151
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Lai Q, Vitale A. Transplantation for hepatocellular cancer: pushing to the limits? Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:61. [PMID: 30363754 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2018.09.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Milan criteria (MC) represents the cornerstone in the selection of patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) waiting for liver transplantation (LT). MC represent the precursor of the scores based on the idea of "utility": in other terms, the scoring systems typically used in the field of LT oncology present the exclusive aim of selecting the cases with the best post-LT outcomes. However, some other scores have been proposed specifically investigating the risk of death or tumour progression during the waiting list. In this case, the selection process is connected with the idea of "priority": patients at higher risk for drop-out (DO) should be selected, prioritising them or, conversely, deciding to de-list them due to the high risk of post-LT futile transplant. Lastly, models based on the concept of "benefit", namely the balancing between priority and utility, have been recently created. The present review aims to examine these three different types of scoring systems, trying to underline their pro and cons in the allocation process of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quirino Lai
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University, Padua, Italy
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152
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Toso C, Meeberg G, Andres A, Shore C, Saunders C, Bigam DL, Shapiro AMJ, Compagnon P, Berney T, Majno P, Kneteman N. Downstaging prior to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: advisable but at the price of an increased risk of cancer recurrence - a retrospective study. Transpl Int 2018; 32:163-172. [PMID: 30152891 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of downstaging prior to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still needs refinement. This study included patients with HCC listed for transplantation according to the Total Tumour Volume (TTV) ≤115 cm3 and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) ≤400 ng/ml criteria, with and without previous downstaging. Overall, 455 patients were listed, and 286 transplanted. Post-transplant follow-up was 38.5 ± 1.7 months. Patients downstaged to TTV115/AFP400 (n = 29) demonstrated similar disease-free survivals (DFS, 74% vs. 80% at 5 years, P = 0.949), but a trend to more recurrences (14% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.10) than those always within TTV115/AFP400 (n = 257). Similarly, patients downstaged to Milan criteria (n = 80) demonstrated similar DFS (76% vs. 86% at 5 years, P = 0.258), but more recurrences (11% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.001) than those always within Milan (n = 177). Among patients downstaged to Milan, those originally beyond TTV115/AFP400 (n = 27) had similar outcomes as those originally beyond Milan, but within TTV115/AFP400 (n = 53). However, the likelihood of being within Milan at transplant was lower for patients with more advanced original HCCs (P < 0.0001). Overall, despite an expected increase in post-transplant HCC recurrence, similar survivals can be achieved with and without downstaging, using the TTV115/AFP400 transplantation criteria, and including patients with advanced original HCCs. Downstaging should continue to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Toso
- Divisions of Transplant and Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Glenda Meeberg
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Axel Andres
- Divisions of Transplant and Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carolina Shore
- Divisions of Transplant and Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Colleen Saunders
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David L Bigam
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Philippe Compagnon
- Divisions of Transplant and Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Berney
- Divisions of Transplant and Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Majno
- Divisions of Transplant and Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Norman Kneteman
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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153
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Pavel MC, Fuster J. Expansion of the hepatocellular carcinoma Milan criteria in liver transplantation: Future directions. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:3626-3636. [PMID: 30166858 PMCID: PMC6113720 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i32.3626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Milan criteria are currently the benchmark related to liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, several groups have proposed different expanded criteria with acceptable results. In this article, we review the current status of LT beyond the Milan criteria in three different scenarios-expanded criteria with cadaveric LT, downstaging to Milan criteria before LT, and expansion in the context of adult living donor LT. The review focuses on three main questions: what would the impact of the expansion beyond Milan criteria be on the patients on the waiting list; whether the dichotomous criteria (yes/no) currently used are appropriate for LT or continuous survival estimations, such as the one of “Metroticket” and whether it should enter into the clinical practice; and, whether the use of living donor LT in the context of expansion beyond Milan criteria is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai-Calin Pavel
- HepatoBilioPancreatic Surgery and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases Institute, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Josep Fuster
- HepatoBilioPancreatic Surgery and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases Institute, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
- Barcelona-Clínic Liver Cancer Group (BCLC), Liver Unit, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBEREHD, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
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154
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Cascales-Campos PA, Ramírez P, González-Sánchez MR, Alconchel F, Martínez-Insfran LA, Sánchez-Bueno F, Robles R, Pons JA, Vargas Á, Sanmartín J, Royo-Villanova M, Parrilla P. Orthotopic Liver Transplantation With Elderly Donors (Over 80 Years of Age): A Prospective Evaluation. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:3594-3600. [PMID: 30577243 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our main objective was to assess the clinical outcomes obtained in a single orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) hospital with donors ≥80 years of age compared to a control group of patients subjected to OLT during the same period of time with donors who were under 65 years of age. METHODS A prospective analysis was carried out on all the OLTs performed using liver grafts from donors in a state of brain death and with an age of ≥80 years (study group) between April 2007 and January 2015. The results of the study group (n = 36) were compared with those of a control group of patients less than 65 years of age receiving transplants with grafts. RESULTS A total of 51 potential donors ≥80 years were assessed, with a total of 36 liver transplants being carried out and their results were compared with a control group of 283 patients receiving transplants. The median follow-up time of the patients in the series was 36 months (range: 24-120 months). Graft survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 77%, 72%, and 62%, respectively, among the patients in the study group and 79%, 73%, and 65% among the patients in the control group, and there were no statistically significant differences. Patient survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 86%, 82%, and 75%, respectively, among the patients in the study group and 82%, 76%, and 72% among the patients in the control group, also without there being any statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS There is no age limit for liver transplant donors. The use of octogenarian donors makes it possible to increase the pool of donors while providing enough safety for the recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Cascales-Campos
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Ramírez
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - M R González-Sánchez
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Alconchel
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
| | - L A Martínez-Insfran
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Sánchez-Bueno
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - R Robles
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - J A Pons
- Department of Hepatology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Á Vargas
- Department of Hepatology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Sanmartín
- Intensive Care Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Royo-Villanova
- Intensive Care Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Parrilla
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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155
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Lai Q, Rossi M. Survivals after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Granular data for a better allocation process? Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:374-375. [PMID: 29866607 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Quirino Lai
- Hepato-bilio-pancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimo Rossi
- Hepato-bilio-pancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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156
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Llovet JM, Mazzaferro V, Piscaglia F, Raoul JL, Schirmacher P, Vilgrain V. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2018; 69:182-236. [PMID: 29628281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5211] [Impact Index Per Article: 868.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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157
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Pavel M, Sanchez Cabus S, Crespo G, Ferrer J, Fondevila C, Fuster J, Garcia-Valdecasas J. Role of Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Within and Beyond Milan Criteria: A Comparative Study. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:1386-1395. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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158
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Yilmaz C, Karaca CA, Iakobadze Z, Farajov R, Kilic K, Doganay L, Kilic M. Factors Affecting Recurrence and Survival After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:3571-3576. [PMID: 30577240 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver transplantation (LT) remains the best treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patient selection is crucial and debated ever since the emerging of the Milan criteria in 1996. As live-donor LT is being more routinely performed worldwide, numerous new and/or expansions of the original criteria have been suggested to allow more patients to benefit from this superior treatment modality. This study aims to contribute to the ever-growing data in search for better coverage of patients with acceptable outcomes. METHODS Medical recordings of 187 adult patients who underwent LT for HCC in a 6-year period were retrospectively collected. Patients were classified by Milan and University of California, San Francisco, criteria. Survival times as well as tumor, liver disease, and recurrence-related data were recorded for each patient and the outcomes were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Factors significantly affecting recurrence and survival were histologic differentiation, number and the size of the tumor, and the presence of vascular invasion. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels did not significantly affect outcomes. Among the patients exceeding both of the criteria, having a total tumor size of less than 160 mm was significantly associated with better outcomes (P = .007). CONCLUSION HCC patients having tumors with vascular invasion, poor differentiation, exceeding 6 in number and 160 mm in total diameter demonstrate higher recurrence rates and worse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yilmaz
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Izmir Kent Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - C A Karaca
- Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Z Iakobadze
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Izmir Kent Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - R Farajov
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Izmir Kent Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - K Kilic
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Izmir Kent Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - L Doganay
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Izmir Kent Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - M Kilic
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Izmir Kent Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
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159
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Utility of Tumor Burden Score to Stratify Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Cancer: Results of 4759 Cases from ITA.LI.CA Study Group. J Gastrointest Surg 2018; 22:859-871. [PMID: 29352441 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-018-3688-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dichotomous models like Milan Criteria represent the routinely used tools for predicting the outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, a paradigm shift from a dichotomous to continuous prognostic stratification should represent a good strategy for improving the prediction process. Recently, the tumor burden score (TBS) has been proposed for selecting patients with colorectal liver metastases. To date, TBS has not been validated in a large HCC population. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic power of TBS in an HCC population treated with different curative and palliative modalities. METHODS Prospectively collected data from consecutive HCC patients managed in 24 institutions participating in the ITA.LI.CA group between Jan 2002 and Mar 2015 were analyzed (n = 4759). A sub-analysis focused on 3909 patients with the radiological evidence of vascular invasion or metastatic disease was also performed. RESULTS TBS demonstrated the best discriminative ability when compared to MC and other tumor-specific scores. At multivariable Cox regression analysis, TBS was an independent risk factor of overall survival, with a 6% increased risk for patient death for each point increase in TBS. At survival analysis, when TBS ≥ 8 was connected with MELD ≥ 15 and alpha-fetoprotein ≥ 1000 ng/mL, patients presenting all these three risk factors presented the worst results (p value < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Survival prediction of HCC patients was very well done using TBS model, even stratifying the population in relation to the presence of metastases and/or vascular invasion. TBS model was the best in terms of discriminatory ability and goodness of fit when compared with other continuous or binary variables. Its incorporation in a model composed by tumor- and liver function-related variables further increases its survival prediction.
