Treatment optimization for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: Repeat hepatic resection versus radiofrequency ablation

Exploiting the immune system in hepatic tumor targeting: Unleashing the potential of drugs, natural products, and nanoparticles

Hepatic tumors present a formidable challenge in cancer therapeutics, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. In recent years, targeting the immune system has attracted interest to augment existing therapeutic efficacy. The immune system in hepatic tumors includes numerous cells with diverse actions. CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T lymphocytes, alternative M1 macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells provide the antitumor immunity. However, Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the key immune inhibitor cells. Tumor stroma can also affect these interactions. Targeting these cells and their secreted molecules is intriguing for eliminating malignant cells. The current review provides a synopsis of the immune system components involved in hepatic tumor expansion and highlights the molecular and cellular pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. It also overviews the diverse range of drugs, natural products, immunotherapy drugs, and nanoparticles that have been investigated to manipulate immune responses and bolster antitumor immunity. The review also addresses the potential advantages and challenges associated with these approaches.

Repeat hepatectomy versus thermal ablation therapy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the survival benefits of repeat hepatectomy (RH) and thermal ablation therapy (TAT) in managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, SinoMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Web of Science databases using relevant keywords to identify all studies published on this specific topic. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a fixed-effects model.

Results

This meta-analysis included a total of 21 studies, comprising 2580 patients with recurrent HCC, among whom 1189 underwent RH and 1394 underwent TAT. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that the RH group exhibited superior overall survival (OS) (HR=0.85, 95%CI 0.76∼0.95, P=0.004) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR=0.79, 95%CI 0.7∼0.9, P<0.01) compared to the TAT group. Regarding postoperative complications, the TAT group experienced fewer complications than the RH group (OR=3.23, 95%CI 1.48∼7.07, P=0.003), while no significant difference in perioperative mortality was observed between the two groups (OR=2.11, 95%CI 0.54∼8.19, P=0.28).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that, in comparison to TAT, RH may confer superior survival benefits for patients with recurrent HCC.

Threatment Strategies for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: Ablation and its Combination Patterns

With the development of guidance technology and ablation equipment, ablative procedures have emerged as important loco-regional alternatives to surgical resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) patients. Currently, ablation modalities used in clinical practice mainly include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), laser ablation (LA), cryoablation (CRA), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and irreversible electroporation (IRE). Accumulated comparative data of ablation versus surgical resection reveal noninferior responses and outcomes but superior adverse effects. Moreover, studies demonstrate that ablation may serve as an excellent procedure for rHCC given its exact minimal invasiveness and immune modulation. We focus on the current status of ablation in clinical practice for rHCC and discuss new research in the field, including ablation combined with these other modalities, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Hepatic Resection vs Particle Therapy as an Initial Treatment for Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Bi-institutional Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited to hepatic resection (HR), radiofrequency ablation, and liver transplantation, but the value of particle therapy (PT) as an initial treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of HR and PT for single HCC.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 554 patients with single HCC without vascular invasion were enrolled from January 2000 to December 2015. Patients underwent either HR (n = 279) or PT (n = 275) as initial treatments. A one-to-one propensity score-matching analysis was performed to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival after dividing patients according to liver function as assessed by the modified albumin-bilirubin grade.

RESULTS

The median OS (130 vs 85 months, p = 0.001) and progression-free survival (47 vs 30 months HR, p = 0.004) of HR were also significantly better than that of PT in the propensity score-matching cohort with modified albumin-bilirubin grade 1/2a (n = 145 per group). Meanwhile, in a propensity score-matching cohort with modified albumin-bilirubin grade 2b/3 (n = 53 per group), there were no significant differences in median OS and progression-free survival between HR and PT.

CONCLUSIONS

HR may be preferable as an initial treatment for patients with single HCC without vascular invasion, especially those with preserved liver function. PT can be an acceptable alternative to HR for patients without surgical indication and/or impaired liver function.

Recent advances in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, accounting for 75%-85% of cases. Although treatments are given to cure early-stage HCC, up to 50%-70% of individuals may experience a relapse of the illness in the liver after 5 years. Research on the fundamental treatment modalities for recurrent HCC is moving significantly further. The precise selection of individuals for therapy strategies with established survival advantages is crucial to ensuring better outcomes. These strategies aim to minimize substantial morbidity, support good life quality, and enhance survival for patients with recurrent HCC. For individuals with recurring HCC after curative treatment, no approved therapeutic regimen is currently available. A recent study presented novel approaches, like immunotherapy and antiviral medication, to improve the prognosis of patients with recurring HCC with the apparent lack of data to guide the clinical treatment. The data supporting several neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies for patients with recurring HCC are outlined in this review. We also discuss the potential for future clinical and translational investigations.

