all members of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology through its homepage. The present paper is the final version of the reviewed manuscript containing the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology.

Review of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who require a liver transplant

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to retrospectively compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and contrast-enhanced MRI in cirrhotic patients who were candidates for liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 273 consecutive patients with 218 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules, who underwent imaging and subsequent transplantation, were examined. Diagnosis of HCC was based on explant correlation of the whole liver. Three different imaging data sets were evaluated: US, MDCT and MRI unenhanced and dynamic phases. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, were determined. Statistical analysis was performed for all lesions and for two lesion subgroups (≤2 and >2 cm). Preoperative tumour staging was analysed.

RESULTS

Patient sensitivity to US, MDCT and MRI was 80.4, 81.1 and 90.5%, respectively. Specificity was 96.3, 96.2 and 82.1%. Combined US and MDCT improved sensitivity (88%) without significant loss in specificity (95.7%). Imaging tests resulted in accurate tumour staging in 83.4% of the patients. In per-nodule analysis, technique sensitivity was 55.6, 52.4 and 65.9%, respectively. Sensitivity figures improved when the nodule was larger than 2 cm.

CONCLUSION

Combining imaging techniques is a good strategy for pretransplant HCC diagnosis and provides more accurate cancer staging in patients, which is necessary to decide the correct therapeutic approach.

Development of Bifunctional Gadolinium-Labeled Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles (Gd-MnMEIO) for In Vivo MR Imaging of the Liver in an Animal Model

Liver tumors are common and imaging methods, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play an important role in their non-invasive diagnosis. Previous studies have shown that detection of liver tumors can be improved by injection of two different MR contrast agents. Here, we developed a new contrast agent, Gd-manganese-doped magnetism-engineered iron oxide (Gd-MnMEIO), with enhancement effects on both T1- and T2-weighted MR images of the liver. A 3.0T clinical MR scanner equipped with transmit/receiver coil for mouse was used to obtain both T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo and T2-weighted fast spin-echo axial images of the liver before and after intravenous contrast agent injection into Balb/c mice with and without tumors. After pre-contrast scanning, six mice per group were intravenously injected with 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-MnMEIO, or the control agents, i.e., Gd-DTPA or SPIO. The scanning time points for T1-weighted images were 0.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min after contrast administration. The post-enhanced T2-weighted images were then acquired immediately after T1-weighted acquisition. We found that T1-weighted images were positively enhanced by both Gd-DTPA and Gd-MnMEIO and negatively enhanced by SPIO. The enhancement by both Gd-DTPA and Gd-MnMEIO peaked at 0.5 min and gradually declined thereafter. Gd-MnMEIO (like Gd-DTPA) enhanced T1-weighted images and (like SPIO) T2-weighted images. Marked vascular enhancement was clearly visible on dynamic T1-weighted images with Gd-MnMEIO. In addition, the T2 signal was significantly decreased at 30 min after administration of Gd-MnMEIO. Whereas the effects of Gd-MnMEIO and SPIO on T2-weighted images were similar (p = 0.5824), those of Gd-MnMEIO and Gd-DTPA differed, with Gd-MnMEIO having a significant T2 contrast effect (p = 0.0086). Our study confirms the feasibility of synthesizing an MR contrast agent with both T1 and T2 shortening effects and using such an agent in vivo. This agent enables tumor detection and characterization in single liver MRI sections.