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160
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma appears frequently in patients with cirrhosis. Surveillance by biannual ultrasound is recommended for such patients because it allows diagnosis at an early stage, when effective therapies are feasible. The best candidates for resection are patients with a solitary tumour and preserved liver function. Liver transplantation benefits patients who are not good candidates for surgical resection, and the best candidates are those within Milan criteria (solitary tumour ≤5 cm or up to three nodules ≤3 cm). Image-guided ablation is the most frequently used therapeutic strategy, but its efficacy is limited by the size of the tumour and its localisation. Chemoembolisation has survival benefit in asymptomatic patients with multifocal disease without vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread. Finally, sorafenib, lenvatinib, which is non-inferior to sorafenib, and regorafenib increase survival and are the standard treatments in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. This Seminar summarises the scientific evidence that supports the current recommendations for clinical practice, and discusses the areas in which more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Forner
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
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161
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Grąt K, Grąt M, Rowiński O, Patkowski W, Zieniewicz K, Pacho R. Accuracy of Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Milan Criteria in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:2002-2005. [PMID: 30177097 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.02.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite worldwide debate on optimal selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for liver transplantation, the Milan criteria remain the benchmark for comparisons. Moreover, morphologic tumor features are universally considered important in pretransplant patient evaluation. The aim of this study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy of multiphasic computed tomography (CT) in assessing HCC burden before liver transplantation with special reference to Milan criteria fulfillment. METHODS This retrospective study was based on a data from 27 HCC patients after liver transplantation with available CT performed within 30 days pretransplant. CT results were compared with explant pathology with respect to Milan criteria fulfillment, tumor number, and diameter of the largest tumor. RESULTS Out of 19 patients within the Milan criteria on CT, 3 fell beyond the criteria on explant pathology with a gross underestimation rate of 15.8%. Out of 8 patients beyond the Milan criteria on CT, 3 were within the criteria on explant pathology with a gross overestimation rate of 37.5%. Regarding tumor number, CT was accurate only in 14 patients (51.9%), while overestimation and underestimation occurred in 5 (18.5%) and 8 (29.6%) patients, respectively. Overestimation and underestimation of largest tumor size by at least 1 cm occurred in 4 (14.8%) and 7 (25.9%) patients, respectively. DISCUSSION Multiphasic CT is associated with a remarkable risk of both under- and overestimation of HCC burden before transplantation. Transplant eligibility should not be solely based on CT results.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Grąt
- 2nd Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - M Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - O Rowiński
- 2nd Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Patkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Zieniewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - R Pacho
- 2nd Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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162
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Llovet JM, Pavel M, Rimola J, Diaz MA, Colmenero J, Saavedra-Perez D, Fondevila C, Ayuso C, Fuster J, Ginès P, Bruix J, Garcia-Valdecasas JC. Pilot study of living donor liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma exceeding Milan Criteria (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer extended criteria). Liver Transpl 2018; 24:369-379. [PMID: 29140601 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A subset of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond Milan criteria might obtain acceptable survival outcomes after liver transplantation. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has emerged as a feasible alternative to overcome the paucity of donors. In 2001, we started a protocol for LDLT in Child A-B patients with HCC fulfilling a set of criteria-the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) expanded criteria-that expanded the conventional indications of transplantation: 1 tumor ≤ 7 cm, 5 tumors ≤ 3 cm, and 3 tumors ≤ 5 cm without macrovascular invasion or downstaging to Milan after locoregional therapies. We present a prospective cohort of 22 patients with BCLC extended indications based on size/number (n = 17) or downstaging (n = 5) treated with LDLT between 2001 and 2014. Characteristics of the patients were as follows: median age, 57 years old; males/female, n = 20/2; Child-Pugh A/B, n = 16/6; and alpha fetoprotein < 100 ng/mL, n = 21. Twelve patients received neoadjuvant locoregional therapies. At the time of transplantation, 12 patients had HCC staging beyond Milan criteria and 10 within. Pathological reports showed that 50% exceeded BCLC expanded criteria. Perioperative mortality was 0%. After a median follow-up of 81 months, the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival was 95.5%, 86.4%, 80.2%, and 66.8%, respectively. Overall, 7 patients recurred (range, 9-108 months), and the 5-year and 10-year actuarial recurrence rates were 23.8% and 44.4%, respectively. In conclusion, a proper selection of candidates for extended indications of LDLT for HCC patients provide survival outcomes comparable to those obtained within the Milan criteria, but these results need confirmation. Liver Transplantation 24 369-379 2018 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mihai Pavel
- Liver Transplant Unit, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Rimola
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Maria Alba Diaz
- Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Colmenero
- Liver Transplant Unit, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Unit, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | | | - Carmen Ayuso
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep Fuster
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Transplant Unit, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pere Ginès
- Liver Transplant Unit, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Unit, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Unit, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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163
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She WH, Chan ACY, Cheung TT, Lo CM, Chok KSH. Survival outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with normal, high and very high preoperative alpha-fetoprotein levels. World J Hepatol 2018; 10:308-318. [PMID: 29527266 PMCID: PMC5838449 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v10.i2.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the impact of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on long-term recurrence rate and overall survival and we also aimed to define the level of AFP leading to a higher risk of disease recurrence and affecting patient survival.
METHODS Data of adult patients who received liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at our hospital from January 2000 to December 2013 were reviewed. Reviewed data included demographic characteristics, preoperative AFP level, operative details, follow-up details, and survival outcomes. Patients were mostly listed for LT based on Milan or UCSF criteria. For the purpose of this study, normal AFP level was defined as AFP value < 10 ng/mL, high AFP level was defined as AFP value ≥ 10 to < 400 ng/mL, and very high AFP level was defined as AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL. The patients were divided into these 3 groups accordingly. Survival rates were plotted as Kaplan-Meier curves and compared by log-rank analysis. Continuous variables were expressed as median (interquartile range). Categorical variables were compared by Spearman’s test. Discriminative analysis was used to define the lowest value of AFP that could affect the overall survival in study population. Statistical significance was defined by a P value of < 0.05.