Current status and prospect of treatments for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma

Owing to its heterogeneous and highly aggressive nature, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high recurrence rate, which is a non-negligible problem despite the increasing number of available treatment options. Recent clinical trials have attempted to reduce the recurrence and develop innovative treatment options for patients with recurrent HCC. In the event of liver remnant recurrence, the currently available treatment options include repeat hepatectomy, salvage liver transplantation, tumor ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, stereotactic body radiotherapy, systemic therapies, and combination therapy. In this review, we summarize the strategies to reduce the recurrence of high-risk tumors and aggressive therapies for recurrent HCC. Additionally, we discuss methods to prevent HCC recurrence and prognostic models constructed based on predictors of recurrence to develop an appropriate surveillance program.

Network meta-analysis of the prognosis of curative treatment strategies for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) is a common outcome after curative treatment. Retreatment for rHCC is recommended, but no guidelines exist.

AIM

To compare curative treatments such as repeated hepatectomy (RH), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and liver transplantation (LT) for patients with rHCC after primary hepatectomy by conducting a network meta-analysis (NMA).

METHODS

From 2011 to 2021, 30 articles involving patients with rHCC after primary liver resection were retrieved for this NMA. The Q test was used to assess heterogeneity among studies, and Egger’s test was used to assess publication bias. The efficacy of rHCC treatment was assessed using disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

From 30 articles, a total of 17, 11, 8, and 12 arms of RH, RFA, TACE, and LT subgroups were collected for analysis. Forest plot analysis revealed that the LT subgroup had a better cumulative DFS and 1-year OS than the RH subgroup, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.96 (95%CI: 0.31-2.96). However, the RH subgroup had a better 3-year and 5-year OS compared to the LT, RFA, and TACE subgroups. Hierarchic step diagram of different subgroups measured by the Wald test yielded the same results as the forest plot analysis. LT had a better 1-year OS (OR: 1.04, 95%CI: 0.34-03.20), and LT was inferior to RH in 3-year OS (OR: 10.61, 95%CI: 0.21-1.73) and 5-year OS (OR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.39-2.34). According to the predictive P score evaluation, the LT subgroup had a better DFS, and RH had the best OS. However, meta-regression analysis revealed that LT had a better DFS (P < 0.001) as well as 3-year OS (P = 0.881) and 5-year OS (P = 0.188). The differences in superiority between DFS and OS were due to the different testing methods used.

CONCLUSION

According to this NMA, RH and LT had better DFS and OS for rHCC than RFA and TACE. However, treatment strategies should be determined by the recurrent tumor characteristics, the patient’s general health status, and the care program at each institution.

Application of ablative therapy for intrahepatic recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatectomy

The post-hepatectomy recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is persistently high, affecting the prognosis of patients. An effective therapeutic option is crucial for achieving long-term survival in patients with postoperative recurrences. Local ablative therapy has been established as a treatment option for resectable and unresectable HCCs, and it is also a feasible approach for recurrent HCC (RHCC) due to less trauma, shorter operation times, fewer complications, and faster recovery. This review focused on ablation techniques, description of potential candidates, and therapeutic and prognostic implications of ablation for guiding its application in treating intrahepatic RHCC.

Combining local regional therapy and systemic therapy: Expected changes in the treatment landscape of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma

Improvements in early screening, new diagnostic techniques, and surgical treatment have led to continuous downward trends in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) morbidity and mortality rates. However, high recurrence and refractory cancer after hepatectomy remain important factors affecting the long-term prognosis of HCC. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of recurrent HCC are heterogeneous, and guidelines on treatment strategies for recurrent HCC are lacking. Therapies such as surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, and transhepatic arterial chemoembolization are effective for tumors confined to the liver, and targeted therapy is a very important treatment for unresectable recurrent HCC with systemic metastasis. With the deepening of the understanding of the immune microenvironment of HCC, blocking immune checkpoints to enhance the antitumor immune response has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. In addition, improvements in the tumor immune microenvironment caused by local treatment may provide an opportunity to improve the therapeutic effect of HCC treatment. Ongoing and future clinical trial data of combined therapy may develop the new treatment scheme for recurrent HCC. This paper reviews the pattern of recurrent HCC and the characteristics of the immune microenvironment, demonstrates the basis for combining local treatment and systemic treatment, and reports current evidence to better understand current progress and future approaches in the treatment of recurrent HCC.

Long‐term efficacy of no‐touch radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of single small hepatocellular carcinoma: A single center long‐term follow‐up study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of no-touch radiofrequency ablation (NT-RFA) for treating single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) less than 3 cm.

