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Fiduzi FIF, Willemssen FEJA, de Braak CV, de Lussanet de la Sablonière QG, IJzermans JNM, Bos D, de Man RA, Dwarkasing RS. Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance with Contrast-enhanced MRI in a High-Risk Western European Cohort. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2024; 53:709-716. [PMID: 39003123 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the utilization of MRI using a MRI liver protocol with extracellular contrast-enhanced series for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in high-risk patients. METHODS Consecutive high-risk patients of a western European cohort who underwent repeated liver MRI for HCC screening were included. Lesions were registered according to the Liver Reporting & Data System (LIRADS) 2018. HCC was staged as very early stage HCC (BCLC stage 0) and more advanced stages of HCC (BCLC stage A-D). Differences in time interval between MRI's for BCLC stage 0 and stage A-D were calculated with the Mann-Whitney U test. The HCC cumulative incidence at one-, three- and five years was calculated with the Kaplan Meier estimator. RESULTS From 2010 to 2019 a total of 240 patients were included (71% male; median age: 57 years; IQR: 50-64 years) with 1350 MRI's. Most patients (83 %) had cirrhosis with hepatitis C as the most common underlying cause. Patients underwent on average four MRI's (IQR: 3-7). Forty-two patients (17.5%) developed HCC (52 HCC lesions: 43 LIRADS-5, eight LIRADS-4, and one LIRADS-TIV). Eighteen patients (43%) had BCLC stage 0 HCC with a significant shorter screening time interval (10 months; IQR: 6-21) compared to patients with BCLC stage A-D (21 months; IQR: 10-32) (p = 0.03). Thirty seven percent of patients with a LIRADS-3 lesion (n=43) showed HCC development within twelve months (median: 7.4 months). One, three- and five-year HCC cumulative incidence in cirrhotic patients was 1%, 10% and 17%, respectively. CONCLUSION High-risk patients who underwent surveillance with contrast-enhanced MRI developed HCC in 17.5 % during a follow up period of over 4 years median. Very early stage HCC was seen in compensated cirrhosis after a median time interval of 10 months. Later stages of HCC were related to prolonged screening time interval (median 21 months).
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico I F Fiduzi
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - François E J A Willemssen
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Céline van de Braak
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan N M IJzermans
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Bos
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roy S Dwarkasing
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Singal AG, Ng M, Kulkarni A. Advancing Surveillance Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A New Era of Efficacy and Precision. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101448. [PMID: 38946864 PMCID: PMC11214318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the few cancers with a 5-year survival that has remained below 20%; however, prognosis differs by tumor stage at diagnosis. Curative treatment options among patients with early-stage HCC afford a median survival of 5-10 years. Accordingly, international society guidelines recommend semi-annual HCC surveillance in at-risk patients, including those with cirrhosis or high-risk chronic hepatitis B infection. Surveillance is associated with increased early-stage HCC detection and curative treatments, leading to reduced HCC-related mortality. Abdominal ultrasound has been the cornerstone for HCC surveillance for the past two decades, but recent data have highlighted its suboptimal sensitivity for early-stage HCC detection, particularly in patients with obesity and those with non-viral etiologies of liver disease. The combination of ultrasound plus alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has higher sensitivity for early-stage HCC detection than ultrasound alone, although the combination still misses over one-third of HCC at an early stage. Emerging imaging and blood-based biomarker strategies have promising data in biomarker phase 2 (case-control) and phase 3 (cohort) studies. Beyond ultrasound, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best-studied imaging strategy, with superior sensitivity and specificity compared to ultrasound in a cohort study. Abbreviated MRI protocols have been proposed to address concerns about MRI radiological capacity, costs, and patient acceptance. Of biomarker strategies, GALAD (a panel including gender, age, AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP) is the best validated, with promising sensitivity for early-stage HCC detection in a national multi-center cohort study. Liquid biopsy biomarkers, including methylated DNA markers, have also shown promising accuracy in case-control studies. Abbreviated MRI and GALAD are now entering prospective trials that examine clinical outcomes such as early-stage HCC detection and screening-related harms, which are essential data to understand for adoption in clinical practice. As additional surveillance strategies become available, it will allow an era of precision surveillance in which optimal surveillance modalities are tailored to individual patient risk and expected test performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michelle Ng