RESULTS Totally 250 adult patients underwent LT for HCC in the study period. Eight-four of them received deceased-donor LT and 166 had living-donor LT. The patients were divided into 3 groups: Group A, AFP < 10 ng/mL (n = 83); Group B, AFP ≥ 10 to < 400 ng/mL (n = 131); Group C, AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL (n = 36). The commonest etiology was hepatitis-B-related cirrhosis. The Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores in these groups were similar (median, 13 vs 13 vs 12; P = 0.745). The time to operation in Group A was longer (median, 94 vs 31 vs 35 d; P = 0.001). The groups were similar in hospital mortality (P = 0.626) and postoperative complication (P = 0.702). Pathology of explants showed that the 3 groups had similar numbers of tumor nodules, but the tumors in Group C were larger (A: 2.5 cm, B: 3.0 cm, C: 4.0 cm; P = 0.003). Group C had a bigger proportion of patients who were beyond Milan criteria (P = 0.010). Poor differentiation and vascular permeation were also more common in this group (P = 0.017 and P = 0.003 respectively). It also had poorer 5-year survival (A: 85.5%, B: 82.4%, C: 66%; P = 0.029). The 5-year disease-free survival was 84.3% in Group A, 80.1% in Group B, and 61.1% in Group C. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve for AFP in predicting tumor recurrence was 0.685. The selected cut-off value was 54 ng/mL for AFP (C-index 0.685; 95%CI: 0.592-0.779; sensitivity 0.595; specificity 0.687). On discriminative analysis, AFP value of 105 ng/mL was shown to affect the overall survival of the patients.
CONCLUSION HCC patients with a high preoperative AFP level had inferior survival after LT. AFP level of 54 ng/mL was associated with disease recurrence, and AFP level of 105 ng/mL was found to be the cut-off value for overall survival difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wong Hoi She
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Albert Chi Yan Chan
- Department of Surgery and State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tan To Cheung
- Department of Surgery and State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery and State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth Siu Ho Chok
- Department of Surgery and State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhu M, Li W, Guo J, Lu Y, Dong X, Lin B, Chen Y, Zhang X, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein antagonises benzyl isothiocyanate inhibition of the malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:75749-75762. [PMID: 27716619 PMCID: PMC5342775 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a dietary isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables. Recent studies showed that BITC inhibited the growth of many cancer cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a important molecule for promoting progression of HCC, in the present investigation, we explore the influence of AFP on the role of BITC in the malignant behaviours of HCC cells, and the potential underlying mechanisms. We found thatBITC inhibited viability, migration, invasion and induced apoptosis of human liver cancer cell lines, Bel 7402(AFP producer) and HLE(non-AFP producer) cells in vitro. The role of BITC involve in promoting actived-caspase-3 and PARP-1 expression, and enhancing caspase-3 activity but decreasing MMP-2/9, survivin and CXCR4 expression. AFP antagonized the effect of BITC. This study suggests that BITC induced significant reductions in the viability of HCC cell lines. BITC may activate caspase-3 signal and inhibit the expression of growth- and metastasis-related proteins; AFP is an pivotal molecule for the HCC chemo-resistance of BITC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Xueer Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Undergraduate Student of Clinical Medicine, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Institution of Tumour, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, P.R. China
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165
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Ekinci O, Baran B, Ormeci AC, Soyer OM, Gokturk S, Evirgen S, Poyanli A, Gulluoglu M, Akyuz F, Karaca C, Demir K, Besisik F, Kaymakoglu S. Current state and clinical outcome in Turkish patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2018; 10:51-61. [PMID: 29399278 PMCID: PMC5787684 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v10.i1.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate clinical, etiological, and prognostic features in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
METHODS Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were followed-up from 2001 to 2011 were included in the study. The diagnosis was established by histopathological and/or radiological criteria. We retrospectively reviewed clinical and laboratory data, etiology of primary liver disease, imaging characteristics and treatments. Child-Pugh and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage was determined at initial diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was done to find out treatment effect on survival. Risk factors for vascular invasion and overall survival were investigated by multivariate Cox regression analyses.
RESULTS Five hundred and forty-five patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were included in the study. Viral hepatitis was prevalent and 68 patients either had normal liver or were non-cirrhotic. Overall median survival was 16 (13-19) mo. Presence of extrahepatic metastasis was associated with larger tumor size (OR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.14-10.6). Independent predictor variables of vascular invasion were AFP (OR = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.38-6.31), total tumor diameter (OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 1.01-9.77), and hepatitis B infection (OR = 5.37, 95%CI: 1.23-23.39). Liver functional reserve, tumor size/extension, AFP level and primary treatment modality were independent predictors of overall survival. Transarterial chemoembolization (HR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.28-0.51) and radioembolization (HR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.18-0.74) provided a comparable survival benefit in the real life setting. Surgical treatments as resection and transplantation were found to be associated with the best survival compared with loco-regional treatments (log-rank, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION Baseline liver function, oncologic features including AFP level and primary treatment modality determines overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Ekinci
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Bulent Baran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
| | - Asli Cifcibasi Ormeci
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Mutluay Soyer
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Suut Gokturk
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Sami Evirgen
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Arzu Poyanli
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Mine Gulluoglu
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Filiz Akyuz
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Cetin Karaca
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Kadir Demir
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Fatih Besisik
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Sabahattin Kaymakoglu
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
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166
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Pinto-Marques H, Silva S, Sobral M, Perdigoto R, Martins A, Barroso E. A Fair Chance for Everyone: Total Tumor Volume as a Selection Tool in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Dig Surg 2018; 35:539-548. [PMID: 29346782 DOI: 10.1159/000485848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Total tumor volume (TTV) has been proposed as a more accurate means of selecting patients for liver transplantation (LT) due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to analyze the role of TTV in a population with a short waiting time on list. METHODS Analysis of a prospective database of patients submitted to LT for HCC between September 1992 and February 2014. TTV, Milan criteria (MC), UCSF (University of California San Francisco), and "Up to Seven" criteria were calculated both with preoperative imaging exams and histological data. RESULTS The study population consisted of 231 out of patients. Median waiting time on list was 62.5 days. MC included 187 patients, while TTV ≤115 cm3 included 214. Microvascular invasion (HR 2.601, 95% CI 1.529-4.426), MC (HR 1.666, 95% CI 0.990-2.804), UCSF criteria (HR 2.995, 95% CI 1.875-4.875), TTV ≤115 cm3 (HR 2.898, 95% CI 1.398-6.007), and "Up to Seven" criteria (HR 2.139, 95% CI 1.353-3.383) proved to be independent factors for prognosis for disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS TTV ≤115 cm3 may be a useful tool to properly identify the best HCC candidates for LT in a population with a short waiting time on list. TTV gives more patients the opportunity of undergoing LT while maintaining similar rates of tumor recurrence and patient survival.
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167
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Mazzaferro V, Sposito C, Zhou J, Pinna AD, De Carlis L, Fan J, Cescon M, Di Sandro S, Yi-Feng H, Lauterio A, Bongini M, Cucchetti A. Metroticket 2.0 Model for Analysis of Competing Risks of Death After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:128-139. [PMID: 28989060 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are determined by cancer-related and non-related events. Treatments for hepatitis C virus infection have reduced non-cancer events among patients receiving liver transplants, so reducing HCC-related death might be an actionable end point. We performed a competing-risk analysis to evaluate factors associated with survival of patients with HCC and developed a prognostic model based on features of HCC patients before liver transplantation. METHODS We performed multivariable competing-risk regression analysis to identify factors associated with HCC-specific death of patients who underwent liver transplantation. The training set comprised 1018 patients who underwent liver transplantation for HCC from January 2000 through December 2013 at 3 tertiary centers in Italy. The validation set comprised 341 consecutive patients who underwent liver transplantation for HCC during the same period at the Liver Cancer Institute in Shanghai, China. We collected pretransplantation data on etiology of liver disease, number and size of tumors, patient level of α-fetoprotein (AFP), model for end-stage liver disease score, tumor stage, numbers and types of treatment, response to treatments, tumor grade, microvascular invasion, dates, and causes of death. Death was defined as HCC-specific when related to HCC recurrence after transplantation, disseminated extra- and/or intrahepatic tumor relapse and worsened liver function in presence of tumor spread. The cumulative incidence of death was segregated for hepatitis C virus status. RESULTS In the competing-risk regression, the sum of tumor number and size and of log10 level of AFP were significantly associated with HCC-specific death (P < .001), returning an average c-statistic of 0.780 (95% confidence interval, 0.763-0.798). Five-year cumulative incidence of non-HCC-related death was 8.6% in HCV-negative patients and 18.1% in HCV-positive patients. For patients with HCC to have a 70% chance of HCC-specific survival 5 years after transplantation, their level of AFP should be <200 ng/mL and the sum of number and size of tumors (in centimeters) should not exceed 7; if the level of AFP was 200-400 ng/mL, the sum of the number and size of tumors should be ≤5; if their level of AFP was 400-1000 ng/mL, the sum of the number and size of tumors should be ≤4. In the validation set, the model identified patients who survived 5 years after liver transplantation with 0.721 accuracy (95% confidence interval, 0.648%-0.793%). Our model, based on patients' level of AFP and HCC number and size, outperformed the Milan; University of California, San Francisco; Shanghai-Fudan; Up-to-7 criteria (P < .001); and AFP French model (P = .044) to predict which patients will survive for 5 years after liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS We developed a model based on level of AFP, tumor size, and tumor number, to determine risk of death from HCC-related factors after liver transplantation. This model might be used to select end points and refine selection criteria for liver transplantation for patients with HCC. To predict 5-year survival and risk of HCC-related death using an online calculator, please see www.hcc-olt-metroticket.org/. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02898415.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Milan, Istituto Nazionale Tumori (National Cancer Institute), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Foundation, Milan, Italy.