METHODS

A total of 331 patients with HCC less than 3 cm undergoing RFA in Southwest Hospital from 2015 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were divided into NT-RFA group (n = 113) and conventional RFA (C-RFA) group (n = 218). The survival rate, local tumor progression (LTP) and intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR) of the two groups were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

A significant difference was observed in ablation range (p = 0.000) and safety margin (p = 0.000) between the two groups. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in NT-RFA and C-RFA group were 99.12%, 93.73%, 76.18%, 57.00%, 45.17% and 99.08%, 89.91%, 71.26%, 54.28%, 41.77%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.281). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in NT-RFA and C-RFA group were 78.51%, 52.59%, 41.02%, 34.36%, 30.92% and 68.81%, 44.95%, 30.88%, 23.73%, 22.88%, respectively. The two groups differed significantly (p = 0.044). The 1-, 3-and 5-year LTP-free survival rates in NT-RFA and C-RFA group were 87.12%, 74.99%, 72.32% and 75.75%, 65.52%, 65.52%, respectively. The two groups also differed significantly (p = 0.024). Furthermore, the RFS rates of D ≤ 2 cm subgroups in NT-RFA and C-RFA groups differed significantly (p = 0.037), while the RFS rates of 2 cm < D ≤ 3 cm subgroups in two groups showed no significant difference (p = 0.578).

CONCLUSIONS

The RFS rates of single HCC less than 3 cm treated by NT-RFA was significantly higher than that of C-RFA. Due to a larger ablation range and safety margin, NT-RFA could significantly reduce LTP and improve RFS. Dual-electrode NT-RFA can significantly improve the RFS rate of patients with HCC less than 2 cm, but there is no obvious advantage compared with C-RFA in the treatment of HCC over 2 cm.

Meta-Analysis of Repeat Hepatectomy versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related death in both the developed and developing world. Recurrent HCC (rHCC) develops in a significant proportion of patients even following curative-intent resection. In the absence of a structured treatment algorithm, a number of treatment options including repeat hepatectomy (RH) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been utilized in select patients with rHCC. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing RHR versus RFA for rHCC. Four electronic databases were screened until September 2022. A total of 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall and disease-free survival were comparable among the two groups. Patients undergoing RH were less likely to develop a second recurrence (RR 0.89, 95% C.I. 0.81 to 0.98, p = 0.02). Overall and major morbidity were significantly increased in the RH group (RR 3.01, 95% C.I. 1.98 to 4.56, p < 0.001 and RR 3.65, 95% C.I. 2.07 to 6.43, p < 0.001, respectively), while mortality was similar between RFA and RH. The data demonstrated that RFA is a safe and efficient alternative to RH for selected patients with rHCC. Nevertheless, despite higher morbidity associated with RH, repeat resection remains the preferred treatment option whenever feasible, as it allows for better local disease control.

Laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy versus conventional open repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Repeat hepatectomy has been proven to be an effective treatment in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC). However, for RHCC, it is still controversial whether laparoscopic hepatectomy is superior to conventional ones. The present meta-analysis was carried out to investigate the safety and overall effect of laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy (LRH) to open repeat hepatectomy (ORH) for patients with RHCC.

Methods

A meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO, and the registration number is CRD42021257569. PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched based on a defined search strategy to identify eligible studies before 25 April 2022. Data on operative times, bleeding volume, overall complications, 90-day mortality, blood transfusion, length of stay, overall survival rate, and long-term recurrence-free survival rate were subjected to meta-analysis.

Results

Overall, we identified nine studies of LRH versus ORH enrolling a total of 945 patients (460 and 485 underwent LRH and ORH, respectively). The present meta-analysis revealed non-significant differences in operative time, blood transfusion, overall complications, 90-day mortality, 3-year overall survival rate, 5-year overall survival rate, and long-term recurrence-free survival rate between the two groups. Alternatively, comparing LRH with ORH, LRH has less bleeding volume (p < 0.001) and a shorter length of stay (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

LRH is a feasible and effective treatment strategy for RHCC.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#searchadvanced, identifier CRD42021257569.

Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Patterns, Detection, Staging and Treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with the incidence of recurrence being as high as 88% even among patients who have undergone curative-intent treatment. Despite improvements in overall survival, recurrence remains a challenge necessitating accurate reappraisal of patient and disease status. To that end, accurate staging of recurrent HCC is a necessity to provide better care for these patients. Risk factors for poor survival after HCC recurrence have been identified and include characteristics of the primary disease, such as tumor multifocality, large size (≥5 cm), macroscopic vascular or microscopic lymphovascular invasion, preoperative a-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, R0 resection, and the presence of impaired liver function. Close surveillance with imaging is warranted following curative-intent therapy, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being the preferred approach to identify small, early recurrent HCCs. Treatment decisions at the time of recurrence involve ruling out extrahepatic disease and identifying candidates for potentially curative-intent repeat treatment options. Patients with recurrent disease are, however, very diverse in terms of tumor morphology and biologic behavior, as well as residual hepatic functional reserve. Patients with preserved liver function may benefit from repeat liver resection or ablation. Patients with recurrence within the Milan criteria may even be candidates for salvage liver transplantation, while multimodality treatment with combination of liver-directed therapies appears to enhance oncologic outcomes for individuals with advanced recurrent disease. A “one-size-fits-all” approach in staging recurrent HCC does not exist. Rather, individualized and evidence-based decision-making is necessary in order to optimize outcomes for patients with recurrent HCC.