Current trends and recent advances in diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been one of the most fatal malignant tumors worldwide and its associated morbidity and mortality remain of significant concern. Based on in-depth reviews of serological diagnosis of HCC, in addition to AFP, there are other biomarkers: Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP (AFP-L3), des- carboxyprothrombin (DCP), tyrosine kinase with Ig and eprdermal growth factor (EGF) homology domains 2 (TIE2)-espressing monocytes (TEMs), glypican-3 (GPC3), Golgi protein 73 (GP73), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) have been proposed as biomarkers for the early detection of HCC. The diagnosis of HCC is primarily based on noninvasive standard imaging methods, such as ultrasound (US), dynamic multiphasic multidetector-row CT (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some experts advocate gadolinium diethyl-enetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) MRI and contrast-enhanced US as the promising imaging madalities of choice. With regard to recent advancements in tissue markers, many cuting-edge technologies using genome-wide DNA microarrays, qRT-PCR, and proteomic and inmunostaining studies have been implemented in an attempt to identify markers for early diagnosis of HCC. Only less than half of HCC patients at initial diagnosis are at an early stage treatable with curative options: local ablation, surgical resection, or liver transplant. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered the standard of care with palliation for intermediate stage HCC. Recent innovative procedures using drug-eluting-beads and radioembolization using Yttrium-90 may exhibit beneficial effects in HCC treatment. During the past few years, several molecular targeted agents have been evaluated in clinical trials in advanced HCC. Sorafenib is currently the only approved systemic treatment for HCC. It has been approved for the therapy of asymptomatic HCC patients with well-preserved liver function who are not candidates for potentially curative treatments, such as surgical resection or liver transplantation. In the USA, Europe and particularly Japan, hepatitis C virus (HCV) related HCC accounts for most liver cancer, as compared with Asia-Pacific regions, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) may play a more important role in HCC development. HBV vaccination, while a vaccine is not yet available against HCV, has been recognized as a best primary prevention method for HBV-related HCC, although in patients already infected with HBV or HCV, secondary prevention with antiviral therapy is still a reasonable strategy. In addition to HBV and HCV, attention should be paid to other relevant HCC risk factors, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to obesity and diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged aflatoxin exposure. Interestingly, coffee and vitamin K2 have been proven to provide protective effects against HCC. Regarding tertiary prevention of HCC recurrence after surgical resection, addition of antiviral treatment has proven to be a rational strategy.

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Elaboration on Korean Liver Cancer Study Group-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guidelines Compared with Other Guidelines and Remaining Issues

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be diagnosed based on characteristic findings of arterial-phase enhancement and portal/delayed "washout" in cirrhotic patients. Several countries and major academic societies have proposed varying specific diagnostic criteria for HCC, largely reflecting the variable HCC prevalence in different regions and ethnic groups, as well as different practice patterns. In 2014, a new version of Korean practice guidelines for management of HCC was released by the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group (KLCSG) and the National Cancer Center (NCC). According to the KLCSG-NCC Korea practice guidelines, if the typical hallmark of HCC (i.e., hypervascularity in the arterial phase with washout in the portal or 3 min-delayed phases) is identified in a nodule ≥ 1 cm in diameter on either dynamic CT, dynamic MRI, or MRI using hepatocyte-specific contrast agent in high-risk groups, a diagnosis of HCC is established. In addition, the KLCSG-NCC Korea practice guidelines provide criteria to diagnose HCC for subcentimeter hepatic nodules according to imaging findings and tumor marker, which has not been addressed in other guidelines such as Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and European Association for the Study of the Liver. In this review, we briefly review the new HCC diagnostic criteria endorsed by the 2014 KLCSG-NCC Korea practice guidelines, in comparison with other recent guidelines; we furthermore address several remaining issues in noninvasive diagnosis of HCC, including prerequisite of sonographic demonstration of nodules, discrepancy between transitional phase and delayed phase, and implementation of ancillary features for HCC diagnosis.

Hepatitis-Associated Liver Cancer: Gaps and Opportunities to Improve Care

The global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; primary liver cancer) is increasing. HCC is often unaccompanied by clear symptomatology, causing patients to be unaware of their disease. Moreover, effective treatment for those with advanced disease is lacking. As such, effective surveillance and early detection of HCC are essential. However, current screening and surveillance guidelines are not being fully implemented. Some at-risk populations fall outside of the guidelines, and patients who are screened are often not diagnosed at an early enough stage for treatment to be effective. From March 17 to 19, 2015, the Hepatitis B Foundation sponsored a workshop to identify gaps and limitations in current approaches to the detection and treatment of HCC and to define research priorities and opportunities for advocacy. In this Commentary, we summarize areas for further research and action that were discussed throughout the workshop to improve the recognition of liver disease generally, improve the recognition of liver cancer risk, and improve the recognition that screening for HCC makes a life-saving difference. Participants agreed that primary prevention of HCC relies on prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis and other underlying etiologies. Earlier diagnosis (secondary prevention) needs to be substantially improved. Areas for attention include increasing practitioner awareness, better definition of at-risk populations, and improved performance of screening approaches (ultrasound, biomarkers for detection, risk stratification, targeted therapies). The heterogeneous nature of HCC makes it unlikely that a single therapeutic agent will be universally effective. Medical management will benefit from the development of new, targeted treatment approaches.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization as an examination method for hepatocellular carcinoma undetected by B-mode ultrasound, computed tomography and digital subtratcion angiography: A case report

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the conventional treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but few studies to date have demonstrated the use of TACE as an examination method for uneasily detected HCC. The present study describes an unusual case of HCC with TACE as an examination method. A 41-year-old male presented with an elevated α-fetoprotein level (AFP) of 3,635 ng/ml, however, no tumor lesions were detected by B-mode ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or digital subtraction angiography. During TACE treatment, two tumor lesions of ~0.5 and 0.8 cm were revealed in the right liver lobe, with no tumors in the left liver lobe. A month after TACE, a liver CT scan found 11 lesions (8 in the right liver lobe and 3 in the left liver lobe). The HCC patient's AFP levels decreased to an almost normal level following the TACE treatment. This study provokes consideration of the application of TACE in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC patients with liver lesions that are hard to detect by conventional means.