| | - Carlo Sposito
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Milan, Istituto Nazionale Tumori (National Cancer Institute), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Surgery Department, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Antonio D Pinna
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciano De Carlis
- General Surgery and Abdominal Transplantation Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca and Niguarda-Cà Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Surgery Department, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Matteo Cescon
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Sandro
- General Surgery and Abdominal Transplantation Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca and Niguarda-Cà Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - He Yi-Feng
- Liver Surgery Department, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrea Lauterio
- General Surgery and Abdominal Transplantation Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca and Niguarda-Cà Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bongini
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Milan, Istituto Nazionale Tumori (National Cancer Institute), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cucchetti
- General Surgery and Transplant Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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168
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Uchiyama H, Itoh S, Yoshizumi T, Ikegami T, Harimoto N, Soejima Y, Harada N, Morita K, Toshima T, Motomura T, Maehara Y. Living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: results of prospective patient selection by Kyushu University Criteria in 7 years. HPB (Oxford) 2017; 19:1082-1090. [PMID: 28888776 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding patient selection beyond the Milan criteria in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has long been a matter for debate. We have used the Kyushu University Criteria - maximum tumor diameter <5 cm or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin <300 mAU/ml - in LDLT for HCC since June 2007. The aim of the present study was to present the results of our prospective patient selection by Kyushu University Criteria and to confirm whether or not our criteria were justified. METHODS The entire study period was divided into the pre-Kyushu era (July 1999-May 2007) and the Kyushu era (June 2007-November 2014). Eighty-nine and 90 patients underwent LDLT for HCC in the pre-Kyushu era and the Kyushu era, respectively. RESULTS In the pre-Kyushu era, there were significant differences in recurrence-free and disease-specific survival between the beyond-Milan and the within-Milan patients. In the Kyushu era, however, the differences in recurrence-free and disease-specific survival between the beyond-Milan and the within-Milan patients disappeared. The 5-year overall patient survival in the Kyushu era was 89.4%. CONCLUSION Our selection criteria enabled a considerable number of beyond-Milan patients to undergo LDLT without jeopardizing the recurrence-free, and disease-specific, and overall patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Uchiyama
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan.
| | - Shinji Itoh
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Yoshizumi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Toru Ikegami
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Norifumi Harimoto
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Yuji Soejima
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Noboru Harada
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Kazutoyo Morita
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Takeo Toshima
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Takashi Motomura
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Maehara
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
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169
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Colombo M, Torzilli G. Expanding transplantation of patients with a liver cancer without harming allocation: a priority in the era of scarce donation. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2017; 6:339-341. [PMID: 29152483 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2017.05.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Colombo
- Department of Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Surgery, Humanitas University, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
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170
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Lerut J, Iesari S, Foguenne M, Lai Q. Hepatocellular cancer and recurrence after liver transplantation: what about the impact of immunosuppression? Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:80. [PMID: 29167827 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2017.09.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) has originally been designed to treat hepatobiliary malignancies. The initial results of LT for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) were, however, dismal this mainly due to the poor patient selection procedure. Better surgical and perioperative care and, especially, the refinement of selection criteria led to a major improvement of results, making HCC nowadays (again!) one of the leading indications for LT. This evolution is clearly shown by the innumerable reports aiming to further extend inclusion criteria for LT in HCC patients. Nonetheless, the vast majority of papers only deals with morphologic (tumour diameter and number) and (only recently) biologic (tumour markers and response to locoregional treatment) parameters to do so. Curiously enough, the role of both the immune competent state of the recipient as well as the impact of both immunosuppression (IS) type and load has been very poorly addressed in this context, even if it has been shown for a long time, based on both basic and clinical research, that they all play a key role in the outcome of any oncologic treatment and in the development of de novo as well as recurrent tumours. This chapter aims to give, after a short introductive note about the currently used inclusion criteria of HCC patients for LT and about the role of IS in carcinogenesis, a comprehensive overview of the actual literature related to the impact of different immunosuppressive drugs and schemes on outcome of LT in HCC recipients. Unfortunately, up to now solid conclusions cannot be drawn due to the lack of high-level evidence studies caused by the heterogeneity of the studied patient cohorts and the lack of prospectively designed and randomized studies. Based on long-term personal experience with immunosuppressive handling in LT some proposals for further clinical research and practice are put forward. The strategy of curtailing and minimising IS should be explored in the growing field of transplant oncology taking thereby into account the immunological privilege of the liver allograft. These strategies will become more and more compelling when further extending the indications in which adjuvant chemotherapy will probably become an inherent part of the therapeutic scheme of HCC liver recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lerut
- Starzl Unit Abdominal Transplantation, University Hospitals Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuele Iesari
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maxime Foguenne
- Starzl Unit Abdominal Transplantation, University Hospitals Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quirino Lai
- Hepato-bilio-pancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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171
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Peloso A, Oldani G. Enlarged selection criteria for hepatocellular cancer: is the upper limit needed? Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:73. [PMID: 29034346 PMCID: PMC5639021 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2017.09.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is strategically challenging because the very good mid-term outcomes of this treatment jar with the risk of cancer recurrence. Although Milan criteria (MC) tap the balance on the safe side, they tend to be considered too restrictive and new, enlarged criteria have been conceived in order to enlarge the pool of potential recipients. Some extended criteria are more audacious then others, but they seem to be well tailored on the local reality they are applied to. Being HCC epidemiology and organs availability very variable between regions, a universally valid 'upper limit' is yet to be determinable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Peloso
- Division of Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of General Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Graziano Oldani
- Division of Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- HPB Centre, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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172
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Lai Q, Iesari S, Melandro F, Mennini G, Rossi M, Lerut J. The growing impact of alpha-fetoprotein in the field of liver transplantation for hepatocellular cancer: time for a revolution. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:72. [PMID: 29034345 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2017.09.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the specific setting of the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) waiting for liver transplantation (LT) is still controversial. Recently, a marked interest for this marker has been reported, mainly related to its ability to predict the outcome of HCC patients after LT. The growing number of papers in PubMed indicates that AFP has begun a "second life" in the particular context of LT. Looking at the most recent International Guidelines on HCC, it looks obvious that time is ripe to reevaluate the value of AFP in relation to its prognostic ability to identify HCC patients at high-risk for drop-out before and recurrence after LT. Many discrepancies exist worldwide regarding the use of biomarkers in HCC. In contrast to the Western world, AFP is widely used in Asian countries, the reason why being unclear. Indeed, in the (merely Western-dominated) HCC treatment algorithms, the role of AFP as a prognostic tumor marker is still considered to be "under investigation". One should however realize that the underestimation of the value of AFP in the LT context will hamper further refinements of both the liver allograft allocation process and the selection of the best candidates for this procedure. Moreover, AFP has an important role to play in the monitoring of bridging and/or downstaging procedures bringing eventually the patient to transplantation. So, time has come to reconsider the role and value of AFP (dynamics) in the field of transplant oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quirino Lai
- Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Starzl Abdominal Transplant Unit, University Hospitals Saint Luc, Université catholique Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuele Iesari
- Starzl Abdominal Transplant Unit, University Hospitals Saint Luc, Université catholique Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabio Melandro
- Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mennini
- Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Rossi
- Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jan Lerut
- Starzl Abdominal Transplant Unit, University Hospitals Saint Luc, Université catholique Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
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173