Surgical resection versus radiofrequency ablation for early recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection (SR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are reasonable treatment options for early recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC), but it is still uncertain which treatment is better. The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of SR and RFA on patients with early rHCC.

METHODS

This study enrolled 168 patients with early rHCC who underwent SR or RFA. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and complications between the treatment groups for the total and propensity score-matched (PSM) cohorts were compared.

RESULTS

Before PSM, the 1-, 3-, 5-year OS (94.8%, 63.0%, 36.1% vs. 93.8%, 58.5%, 35.4%, P  = 0.580) and PFS (50.7%, 22.7%, 12.0% vs. 68.8%, 30.3%, 15.9%, P  = 0.224) were similar in RFA group and the SR group. After PSM, the 1-, 3-, 5-year OS (95.5%, 71.1%, 53.3% vs. 95.5%, 58.0%, 42.1%, P  = 0.285) and PFS (50%, 36.4%, 27.3% vs. 68.2%, 25.6%, 12.8%, P  = 0.999) were similar in the RFA group and the SR group. For patients with early recurrent tumors ≤3 cm, RFA and SR could achieve similar curative effects. However, SR was superior to RFA in terms PFS for patients with early recurrent tumors >3 cm, but the OS was similar. For all patients, RFA had significantly fewer complications and shorter hospitalization time compared with SR.

CONCLUSION

SR achieves better tumor control compared with RFA for patients with early rHCC (>3 cm) after SR. RFA had significantly fewer complications and shorter hospitalization time compared with SR for all patients.

CFDP1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through activating NEDD4/PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It is being increasingly reported that the Cranio Facial Development Protein 1 (CFDP1) plays a significant role in the onset and progression of tumors. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms associated with CFDP1 that contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the specific biological role of CFDP1 remain vague.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was analyzed to obtain the gene expression profiles as well as the matching clinical data of HCC patients. The gene co-expression network was developed by means of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen for possible biomarkers that could be used for the purpose of predicting prognosis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Profile Interaction Analysis (GEPIA) databases were used to assess the relationship between survival and expression. In addition, we identified the underlying mechanism associated with CFDP1 by analyzing the KEGG pathway database, applying the GSEA and GeneCards analysis method. We performed a sequence of experiments (in vivo and in vitro) for the purpose of investigating the specific function of CFDP1 in liver cancer.

RESULTS

The obtained results revealed high expression of CFDP1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. A positive correlation between the overexpression of CFDP1 and the adverse clinicopathological features was observed. Moreover, we observed that the low recurrence-free survival and overall survival were associated with CFDP1 overexpression. In addition, GeneCards and GSEA analysis showed that CFDP1 may interact with NEDD4 and participate in PTEN regulation. Meanwhile, CFDP1 can promote the malignant development of liver cancer in vivo and in vitro. The western blotting technique was also employed so as to examine the samples, and the findings demonstrated that CFDP1 enhanced the malignancy of HCC via the NEDD4-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

We highlighted that CFDP1 played an oncogenic role in HCC and was identified as a possible clinical prognostic factor and a potential novel therapeutic target for HCC.

Adjuvant Sorafenib Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Early-Stage Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Microvascular Invasion at the Initial Hepatectomy

Background

The efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with early-stage recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with microvascular invasion (MVI) at the initial hepatectomy is limited. Our study aimed to explore whether adjuvant sorafenib following RFA could improve the situation.

Methods

We retrospectively included 211 patients with early-stage (tumor number of ≤3 and tumor size of 2–5 cm) recurrent HCC with MVI at the initial hepatectomy who underwent adjuvant sorafenib following RFA or RFA alone in 13 centers from June 2013 to June 2020. In the combination group, sorafenib of 400 mg twice daily was administered within 7 days after RFA. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared. Subgroup analysis based on MVI grade was performed. MVI grade was based on the practice guidelines for the pathological diagnosis of HCC and included M1 (≤5 MVI sites, all located within adjacent peritumoral liver tissues 0–1 cm away from the tumor margin) and M2 (>5 MVI sites, or any MVI site located within adjacent peritumoral liver tissues > 1 cm away from the tumor margin).