Can we use HCC risk scores to individualize surveillance in chronic hepatitis B infection?

Chronic hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Accurate prediction of HCC risk is important for decisions on antiviral therapy and HCC surveillance. In the last few years, a number of Asian groups have derived and validated several HCC risk scores based on well-known risk factors such as cirrhosis, age, male sex and high viral load. Overall, these scores have high negative predictive values of over 95% in excluding HCC development in 3 to 10 years. The REACH-B score was derived from a community cohort of non-cirrhotic patients and is better applied in the primary care setting. In contrast, the GAG-HCC and CU-HCC scores were derived from hospital cohorts and include cirrhosis as a major integral component. While the latter scores may be more applicable to patients at specialist clinics, the diagnosis of cirrhosis based on routine imaging and clinical parameters can be inaccurate. To this end, recent developments in non-invasive tests of liver fibrosis may further refine the risk prediction. The application of HCC risk scores in patients on antiviral therapy and in other ethnic groups should be evaluated in future studies.

MRI of hepatocellular carcinoma: an update of current practices

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and liver transplantation is the optimal treatment for selected patients with HCC and chronic liver disease (CLD). Accurate selection of patients for transplantation is essential to maximize patient outcomes and ensure optimized allocation of donor organs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool for the detection, characterization, and staging of HCC. In patients with CLD, the MRI findings of an arterial-enhancing mass with subsequent washout and enhancing capsule on delayed interstitial phase images are diagnostic for HCC. Major organizations with oversight for organ donor distribution, such as The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), accept an imaging diagnosis of HCC, no longer requiring tissue biopsy. In patients that are awaiting transplantation, or are not candidates for liver transplantation, localized therapies such as transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation may be offered. MRI can be used to monitor treatment response. The purpose of this review article is to describe the role of imaging methods in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of HCC, with particular emphasis on established and evolving MRI techniques employing nonspecific gadolinium chelates, hepatobiliary contrast agents, and diffusion weighted imaging. We also briefly review the recently developed Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) formulating a standardized terminology and reporting structure for evaluation of lesions detected in patients with CLD.

Guide for diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ranked as the 5^th common type of cancer worldwide and is considered as the 3^rd common reason for cancer-related deaths. HCC often occurs on top of a cirrhotic liver. The prognosis is determined by several factors; tumour extension, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration, histologic subtype of the tumour, degree of liver dysfunction, and the patient’s performance status. HCC prognosis is strongly correlated with diagnostic delay. To date, no ideal screening modality has been developed. Analysis of recent studies showed that AFP assessment lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity for effective surveillance and diagnosis. Many tumour markers have been tested in clinical trials without progressing to routine use in clinical practice. Thus, surveillance is still based on ultrasound (US) examination every 6 mo. Imaging studies for diagnosis of HCC can fall into one of two main categories: routine non-invasive studies such as US, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, and more specialized invasive techniques including CT during hepatic arteriography and CT arterial portography in addition to the conventional hepatic angiography. This article provides an overview and spotlight on the different diagnostic modalities and treatment options of HCC.

Imaging Techniques for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several imaging modalities are available for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PURPOSE

To evaluate the test performance of imaging modalities for HCC.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (1998 to December 2014), the Cochrane Library Database, Scopus, and reference lists.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies on test performance of ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

DATA EXTRACTION

One investigator abstracted data, and a second investigator confirmed them; 2 investigators independently assessed study quality and strength of evidence.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Few studies have evaluated imaging for HCC in surveillance settings. In nonsurveillance settings, sensitivity for detection of HCC lesions was lower for ultrasonography without contrast than for CT or MRI (pooled difference based on direct comparisons, 0.11 to 0.22), and MRI was associated with higher sensitivity than CT (pooled difference, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.07 to 12]). For evaluation of focal liver lesions, there were no clear differences in sensitivity among ultrasonography with contrast, CT, and MRI. Specificity was generally 0.85 or higher across imaging modalities, but this item was not reported in many studies. Factors associated with lower sensitivity included use of an explanted liver reference standard, and smaller or more well-differentiated HCC lesions. For MRI, sensitivity was slightly higher for hepatic-specific than nonspecific contrast agents.