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Zanetto A, Shalaby S, Vitale A, Mescoli C, Ferrarese A, Gambato M, Franceschet E, Germani G, Senzolo M, Romano A, Angeli P, Rugge M, Farinati F, Forton DM, Cillo U, Burra P, Russo FP. Dropout rate from the liver transplant waiting list because of hepatocellular carcinoma progression in hepatitis C virus-infected patients treated with direct-acting antivirals. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:1103-1112. [PMID: 28544587 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Concerns about an increased hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence rate following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in patients with cirrhosis with a prior complete oncological response have been raised. Data regarding the impact of HCV treatment with DAAs on wait-list dropout rates in patients with active HCC and HCV-related cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation (LT) are lacking. HCV-HCC patients listed for LT between January 2015 and May 2016 at Padua Liver Transplant Center were considered eligible for the study. After enrollment, patients were divided into 2 groups, depending on whether they underwent DAA treatment while awaiting LT or not. For each patient clinical, serological, and virological data were collected. HCC characteristics were radiologically evaluated at baseline and during follow-up (FU). For transplanted patients, pathological assessment of the explants was performed and recurrence rates were calculated. A total of 23 patients treated with DAAs and 23 controls were enrolled. HCC characteristics at time of LT listing were comparable between the 2 groups. Median FU was 10 and 7 months, respectively, during which 2/23 (8.7%) and 1/23 (4.3%) dropout events due to HCC progression were registered (P = 0.90). No significant differences in terms of radiological progression were highlighted (P = 0.16). A total of 9 out of 23 (39%) patients and 14 out of 23 (61%) controls underwent LT, and histopathological analysis showed no differences in terms of median number and total tumor volume of HCC nodules, tumor differentiation, or microvascular invasion. During post-LT FU, 1/8 (12.5%) DAA-treated patient and 1/12 (8.3%) control patient experienced HCC recurrence (P = 0.60). In conclusion, viral eradication does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of dropout due to neoplastic progression in HCV-HCC patients awaiting LT. Liver Transplantation 23 1103-1112 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Zanetto
- Gastroenterology/Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Sarah Shalaby
- Gastroenterology/Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology/Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Germani
- Gastroenterology/Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Gastroenterology/Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonietta Romano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Massimo Rugge
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Daniel M Forton
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. George's University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology/Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua, Italy
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174
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shen JY, Li C, Wen TF, Yan LN, Li B, Wang WT, Yang JY, Xu MQ, wen J. Transplantation versus hepatectomy for HCC beyond the Milan criteria: A propensity score analysis. Int J Surg 2017; 44:33-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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175
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Grąt M, Stypułkowski J, Patkowski W, Wronka KM, Bik E, Krasnodębski M, Masior Ł, Lewandowski Z, Wasilewicz M, Grąt K, Krawczyk M, Zieniewicz K. Challenging the principle of utility as a barrier for wider use of liver transplantation for hepatocellular cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2017; 24:3188-3195. [PMID: 28695391 PMCID: PMC5596049 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-017-5989-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background
Although transplant benefit appears superior for patients with advanced hepatocellular cancer (HCC), liver transplantation remains limited to selected low-risk HCC patients to keep their outcomes similar to heterogeneous group of non-HCC patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the rationale for current policy of restricting access to liver transplantation to minority of HCC patients based on utility principle. Methods This retrospective cohort study comprised 1246 liver transplant recipients, including 206 HCC and 1040 non-HCC patients. Patient survival was the primary outcome measure. Patients with HCC and benign diseases were divided into low-, moderate-, and high-risk subgroups basing on independent risk factors for disease-free survival and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (<30, 30–40, >40), respectively. Results MELD (p < 0.001) and presence of HCC (p = 0.008) were independent risk factors for early and late mortality, respectively. Total tumor volume (p = 0.008) and alpha-fetoprotein (p = 0.013) were independent predictors of recurrence and mortality used for division of HCC patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk subgroups, with disease-free survival rates of 74.9% (5 years), 51.7% (5 years), and 8.0% (3 years), respectively (p < 0.001). There were no differences in 5-year overall survival between low-risk HCC (74.9%) and non-HCC (81.9%) patients (p = 0.210), moderate-risk HCC (63.3%) and non-HCC (68.0%) patients (p = 0.372), and high-risk HCC (55.0%) and non-HCC (56.0%) patients (p = 0.559). Conclusions The principle of utility is unequally applied for restriction of access to liver transplantation for HCC patients. The results provide rationale for discussion on reinitiation of liver transplantation for advanced HCCs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1245/s10434-017-5989-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jan Stypułkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Waldemar Patkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina M Wronka
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emil Bik
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Krasnodębski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Masior
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Wasilewicz
- Hepatology and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Grąt
- Second Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Krawczyk
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zieniewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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176
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Giakoustidis AE, Giakoustidis DE. Immunosuppression strategies in liver transplantation patient; patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunotherapy 2017; 9:197-206. [PMID: 28128716 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consists the main primary malignant tumor of the liver. There is an underlining liver cirrhosis mainly attributed to chronic hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and other pathologic conditions. Liver transplantation consists a radical management, treating both cancer and cirrhosis. By introducing the Milan Criteria for liver transplantation in HCC patients there was a 5-year survival escalation. Even though there is a careful selection of patients with HCC for transplantation, recurrent disease is still high. The role of immusuppression therapy is of paramount importance, in order to avoid acute and chronic graft rejection while protecting the patient from tumor recurrence. In recent years newer immunosuppressive agents such as the mTOR inhibitors are proposed, having dual properties, as both immunosuppressive and antitumors agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Giakoustidis
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Department, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Dimitrios E Giakoustidis
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki & Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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177
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to develop a "Model Of Recurrence After Liver transplant" (MORAL) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BACKGROUND The Milan criteria are used to allocate livers to patients with HCC requiring liver transplantation (LT) but do not include objective measures of tumor biology. Biological markers including the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) have been associated with recurrence risk. METHODS Prospective cohort study of adults undergoing LT for HCC between January 2001 and December 2012. RESULTS A total of 339 patients were included. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, 3 preoperatively available factors were independent predictors of worse recurrence-free survival (RFS), namely, an NLR ≥ 5 (P < 0.0001, hazard ratio, HR: 6.2), AFP > 200 (P < 0.0001, HR: 3.8), and Size >3 cm (P < 0.001, HR: 3.2). The Pre-MORAL score was constructed from the hazard ratios and assigning patients points in an additive fashion, with a minimum of 0 points (no factors) and a maximum of 13 points (all 3 factors). The highest risk patients in the Pre-MORAL had a 5-year RFS of 17.9% compared with 98.6% for the low risk group (P < 0.0001). The post-MORAL was constructed similarly using the 4 postoperatively available independent predictors of worse RFS, grade 4 HCC's (P < 0.0001, HR: 5.6), vascular invasion (P = 0.019, HR: 2.0), size >3 cm (P < 0.0001, HR: 3.2) and number >3 (P = 0.048, HR: 1.8). The pre- and post-MORAL were superior to Milan at predicting recurrence with c-statistics of 0.82 and 0.87, compared with 0.63, respectively. We then combined the scores to produce a combo-MORAL, with a c-statistic of 0.91 for predicting recurrence. CONCLUSIONS The MORAL score provides a simple, highly accurate tool for predicting recurrence and risk-stratification pre- and postoperatively.
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178
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Extending transplantation criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:546-547. [PMID: 28546008 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(17)30143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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179
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Biolato M, Marrone G, Miele L, Gasbarrini A, Grieco A. Liver transplantation for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma: An adaptive approach. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:3195-3204. [PMID: 28566879 PMCID: PMC5434425 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i18.3195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is becoming an increasing indication for liver transplantation, but selection and allocation of patients are challenging because of organ shortages. Conventional Milan criteria are the reference for the selection of patients worldwide, but many expanded criteria, like University of California San Francisco criteria and up-to-7 criteria, have demonstrated that survival and recurrence results are lower than those for restricted indications. Correct staging is crucial and should include surrogate markers of biological aggressiveness (α-fetoprotein, response to loco-regional treatments). Successful down-staging can select between patients with tumor burden initially beyond transplantation criteria those with a more favorable biology, provided a 3-mo stability in meeting the transplantation criteria. Allocation rules are constantly adjusted to minimize the imbalance between the priorities of candidates with and without hepatocellular carcinoma, and take into account local donor rate and waitlist dynamics. Recently, Mazzaferro et al proposed a benefit-oriented “adaptive approach”, in which the selection and allocation of patients are based on their response to non-transplantation treatments: low priority for transplantation in case of complete response, high priority in case of partial response or recurrence, and no listing in case of progression beyond transplantation criteria.