Results

A total of 103 patients received the combination therapy and 108 patients received RFA alone. The combination therapy provided better survival than RFA alone (median RFS: 17.7 vs. 13.1 months, P < 0.001; median OS: 32.0 vs. 25.0 months, P = 0.002). Multivariable analysis revealed that treatment allocation was an independent prognostic factor. On subgroup analysis, the combination therapy provided better survival than RFA alone in patients with M1 along with either a tumor size of 3–5 cm, tumor number of two to three, or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 μg/L, and in those with M2 along with either a tumor size of 2–3 cm, one recurrent tumor, or AFP ≤ 400 μg/L.

Conclusions

Adjuvant sorafenib following RFA was associated with better survival than RFA alone in patients with early-stage recurrent HCC with MVI at the initial hepatectomy. Moreover, MVI grade could guide the application of adjuvant sorafenib.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of repeated hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of primary recurrent liver cancer: a meta-analysis

Background

Since there is still controversy about the comparison of the efficacy and safety of RH and RFA in the treatment of recurrent liver cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety, in order to provide evidence-based evidence for future research and clinical treatment.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the database to Feb 2021. We included studies that reported liver cancer patients underwent repeated hepatectomy (RH) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and we excluded duplicate publications, research without full text, incomplete information, or inability to conduct data extraction, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews. The STATA 15.1 was used to analyze the data.

Results

The pooled results show that the 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the repeated hepatectomy group was significantly higher than the radiofrequency ablation group (odds ratio (OR) = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.47–2.60, P ≤ 0.001; OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.12–2.43, P = 0.012). Similarly, the pooled results show that the 3-year and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of the repeated hepatectomy group was significantly higher than the radiofrequency ablation group (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.30–2.31, P ≤ 0.001; OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.38–2.49, P ≤ 0.001). However, there is no significant difference in the 1-year OS and DFS rate of repeated hepatectomy group and radiofrequency ablation group. Additionally, the pooled results show that the postoperative Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade II or higher complication rate of the repeated hepatectomy group was significantly higher than the radiofrequency ablation group (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.37–5.75, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Based on the pooled results of 8 existing retrospective studies, RH has a higher OS rate and DFS rate in the treatment of recurrent liver cancer, while the postoperative complication rate of RFA is lower. When survival is the primary goal, RH should be the first choice for recurrent liver cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02649-4.

Nomograms for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence and Overall Postoperative Patient Survival

Background

Few studies have focused on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0‒C in terms of early recurrence and 5-years overall survival (OS). We sought to develop nomograms for predicting 5-year OS and early recurrence after curative resection of HCC, based on a clinicopathological‒radiological model. We also investigated whether different treatment methods influenced the OS of patients with early recurrence.

Methods

Retrospective data, including clinical pathology, radiology, and follow-up data, were collected for 494 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy. Nomograms estimating OS and early recurrence were constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis, based on the random survival forest (RSF) model. We evaluated the discrimination and calibration abilities of the nomograms using concordance indices (C-index), calibration curves, and Kaplan‒Meier curves. OS curves of different treatments for patients who had recurrence within 2 years after curative surgery were depicted and compared using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression revealed that BCLC stage, non-smooth margin, maximum tumor diameter, age, aspartate aminotransferase levels, microvascular invasion, and differentiation were prognostic factors for OS and were incorporated into the nomogram with good predictive performance in the training (C-index: 0.787) and testing cohorts (C-index: 0.711). A nomogram for recurrence-free survival was also developed based on four prognostic factors (BCLC stage, non-smooth margin, maximum tumor diameter, and microvascular invasion) with good predictive performance in the training (C-index: 0.717) and testing cohorts (C-index: 0.701). In comparison to the BCLC staging system, the C-index (training cohort: 0.787 vs. 0.678, 0.717 vs. 0.675; external cohort 2: 0.748 vs. 0.624, 0.729 vs. 0.587 respectively, for OS and RFS; external cohort1:0.716 vs. 0.627 for RFS, all p value<0.05), and model calibration curves all showed improved performance. Patients who underwent surgery after tumor recurrence had a higher reOS than those who underwent comprehensive treatments and supportive care.

Conclusions

The nomogram, based on clinical, pathological, and radiological factors, demonstrated good accuracy in estimating OS and recurrence, which can guide follow-up and treatment of individual patients. Reoperation may be the best option for patients with recurrence in good condition.