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anand Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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Chen QF, Chen S, Yi JZ, Wang JL, Zhong SX, Jiang XY, Hu Y, Tan GJ, Xu J, Lyu N, Zhao M. Recommended 10-Year Follow-Up Strategy for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Radiofrequency Ablation: A Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:2052-2060. [PMID: 38526213 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An optimal follow-up schedule for small (≤3-cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remains unclear in clinical guidelines. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of follow-up strategies in patients with small HCC after RFA. METHODS In total, 11,243 patients were collected from global institutions to calculate recurrence rates. Subsequently, a Markov model covering a 10-year period was developed to compare 25 surveillance strategies involving different surveillance techniques (computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography [US], and α-fetoprotein [AFP]) and intervals (3 or 6 months). The study endpoint was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), which represented additional cost per incremental quality-adjusted life year. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by varying the values of input parameters to observe the ICER. RESULTS In a base case analysis, the dominant strategy was CT every 3 months during an initial 2 years, followed by semiannual CT, and then switch to biannual the combination of US screening and AFP testing after 5 years (m3_CT-m6_CT-m6_USAFP), with an ICER of $68,570.92 compared with the "not followed" strategy. One-way sensitivity analysis showed the ICER consistently remained below the willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000.00. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, m3_CT-m6_CT-m6_USAFP was the most cost-effective approach in 95.6% of simulated scenarios at a willingness-to-pay threshold. DISCUSSION For small HCC after RFA, the recommended follow-up strategy is CT, with scans scheduled every 3 months for the first 2 years, every 6 months thereafter, and transition to biannual the combination of US screening and AFP testing after 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Liver Cancer Study and Service Group, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Maung ST, Tanpowpong N, Satja M, Treeprasertsuk S, Chaiteerakij R. Non-contrast abbreviated MRI for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System LR-3 and LR-4 observations in MRI. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:1671-1682. [PMID: 39115388 PMCID: PMC11417374 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS With ultrasound sensitivity limited in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance and few prospective studies on non-contrast abbreviated MRI (NC-AMRI), this study aimed to assess its diagnostic performance in detecting HCC. METHODS This prospective study involved cirrhotic patients with contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) LR-3 and LR-4 observations detected during HCC surveillance. Patients underwent average 3 complete CE-MRI rounds at 3-6 months interval, with approximately 12-month follow-up. NC-AMRI included diffusion-weighted (DWI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). NC-AMRI protocol images were analysed for diagnostic performance, with subgroup analyses. CE-MRI and NC-AMRI images were independently reviewed by 2 experienced radiologists, with inter-reader agreement assessed with Kappa coefficient. The reference standard was the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases-defined presence of arterial hypervascularity and washout during the portal-venous or delayed phases on CE-MRI. RESULTS In 166 CE-MRI follow-ups of 63 patients (median age: 63 years; 60.3% male, 39.7% female), 12 patients developed HCC, with average size of 19.6 mm. The NC-AMRI (DWI + T2WI + T1WI) showed 91.7% sensitivity (95%CI, 61.5-99.8) and 91.6% specificity (95%CI, 86.0-95.4), area under receiver operating characteristic 0.92 (95%CI, 0.83-1.00). Across different Body Mass Index categories, lesion size, Child-Turcotte-Pugh classes, Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grades, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease classes, sensitivity remained consistent. However, specificity differed significantly between ALBI grade 1 and 2 (86.7% vs. 98.4%, P = .010), and between viral and non-viral cirrhosis (93.8% vs. 80.8%, P = .010). CONCLUSIONS NC-AMRI proved clinically feasible, and exhibits high diagnostic performance in HCC detection. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This study highlights efficacy of NC-AMRI in detecting HCC among cirrhotic patients with LR-3 and LR-4 observations, representing significant progress in HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soe Thiha Maung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Program in Clinical Sciences (International Program), Graduate Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Services, Ma Har Myaing Hospital, 308, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, 11111, Myanmar
| | - Natthaporn Tanpowpong