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180
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Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: outcomes and novel surgical approaches. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 14:203-217. [PMID: 28053342 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the best treatment option for patients with early-stage tumours and accounts for ∼20-40% of all liver transplantations performed at most centres worldwide. The Milan criteria are the most common criteria to select patients with HCC for transplantation but they can be seen as too restrictive. Several proposals have been made for a moderate expansion of the criteria, which result in good outcomes but with an increase in the risk of tumour recurrence. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the outcomes after liver transplantation for HCC, focusing on tumour recurrence in terms of surveillance, prevention and treatment. Additionally, novel surgical techniques have been developed to increase the available pool of organs for liver transplantation (such as living donor liver transplantation, donation after circulatory death and split livers), but the effect of these techniques on patients with HCC is still under debate. Thus, we will describe these techniques and expose the benefits and disadvantages of each surgical approach. Finally, we will comment on the limitations of the current priority policies for liver transplantation and the need to further refine them to better serve the population.
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181
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Aravinthan AD, Bruni SG, Doyle AC, Thein HH, Goldaracena N, Issachar A, Lilly LB, Selzner N, Bhat M, Sreeharsha B, Selzner M, Ghanekar A, Cattral MS, McGilvray ID, Greig PD, Renner EL, Grant DR, Sapisochin G. Liver Transplantation is a Preferable Alternative to Palliative Therapy for Selected Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2017; 24:1843-1851. [PMID: 28160137 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-017-5789-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the traditional criteria (advanced HCC) are typically offered palliation, which is associated with a 3-year survival rate lower than 30%. This study aimed to describe the outcomes for a subset of patients with advanced HCC who satisfied the Extended Toronto Criteria (ETC) and were listed for liver transplantation (LT). METHODS All patients listed in the Toronto liver transplantation program with HCC beyond both the Milan and University of California, San Francisco criteria were included in this study. Data were extracted from the prospectively collected electronic database. All radiologic images were reviewed by two independent radiologists. The primary end point was patient survival. RESULTS Between January 1999 and August 2014, 96 patients with advanced HCC were listed for LT, and 62 (65%) of these patients received bridging therapy while on the waiting list. Bridging therapy led to a significant reduction in tumor progression (p = 0.02) and tumor burden (p < 0.001). The majority of those listed underwent LT (n = 69, 72%). Both tumor progression on waiting list (hazard ratio [HR] 4.973; range1.599-15.464; p = 0.006) and peak alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at 400 ng/ml or higher (HR, 4.604; range 1.660-12.768; p = 0.003) were independently associated with waiting list dropout. Post-LT HCC recurrence occurred in 35% of the patients (n = 24). Among those with HCC recurrence, survival was significantly better for those who received curative treatment (p = 0.004). The overall actuarial survival rates from the listing were 76% at 1 year, 56% at 3 years, and 47% at 5 years, and the corresponding rates from LT were 93, 71, and 66%. CONCLUSION Liver transplantation provides significantly better survival rates than palliation for patients with selected advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloysious D Aravinthan
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Silvio G Bruni
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adam C Doyle
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hla-Hla Thein
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicolas Goldaracena
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Assaf Issachar
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Leslie B Lilly
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Boraiah Sreeharsha
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Markus Selzner
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anand Ghanekar
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark S Cattral
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ian D McGilvray
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul D Greig
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eberhard L Renner
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine/Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - David R Grant
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multiorgan Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Abdominal Transplant & HPB Surgical Oncology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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182
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Grąt M, Stypułkowski J, Patkowski W, Bik E, Krasnodębski M, Wronka KM, Lewandowski Z, Wasilewicz M, Grąt K, Masior Ł, Ligocka J, Krawczyk M. Limitations of predicting microvascular invasion in patients with hepatocellular cancer prior to liver transplantation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39881. [PMID: 28057916 PMCID: PMC5216407 DOI: 10.1038/srep39881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microvascular invasion (MVI) is well known to negatively influence outcomes following surgical treatment of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rationale for prediction of MVI before liver transplantation (LT). Data of 200 HCC patients after LT were subject to retrospective analysis. MVI was present in 57 patients (28.5%). Tumor number (p = 0.001) and size (p = 0.009), and alpha-fetoprotein (p = 0.049) were independent predictors of MVI used to create a prediction model, defined as: 0.293x(tumor number) + 0.283x(tumor size in cm) + 0.164xloge(alpha-fetoprotein in ng/ml) (c statistic = 0.743). The established cut-off (≥2.24) was associated with sensitivity and specificity of 72%. MVI was not an independent risk factor for recurrence (p = 0.307), in contrast to tumor number (p = 0.047) and size (p < 0.001), alpha-fetoprotein (p < 0.001) and poor differentiation (p = 0.039). Recurrence-free survival at 5 years for patients without MVI was 85.9% as compared to 83.3% (p = 0.546) and 55.3% (p = 0.001) for patients with false negative and true positive prediction of MVI, respectively. The use of both morphological and biological tumor features enables effective pre-transplant prediction of high-risk MVI. Provided that these parameters are combined in selection of HCC patients for LT, pre-transplant identification of all patients with MVI does not appear necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Stypułkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Waldemar Patkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emil Bik
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Krasnodębski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina M Wronka
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Wasilewicz
- Hepatology and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Grąt
- Second Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Masior
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Ligocka
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Krawczyk
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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183
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Zhu Z. Milan criteria and its expansions in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2016; 5:498-502. [PMID: 28124007 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2016.12.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Zhu
- Liver Transplantation Center, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases (NCRC-DD), Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
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184
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Sapisochin G, Goldaracena N, Laurence JM, Dib M, Barbas A, Ghanekar A, Cleary SP, Lilly L, Cattral MS, Marquez M, Selzner M, Renner E, Selzner N, McGilvray ID, Greig PD, Grant DR. The extended Toronto criteria for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective validation study. Hepatology 2016; 64:2077-2088. [PMID: 27178646 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The selection of liver transplant candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) relies mostly on tumor size and number. Instead of relying on these factors, we used poor tumor differentiation and cancer-related symptoms to exclude patients likely to have advanced HCC with aggressive biology. We initially reported similar 5-year survival for patients whose tumors exceeded (M+ group) and were within (M group) the Milan criteria. Herein, we validate our original data with a new prospective cohort and report the long-term follow-up (10-years) using an intention-to-treat analysis. The previously published study (cohort 1) included 362 listed (294 transplanted) patients from January 1996 to August 2008. The validation cohort (cohort 2) includes 243 listed (105 M+ group, 76 beyond University of California San Francisco criteria; 210 transplanted) patients from September 2008 to December 2012. Median follow-up from listing was 59.7 (26.8-103) months. For the validation cohort 2, the actuarial survival from transplant for the M+ group was similar to that of the M group at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years: 94%, 76%, and 69% versus 95%, 82%, and 78% (P = 0.3). For the combined cohorts 1 and 2, there were no significant differences in the 10-year actuarial survival from transplant between groups. On an intention-to-treat basis, the dropout rate was higher in the M+ group and the 5-year and 10-year survival rates from listing were decreased in the M+ group. An alpha-fetoprotein level >500 ng/mL predicted poorer outcomes for both the M and M+ groups. CONCLUSION Tumor differentiation and cancer-related symptoms of HCC can be used to select patients with advanced HCC who are appropriate candidates for liver transplantation; alpha-fetoprotein level limitations should be incorporated in the listing criteria for patients within or beyond the Milan criteria. (Hepatology 2016;64:2077-2088).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicolas Goldaracena
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jerome M Laurence
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Martin Dib
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew Barbas
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anand Ghanekar
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sean P Cleary
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Les Lilly
- Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark S Cattral
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Max Marquez
- Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Markus Selzner
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eberhard Renner
- Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ian D McGilvray
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul D Greig
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David R Grant
- Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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185
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Lee HW, Suh KS. Advancements of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2016; 47:93-100. [DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyw168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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186
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Toso C, Andres A, Kneteman N, Hernandez-Alejandro R, Majno P. Alpha-foetoprotein: further evidence to add a biological marker to refine Milan criteria. Liver Int 2016; 36:1580-1581. [PMID: 27744652 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Toso
- Division of Abdominal and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Axel Andres
- Division of Abdominal and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Norman Kneteman
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, Canada, London, ON, Canada
| | - Pietro Majno
- Division of Abdominal and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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187
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Expansion of the criteria for living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2016; 21:231-7. [PMID: 26918880 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Several expanded criteria for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been suggested out of concern that the Milan criteria may be too strict, and thereby exclude patients who could benefit from this surgical procedure. However, most expanded criteria were designed for deceased donor liver transplantation. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) differs from that of deceased donor liver transplantation primarily because LDLT liver grafts are not public resources. RECENT FINDINGS In Asian countries, where HCC is endemic, LDLT is the main currently available treatment option for HCC. High-volume LDLT centers throughout Asia have adopted their own expanded selection criteria for LDLT for HCC with acceptable long-term results. Some centers utilize tumor markers as one of the criterion to help select suitable candidates. Indeed, such adjunctive biomarkers may have prognostic relevance for patients with HCC. The use of both biological and histomorphologic parameters may increase the number of transplantable patients. SUMMARY The overall chance of survival, and recipient/donor preferences as well as the risk of recurrence are considered in the LDLT setting. Therefore, the selection criteria for liver transplantation for HCC could benefit from expansion for LDLT.