Liver-Directed Treatment Options Following Liver Tumor Recurrence: A Review of the Literature

Recurrence following curative-intent hepatectomy for colorectal cancer liver metastasis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or cholangiocarcinoma is unfortunately common with a reported incidence as high as 75%. Various treatment modalities can improve survival following disease recurrence. A review of the literature was performed using PubMed. In addition to systemic therapy, liver-directed treatment options for recurrent liver disease include repeat hepatectomy, salvage liver transplantation, radiofrequency or microwave ablation, intra-arterial therapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Repeat resection can be consider for patients with limited recurrent disease that meets resection criteria, as this therapeutic approach can provide a survival benefit and is potentially curative in a subset of patients. Salvage liver transplantation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma is another option, which has been associated with a 5-year survival of 50%. Salvage transplantation may be an option in particular for patients who are not candidates for resection due to underlying liver dysfunction but meet criteria for transplantation. Ablation is another modality to treat patients who recur with smaller tumors and are not surgical candidates due to comorbidity, liver dysfunction, or tumor location. For patients with inoperable disease, transarterial chemoembolization, or radioembolization with Yttrium-90 are liver-directed intra-arterial therapy modalities with relatively low risks that can be utilized. Stereotactic body radiation therapy is another palliative treatment option that can provide a response and local tumor control for smaller tumors.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

The efficacy of repeat hepatic resection (rHR) in the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma compared with radiofrequency or microwave ablation after resection of the primary tumour remains controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched to identify related studies published before 10 October 2021. Overall and recurrence-free survival after different treatments were compared based on pooled hazard ratios with a random-effects model.

Results

Two randomized clinical trials and 28 observational studies were included, involving 1961 and 2787 patients who underwent rHR and ablation respectively. Median perioperative mortality in both groups was zero but patients in the rHR group had higher median morbidity rates (17.0 per cent) than those in the ablation group (3.3 per cent). rHR achieved significantly longer recurrence-free survival than ablation (HR 0.79, 95 per cent c.i. 0.70 to 0.89, P < 0.001), while both groups had similar overall survival (HR 0.93, 95 per cent c.i. 0.83 to 1.04, P = 0.18).

Conclusion

rHR and ablation based on radio- or microwaves are associated with similar overall survival in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after resection of the primary tumour.

Clinical impact of the treatment modality on small, solitary, recurrent intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinomas after primary liver resection

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the survival benefit based on different treatment strategies in patients with small, solitary, recurring intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) that were defined as recurred Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage O (reBCLC-O).

Methods

Among the 917 patients with HCC recurrence after primary hepatic resection, 394 patients with reBCLC-O were selected. Of these, 150 patients underwent curative treatment (re-resection, radiofrequency ablation, and liver transplantation) and 203 underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) group for recurrent HCC. After propensity score matching (PSM), both the groups were well balanced (89 patients in each group).

Results

Before PSM, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of patients in the curative treatment group (96.7%, 78.6%, and 70.5%, respectively) were significantly better than those in the TACE treatment group (95.6%, 53.7%, and 44.2%, respectively) (P < 0.001). After PSM, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates also differed significantly (92.0%, 79.6%, and 71.1% in the curative treatment group vs. 88.8%, 65.6%, and 57.9% in the TACE group) (P = 0.005). The independent predictors of worse OS were tumor number at the time of resection and treatment modality for the recurrence, time interval to recurrence, and prothrombin time international normalized ratio and alpha-fetoprotein levels at the time of recurrence.

Conclusion

The OS of patients in the curative treatment group was better than that in the non-curative treatment group after PSM. Based on our results, curative treatment should be strongly recommended in the patients with reBCLC-O recurrence for better survival.

Liver resection versus radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver resection (LR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are commonly used for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the optimal treatment modality remains unclear. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of LR vs RFA for recurrent HCC.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The secondary outcomes were major complications and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies with 1991 patients with recurrent HCC were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for OS demonstrated that LR had significantly better OS than RFA in recurrent HCC (HR, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.95). Specifically, LR was associated with higher 2-, 3- and 4-year OS rates compared with RFA. The pooled HR for DFS showed no significant difference between LR and RFA during the whole follow-up period (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76-1.07). However, LR was associated with significantly higher 2- to 5-year DFS rates compared to RFA. LR was also associated with more major complications (p < .001) and longer hospital stay (p < .001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that LR and RFA had similar efficacy in patients with recurrent tumors less than 3 cm or patients presenting three or fewer recurrent nodules.

CONCLUSION

LR could provide better long-term survival outcomes than RFA for recurrent HCC patients, while RFA has a higher safety profile. RFA can be a good alternative to LR for patients with small-sized recurrence or patients with a limited number of recurrent nodules. However, as tumor size increases, LR tends to be more efficacious.

The predictive value of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in treatment optimization for recurrent early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The predictive value of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) in recurrent early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic significance of VETC in patients with recurrent early‐stage HCC after repeat hepatic resection (RHR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

From December 2005 to December 2016, 138 patients receiving RHR and 188 patients receiving RFA were recruited. VETC was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for CD34. The survival outcomes of patients with VETC pattern or not were investigated.