LIMITATIONS

Only English-language articles were included, there was statistical heterogeneity in pooled analyses, and costs were not assessed. Most studies were conducted in Asia and had methodological limitations.

CONCLUSION

CT and MRI are associated with higher sensitivity than ultrasonography without contrast for detection of HCC; sensitivity was higher for MRI than CT. For evaluation of focal liver lesions, the sensitivities of ultrasonography with contrast, CT, and MRI for HCC are similar.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (

PROSPERO

CRD42014007016).

Hepatocellular carcinoma: From diagnosis to treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide and is a rising cause of cancer related mortality. Risk factors for HCC are well documented and effective surveillance and early diagnosis allow for curative therapies. The majority of HCC appears to be caused by cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. Preventive strategies include vaccination programs and anti-viral treatments. Surveillance with ultrasonography detects early stage disease and improves survival rates. Many treatment options exist for individuals with HCC and are determined by stage of presentation. Liver transplantation is offered to patients who are within the Milan criteria and are not candidates for hepatic resection. In patients with advanced stage disease, sorafenib shows some survival benefit.

Imagiological Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases - Diagnostic Criteria of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of neoplastic morbidity and mortality worldwide, and despite recent treatment advances, the prognosis remains dismal, with a 5-year mortality rate of 85%.

The surveillance and timely diagnosis is therefore of crucial importance in order to improve survival rates and alleviate the health burden imposed by the HCC.

Previously, HCC diagnosis warranted liver biopsy, an invasive process with limited diagnostic accuracy. In the past 15 years, HCC diagnosis based solely on imaging criteria was accepted by all the major national and international guidelines, and is now widely employed across the globe.

Current European guidelines for the HCC diagnosis support the use of both dynamic contrasted computer tomography as well as magnetic resonance imaging for the non-invasive diagnosis of HCC for nodules >1 cm in a cirrhotic liver. The non-invasive diagnosis of HCC depends on radiological hallmarks, such as homogeneous contrast uptake during the arterial phase and wash-out during the venous and late phases, but while such tumoral behaviour is frequent in nodules >2 cm, high-end equipment and superior expertise is often needed for the correct diagnosis of early HCC.

Nevertheless, the accuracy of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of HCC is permanently improving, and supports the progressively reduced need for liver biopsy during liver nodule workout in a cirrhotic liver.

Diagnostic per-patient accuracy of an abbreviated hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the per-patient diagnostic performance of an abbreviated gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI protocol for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective review identified 298 consecutive patients at risk for HCC enrolled in a gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI-based HCC surveillance program. For each patient, the first gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI was analyzed. To simulate an abbreviated protocol, two readers independently read two image sets per patient: set 1 consisted of T1-weighted 20-minute hepatobiliary phase and T2-weighted single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) images; set 2 included diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and images from set 1. Image sets were scored as positive or negative according to the presence of at least one nodule 10 mm or larger that met the predetermined criteria. Agreement was assessed using Cohen kappa statistics. A composite reference standard was used to determine the diagnostic performance of each image set for each reader. RESULTS. Interreader agreement was substantial for both image sets (κ = 0.72 for both) and intrareader agreement was excellent (κ = 0.97-0.99). Reader performance for image set 1 was sensitivity of 85.7% for reader A and 79.6% for reader B, specificity of 91.2% for reader A and 95.2% for reader B, and negative predictive value of 97.0% for reader A and 96.0% for reader B. Reader performance for image set 2 was nearly identical, with only one of 298 examinations scored differently on image set 2 compared with set 1. CONCLUSION. An abbreviated MRI protocol consisting of T2-weighted SSFSE and gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase has high negative predictive value and may be an acceptable method for HCC surveillance. The inclusion of a DWI sequence did not significantly alter the diagnostic performance of the abbreviated protocol.

Atypical magnetic resonance imaging findings in hepatocellular carcinoma

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the modality of choice to evaluate liver lesions in patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis B and C. Hepatocellular carcinoma demonstrates typical imaging findings on contrast-enhanced MRI, which are usually diagnostic. Unfortunately, a subgroup of hepatocellular carcinoma presents with atypical imaging features, and awareness of these atypical presentations is important in ensuring early diagnosis and optimal patient outcomes. Herein, we review some of the more common atypical presentations with a focus on MRI.