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188
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Serum Tumor Markers Provide Refined Prognostication in Selecting Liver Transplantation Candidate for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Beyond the Milan Criteria. Ann Surg 2016; 263:842-50. [PMID: 26779979 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000001578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a model to predict tumor recurrence after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) (MoRAL) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the Milan criteria (MC). BACKGROUND Some subgroups of HCC exceeding the MC experience substantial benefit from LDLT. METHODS This multicenter study included a total of 566 consecutive patients who underwent LDLT in Korea: the beyond-MC cohort (n = 205, the derivation [n = 92] and validation [n = 113] sets) and the within-MC cohort (n = 361). The primary endpoint was time-to-recurrence. RESULTS Using multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, we derived the MoRAL score using serum levels of protein induced by vitamin K absence-II and alpha-fetoprotein, which provided a good discriminant function on time-to-recurrence (concordance index = 0.88). Concordance index was maintained similarly on both internal and external validations (mean 0.87 and 0.84, respectively). At cut off of 314.8 (75th percentile value), a low MoRAL score (≤314.8) was associated with significantly longer recurrence-free (versus > 314.8, HR = 5.29, P < 0.001) and overall survivals (HR = 2.59, P = 0.001) in the beyond-MC cohort. The 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates of beyond-MC patients with a low MoRAL score were as high as 66.3% and 82.6%, respectively. The within-MC patients with a high MoRAL score showed a higher risk of recurrence than beyond-MC patients with a low MoRAL score (HR = 2.56, P = 0.035). The MoRAL score was significantly correlated with explant histology. CONCLUSIONS This new model using protein induced by vitamin K absence-II and alpha-fetoprotein provides refined prognostication. Among beyond-MC HCC patients, those with a MoRAL score ≤314.8 and without extrahepatic metastasis might be potential candidates for LDLT.
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189
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Grąt M, Wronka KM, Stypułkowski J, Bik E, Krasnodębski M, Masior Ł, Lewandowski Z, Grąt K, Patkowski W, Krawczyk M. The Warsaw Proposal for the Use of Extended Selection Criteria in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2016; 24:526-534. [PMID: 27531306 PMCID: PMC5215188 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-016-5500-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the up-to-7 criteria with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) cutoff of 100 ng/ml was proposed as the Warsaw expansion of the Milan criteria in selection of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients for liver transplantation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to validate this proposal. METHODS A total of 240 HCC patients after liver transplantation were included. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival at 5 years were set as the primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively. RESULTS The Warsaw expansion increased transplant eligibility rate by 20.3 %. AFP >100 ng/ml significantly increased the recurrence risk in patients within the Milan criteria (p = 0.025) and in those beyond, yet within either the UCSF or the up-to-7 criteria (p < 0.001). Recurrence-free survival at 5 years was 90.8 % for patients within the Milan criteria, 100.0 % in patients within the Warsaw expansion, 54.9 % in patients beyond the Warsaw expansion but within either the UCSF or the up-to-7 criteria, and 45.1 % in patients beyond both the UCSF and the up-to-7 criteria (p < 0.001). The corresponding overall survival rates were 71.6, 82.4, 64.3, and 55.3 %, respectively (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS The Warsaw expansion of the Milan criteria substantially increases the recipient pool without compromising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Karolina M Wronka
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Stypułkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emil Bik
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Krasnodębski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Masior
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Karolina Grąt
- Second Department of Clinical Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Waldemar Patkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Krawczyk
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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190
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Elshamy M, Aucejo F, Menon KVN, Eghtesad B. Hepatocellular carcinoma beyond Milan criteria: Management and transplant selection criteria. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:874-880. [PMID: 27478537 PMCID: PMC4958697 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i21.874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been established as a standard treatment in selected patients for the last two and a half decades. After initially dismal outcomes, the Milan criteria (MC) (single HCC ≤ 5 cm or up to 3 HCCs ≤ 3 cm) have been adopted worldwide to select HCC patients for LT, however cumulative experience has shown that MC can be too strict. This has led to the development of numerous expanded criteria worldwide. Morphometric expansions on MC as well as various criteria which incorporate biomarkers as surrogates of tumor biology have been described. HCC that presents beyond MC initially can be downstaged with locoregional therapy (LRT). Post-LRT monitoring aims to identify candidates with favorable tumor behavior. Similarly, tumor marker levels as response to LRT has been utilized as surrogate of tumor biology. Molecular signatures of HCC have also been correlated to outcomes; these have yet to be incorporated into HCC-LT selection criteria formally. The ongoing discrepancy between organ demand and supply makes patient selection the most challenging element of organ allocation. Further validation of extended HCC-LT criteria models and pre-LT treatment strategies are required.
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191
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Charrière B, Maulat C, Suc B, Muscari F. Contribution of alpha-fetoprotein in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:881-890. [PMID: 27478538 PMCID: PMC4958698 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i21.881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the main tumor biomarker available for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although it is neither a good screening test nor an accurate diagnostic tool for HCC, it seems to be a possible prognostic marker. However, its contribution in liver transplantation for HCC has not been fully determined, although its use to predict recurrence after liver transplantation has been underlined by international societies. In an era of organ shortages, it could also have a key role in the selection of patients eligible for liver transplantation. Yet unanswered questions remain. First, the cut-off value of serum AFP above which liver transplantation should not be performed is still a subject of debate. We show that a concentration of 1000 ng/mL could be an exclusion criterion, whereas values of < 15 ng/mL indicate patients with an excellent prognosis whatever the size and number of tumors. Monitoring the dynamics of AFP could also prove useful. However, evidence is lacking regarding the values that should be used. Today, the real input of AFP seems to be its integration into new criteria to select patients eligible for a liver transplantation. These recent tools have associated AFP values with morphological criteria, thus refining pre-existing criteria, such as Milan, University of California, San Francisco, or “up-to-seven”. We provide a review of the different criteria submitted within the past years. Finally, AFP can be used to monitor recurrence after transplantation, although there is little evidence to support this claim. Future challenges will be to draft new international guidelines to implement the use of AFP as a selection tool, and to determine a clear cut-off value above which liver transplantation should not be performed.