Results

There was no significant difference between the RHR and RFA groups in disease‐free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) as determined by the univariate analysis of the whole cohort. In the subgroup analysis of the VETC‐positive cohort, the patients in the RHR group showed a longer median DFS time in contrast to those in the RFA group (15.0 vs. 5.0 months, p = 0.001). Similarly, the patients in the RHR group showed a longer median OS time in contrast to those in the RFA group (39.5 vs. 19 months, p = 0.001). In the VETC‐negative cohort, no significant differences in DFS and OS rates between the RHR and RFA groups were observed (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of our study suggested that RHR was relatively safe and superior to RFA in improving survival outcomes for recurrent early‐stage HCC after initial hepatectomy. Furthermore, the VETC pattern may represent a reliable marker for selecting HCC patients who may benefit from RHR.

Role of modern radiotherapy in managing patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Several treatment options are available for managing HCC patients, classified roughly as local, local-regional, and systemic therapies. The high post-monotherapy recurrence rate of HCC urges the need for the use of combined modalities to increase tumor control and patient survival. Different international guidelines offer treatment recommendations based on different points of view and classification systems. Radiotherapy (RT) is a well-known local-regional treatment modality for managing many types of cancers, including HCC. However, only some of these treatment guidelines include RT, and the role of combined modalities is rarely mentioned. Hence, the present study reviewed clinical evidence for the use of different combined modalities in managing HCC, focusing on modern RT's role. Modern RT has an increased utility in managing HCC patients, mainly due to two driving forces. First, technological advancement (e.g., stereotactic body radiotherapy and advanced proton-beam therapy) enables precise delivery of radiation to increase tumor control and reduce side effects in the surrounding normal tissue. Second, the boom in developing target therapies and checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy prolongs overall survival in HCC patients, re-emphasizing the importance of local tumor control. Remarkably, RT combines with systemic therapies to generate the systemic therapy augmented by radiotherapy effect, a benefit now being actively investigated.

Intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after resection: an update

Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence occurs in 40-70% of patients after hepatic resection. Despite the high frequency of hepatocellular cancer relapse, there is no established guidance for the management of such cases. The evaluation of prognostic factors that indicate a high risk of recurrence after surgery such as the tumor number and size and the presence of microvascular invasion may guide the therapeutic strategy and point out which patients should be strictly monitored. Additionally, the administration of adjuvant treatment or ab initio liver transplantation in selected patients with high-risk characteristics could have a significant impact on the prevention of relapse and overall survival. Once the recurrence has occurred in the liver remnant, the available therapeutic options include re-resection, salvage liver transplantation and locoregional treatments, although the therapeutic choice is often challenging and should be based on the characteristics of the recurrent tumor, the patient profile and most importantly the timing of relapse. Aggressive combination treatments are often required in challenging cases of early relapse. The results of the above treatment strategies are reviewed and compared to determine the optimal management of patients with recurrent hepatocellular cancer following liver resection.

Radiofrequency ablation versus hepatic resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The clinical benefits of treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and repeat hepatic resection (RHR) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC) remain controversial. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the outcomes and major complications of RFA versus RHR in patients with early-stage RHCC.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for comparative studies on the evaluation of RHR versus RFA for RHCC. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and major complications. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model or fixed-effects model, and heterogeneity was tested by the Cochran Q statistic.

RESULTS

Ten studies with 1612 patients (RHR = 654, RFA = 958) were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that RHR had superior OS (HR 0.77, 95% CI =0.65-0.92, P = 0.004) and PFS (HR 0.81, 95% CI =0.67-0.98, P = 0.027) compared to RFA, whereas major complications may be less frequent in the RFA group (OR 0.15, 95% CI = 0.06-0.39, P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis of patients with single RHCC ≤3 cm, OS (HR 1.03, 95% CI =0.69-1.52, P = 0.897) and PFS (HR 0.99, 95% CI = 0.71-1.37, P = 0.929) showed no significant differences in the comparison of RHR and RFA. In single RHCC> 3 cm and ≤ 5 cm, RFA showed an increased mortality in terms of OS (HR 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37-0.89, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

RHR offers a longer OS and PFS than RFA for patients with RHCC, but no statistically significant difference was observed for single RHCC ≤3 cm. The advantages of fewer major complications may render RFA an alternative treatment option for selected patients.

Repeat hepatic resection VS radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This paper evaluates the efficacy and safety of repeat hepatic resection and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrieved and collected all relevant articles from the inception to 8 March 2020. After data extraction, we conducted meta-analysis and carried out the heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias test to evaluate reliability.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies with 1746 patients (rHR 837, RFA 909) were included. rHR was similar to RFA in a one-year overall survival rate (OS), while rHR was superior to RFA in 3- and 5-year OS and 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates (DFS), but the procedure-related complications of RFA were significantly less than those of rHR. Among the subgroups with Milan criteria, rHR was similar to RFA in 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and 1-year DFS, but superior to RFA in 3- and 5-year DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

RFA is the first choice for recurrent HCC meeting Milan criteria. When it does not meet the Milan criteria, minimally invasive treatment should not be carried out at the cost of survival, and rHR should be the first choice.

BUB1B promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway

Background and Aims

Accumulating studies identified that BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B) is integrally involved in the initiation and development of tumors. Nevertheless, the precise biological role and underlying mechanisms of BUB1B in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain indistinct.

Method

To figure out the role of BUB1B in HCC, we first assessed its expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases. We then verified BUB1B expression in HCC tissues, nontumor tissues, and HCC cell lines through western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. To explore the specific function of BUB1B in HCC in vivo and in vitro, we performed the flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation, colony formation, Transwell, wound‐healing, subcutaneous tumor growth, and metastasis assays. Additionally, we identified the BUB1B‐regulated pathways involved in HCC by using gene set enrichment analysis.

Results

Our data displayed that higher BUB1B expression was detected in HCC tissues and HCC cell lines. The overexpression of BUB1B was positively correlated with adverse clinicopathological characteristics. Survival analyses showed that lower recurrence‐free and overall survival rates were correlated with the overexpression of BUB1B in patients with HCC. Moreover, the malignancy of HCC was facilitated by BUB1B both in vivo and in vitro. Lastly, the results were confirmed by western blots, which showed that BUB1B upregulated mTORC1 signaling pathway in HCC. Meanwhile, the oncogenic effect of BUB1B will be impaired when the mTORC1 signaling pathway was inhibited by rapamycin.

Conclusion

We highlighted that BUB1B played an oncogenic role in HCC and was identified as a possible clinical prognostic factor and a potential novel therapeutic target for HCC.

Follow-up schedule for initial recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation based on risk classification

Background

To date, no standard follow-up guidelines exist regarding patients receiving ablation for initial recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to explore whether intensive follow-up could benefit these patients.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of patients who received complete ablation for initial HCC recurrence after curative treatments in our institution from January 2005 to June 2017. Risk factors for second recurrence of HCC were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients were classified into low- and high-risk groups according to the outcome of the classification and regression model. The patients were further categorized into short- (< 3 months) and long-interval (3–6 months) follow-up subgroups based on their surveillance in the first 2 years after complete ablation for initial recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was performed to compare the overall survival (OS) based on follow-up intervals in each risk group. We also validated our results by stratifying patients into subgroups with different numbers of risk factors and comparing the OS between patients with different follow-up intervals.

Results

A total of 361 patients were enrolled. The risk factors for secondary recurrence included the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage at initial recurrence and first recurrence-free survival after curative treatments for primary HCC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Two risk groups (low and high) were identified. In both the low- and high-risk groups, the OS of patients was not associated with intervals of follow-up (p = 0.29 and 0.49). No significant difference was found in the rates of BCLC 0/A stage, tumor location or curative treatments for the second recurrence by different follow-up intervals in each risk group (p = 0.34 and 0.87; p = 0.69 and 0.97). The same tendency was found in subgroups with 0/1/2 risk factors for secondary recurrence during validation.

Conclusion

The long-interval follow-up did not compromise the survival of patients with complete ablation for initial recurrent HCC.

Treatment optimization for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: Repeat hepatic resection versus radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The optimal treatment strategy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to compare the outcomes of repeat hepatic resection (RHR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent HCC.

METHOD

From December 2004 to December 2015, 138 patients who underwent RHR and 194 patients who underwent RFA were enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to establish 1:1 RHR-RFA group matching. Clinical outcomes were compared before and after matching.

RESULTS

Before matching, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year postrecurrence survival (PRS) rates were 91.8%, 82.0%, and 72.9% for the RHR group (n = 138) and 94.4%, 75.4%, and 61.7% for the RFA group (n = 194), respectively (P = .380). After matching, the PRS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 90.5%, 81.5%, and 71.8% for the RHR group (n = 120) and 91.0%, 61.0%, and 41.7% for the RFA group (n = 120), respectively (P = .002). In the subgroup analysis, the PRS rates for the RHR group were better than those for the RFA group for patients who relapsed within 2 years (P = .004) or patients with primary tumor burden beyond the Milan criteria (P = .004). Multivariate analysis showed that treatment allocation was identified as an independent prognostic factor for PRS.

CONCLUSION

Compared with RFA, RHR provided a survival advantage for recurrent HCC, especially for patients who relapsed within 2 years and those with primary tumor burden beyond the Milan criteria.