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192
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Higher Ratio of Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Could Predict Outcomes in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Normal Alanine Aminotransferase. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157299. [PMID: 27304617 PMCID: PMC4909194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the surveillance and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of serially measured serum AFP levels in HCC progression or recurrence after initial treatment. Methods A total of 722 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with HCC and treated at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between January 2004 and December 2009 were enrolled. The AFP ratios between 4–8 weeks post-treatment and those at the time of HCC progression or recurrence were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to correlate the post-treatment AFP ratios with the presence of HCC progression or recurrence. Results The etiology of HCC was related to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in 562 patients (77.8%), chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in 74 (10.2%), and non-viral cause in 86 (11.9%). There was a significant decrease in serum AFP levels from the baseline to 4 to 8 weeks after treatment (median AFP, 319.6 ng/mL vs. 49.6 ng/mL; p< 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that an AFP ratio > 1.0 was an independently associated with HCC progression or recurrence. Among the different causes of HCC analyzed, this association was significant only for HCC related to chronic hepatitis B (p< 0.001) and non-viral causes (p<0.05), and limited only to patients who had normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Conclusion Serial measurements of serum AFP ratios could be helpful in detecting progression or recurrence in treated patients with HBV-HCC and normal ALT.
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193
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Mazzaferro V. Squaring the circle of selection and allocation in liver transplantation for HCC: An adaptive approach. Hepatology 2016; 63:1707-17. [PMID: 26703761 PMCID: PMC5069561 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Department of Surgery, G.I. Surgery and Liver TransplantationIstituto Nazionale Tumori (National Cancer Institute)MilanItaly
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194
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Liver transplantation for hepatobiliary malignancies: a new era of "Transplant Oncology" has begun. Surg Today 2016; 47:403-415. [PMID: 27130463 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-016-1337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The indications of liver transplantation for hepatobiliary malignancies have been carefully expanded in a stepwise fashion, despite the fundamental limitations in oncological, immunological, and technical aspects. A new era of "Transplant Oncology," the fusion of transplant surgery and surgical oncology, has begun, and we stand at the dawn of a paradigm shift in multidisciplinary cancer treatment. For hepatocellular carcinoma, new strategies have been undertaken to select recipients based on biological and dynamic markers instead of conventional morphological and static parameters, opening the doors for a more deliberate expansion of the Milan criteria and locoregional therapies before liver transplantation. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by liver transplantation for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma developed by the Mayo Clinic provided excellent outcomes in a US multicenter study; however, the surgical indications are not necessarily universal and await international validation. Similarly, an aggressive multidisciplinary approach has been applied for other tumors, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma, liver metastases from colorectal and neuroendocrine primary and gastrointestinal stromal tumors as well as rare tumors, such as hepatic undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma and infantile choriocarcinoma. In conclusion, liver transplantation is an important option for hepatobiliary malignancies; however, prospective studies are urgently needed to ensure the appropriate patient selection, organ allocation and living donation policies, and administration of antineoplastic immunosuppression.
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195
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Llovet JM, Zucman-Rossi J, Pikarsky E, Sangro B, Schwartz M, Sherman M, Gores G. Hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2016; 2:16018. [PMID: 27158749 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2016.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1685] [Impact Index Per Article: 210.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally and has an incidence of approximately 850,000 new cases per year. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents approximately 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer. The main risk factors for developing HCC are well known and include hepatitis B and C virus infection, alcohol intake and ingestion of the fungal metabolite aflatoxin B1. Additional risk factors such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are also emerging. Advances in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC have led to identification of critical driver mutations; however, the most prevalent of these are not yet druggable targets. The molecular classification of HCC is not established, and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging classification is the main clinical algorithm for the stratification of patients according to prognosis and treatment allocation. Surveillance programmes enable the detection of early-stage tumours that are amenable to curative therapies - resection, liver transplantation or local ablation. At more developed stages, only chemoembolization (for intermediate HCC) and sorafenib (for advanced HCC) have shown survival benefits. There are major unmet needs in HCC management that might be addressed through the discovery of new therapies and their combinations for use in the adjuvant setting and for intermediate- and advanced-stage disease. Moreover, biomarkers for therapy stratification, patient-tailored strategies targeting driver mutations and/or activating signalling cascades, and validated measurements of quality of life are needed. Recent failures in the testing of systemic drugs for intermediate and advanced stages have indicated a need to refine trial designs and to define novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases and RM Transplant Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Madison Avenue 1425, 11F-70, Box 1123, New York, New York 10029, USA.,Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS - Hospital Clinic, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- INSERM, UMR-1162, Génomique Fonctionnelle des Tumeurs Solides, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire d'Haematologie, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France.,Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé, Médecine, Biologie Humaine, Bobigny, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Eli Pikarsky
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research and Department of Pathology, Hebrew University Hadassah-Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases and RM Transplant Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Madison Avenue 1425, 11F-70, Box 1123, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Morris Sherman
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory Gores
- Mayo Clinic, Mayo College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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196
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197
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Xu DW, Wan P, Xia Q. Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria: A review. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3325-34. [PMID: 27022214 PMCID: PMC4806190 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i12.3325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) has been accepted as an effective therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Milan criteria (MC) are widely used across the world to select LT candidates in HCC patients. However, the MC may be too strict because a substantial subset of patients who have HCC exceed the MC and who would benefit from LT may be unnecessarily excluded from the waiting list. In recent years, many extended criteria beyond the MC were raised, which were proved to be able to yield similar outcomes compared with those patients meeting the MC. Because the simple use of tumor size and number was insufficient to indicate HCC biological features and to predict the risk of tumor recurrence, some biological markers such as Alpha-fetoprotein, Des-Gamma-carboxy prothrombin and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were useful in selecting LT candidates in HCC patients beyond the MC. For patients with advanced HCC, downstaging therapy is an effective way to reduce the tumor stage to fulfill the MC by using liver-directed therapy such as transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation and percutaneous ethanol injection. This article reviews the recent advances in LT for HCC beyond the MC.
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198
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Forner A, Reig M, Varela M, Burrel M, Feliu J, Briceño J, Sastre J, Martí-Bonmati L, Llovet JM, Bilbao JI, Sangro B, Pardo F, Ayuso C, Bru C, Tabernero J, Bruix J. [Diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Update consensus document from the AEEH, SEOM, SERAM, SERVEI and SETH]. Med Clin (Barc) 2016; 146:511.e1-511.e22. [PMID: 26971984 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2016.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and one of the most frequent causes of death in patients with liver cirrhosis. Simultaneously with the recognition of the clinical relevance of this neoplasm, in recent years there have been important developments in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of HCC. Consequently, the Asociación Española para el Estudio del Hígado has driven the need to update clinical practice guidelines, continuing to invite all the societies involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease to participate in the drafting and approval of the document (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático, Sociedad Española de Radiología Médica, Sociedad Española de Radiología Vascular e Intervencionista y Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica). The clinical practice guidelines published in 2009 accepted as Clinical Practice Guidelines of the National Health System has been taken as reference document, incorporating the most important advances that have been made in recent years. The scientific evidence for the treatment of HCC has been evaluated according to the recommendations of the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) and the strength of recommendation is based on the GRADE system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Forner
- Unidad de Oncología Hepática (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer), Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), España
| | - María Reig
- Unidad de Oncología Hepática (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer), Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), España
| | - María Varela
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, España
| | - Marta Burrel
- Unidad de Oncología Hepática (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer), Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Jaime Feliu
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica, Madrid, España
| | - Javier Briceño
- Unidad de Trasplante Hepático, Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, España
| | - Javier Sastre
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España
| | - Luis Martí-Bonmati
- Departamento de Radiología, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, España
| | - Josep María Llovet
- Unidad de Oncología Hepática (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer), Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), España; Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, Estados Unidos
| | - José Ignacio Bilbao
- Unidad de Radiología Vascular e Intervencionista, Departamento de Radiodiagnóstico, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), España; Unidad de Hepatología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
| | - Fernando Pardo
- Servicio de Cirugía Hepatobliopancreática y Trasplante, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- Unidad de Oncología Hepática (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer), Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Concepció Bru
- Unidad de Oncología Hepática (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer), Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Unidad de Oncología Hepática (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer), Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), España.
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199
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Dugum MF, Zein NN. Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2016; 7:36-39. [PMID: 31041025 PMCID: PMC6490250 DOI: 10.1002/cld.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohannad F. Dugum
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPA
| | - Nizar N. Zein
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDigestive Disease Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOH
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200
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Total tumor volume predicts survival following liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:9301-10. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4794-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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