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Minchanat Satja
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Sombat Treeprasertsuk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Roongruedee Chaiteerakij
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation and Endoscopy in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Kao SYZ, Sangha K, Fujiwara N, Hoshida Y, Parikh ND, Singal AG. Cost-effectiveness of a precision hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance strategy in patients with cirrhosis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 75:102755. [PMID: 39234558 PMCID: PMC11372615 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is currently performed using a one-size-fits-all strategy with ultrasound plus AFP (US + AFP). There is increasing interest in risk-stratified and precision surveillance strategies incorporating individual risk and variance in surveillance test performance; however, the cost-effectiveness of these approaches has not been evaluated. Methods We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate four surveillance strategies (no surveillance, universal US + AFP surveillance, risk-stratified surveillance, and precision surveillance) in a simulated cohort of 50-year-old patients with compensated cirrhosis. The most cost-effective strategy was that with the highest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $150,000/QALY gained. Model inputs were based on literature review, and costs were derived from the Medicare fee schedule. Findings The precision surveillance strategy demonstrated variation in recommended surveillance test based on HCC risk category and patient factors. US + AFP, risk-stratified, and precision surveillance detected more HCC cases per 100,000 population than no surveillance, with a higher proportion of early-stage cases for precision surveillance (67.6%) than risk-stratified (63.8%), universal ultrasound (63.2%), and no surveillance (38.0%). Compared to no surveillance, precision surveillance was most cost-effective, with an ICER of $104,614/QALY gained, whereas US + AFP and risk-stratified surveillance were both dominated. Compared to US + AFP, risk-stratified surveillance was cost saving and dominated US + AFP, whereas precision surveillance was cost-effective, with an ICER of $98,103/QALY gained. Results were sensitive to survival with early-stage HCC, cost of early-stage HCC treatment, and surveillance utilization. Precision surveillance remained the most cost-effective when WTP thresholds exceeded $110,000/QALY gained. Interpretation A precision surveillance strategy is the most cost-effective method for HCC surveillance. This approach could maximize surveillance benefits in high-risk patients, while minimizing surveillance harms in low-risk individuals. Funding National Cancer Institute (U01 CA230694, R01 CA222900, R01 CA212008, and U24ca086368) and Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) (RP200554).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Tacke F, Horn P, Wai-Sun Wong V, Ratziu V, Bugianesi E, Francque S, Zelber-Sagi S, Valenti L, Roden M, Schick F, Yki-Järvinen H, Gastaldelli A, Vettor R, Frühbeck G, Dicker D. EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). J Hepatol 2024; 81:492-542. [PMID: 38851997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is defined as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in the presence of one or more cardiometabolic risk factor(s) and the absence of harmful alcohol intake. The spectrum of MASLD includes steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This joint EASL-EASD-EASO guideline provides an update on definitions, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for MASLD. Case-finding strategies for MASLD with liver fibrosis, using non-invasive tests, should be applied in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, abnormal liver enzymes, and/or radiological signs of hepatic steatosis, particularly in the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity with additional metabolic risk factor(s). A stepwise approach using blood-based scores (such as FIB-4) and, sequentially, imaging techniques (such as transient elastography) is suitable to rule-out/in advanced fibrosis, which is predictive of liver-related outcomes. In adults with MASLD, lifestyle modification - including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise and discouraging alcohol consumption - as well as optimal management of comorbidities - including use of incretin-based therapies (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) for T2D or obesity, if indicated - is advised. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥2) should be considered for a MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. No MASH-targeted pharmacotherapy can currently be recommended for the cirrhotic stage. Management of MASH-related cirrhosis includes adaptations of metabolic drugs, nutritional counselling, surveillance for portal hypertension and HCC, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.
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Paul D, Sinnarasan VSP, Das R, Sheikh MMR, Venkatesan A. Machine learning approach to predict blood-secretory proteins and potential biomarkers for liver cancer using omics data. J Proteomics 2024; 309:105298. [PMID: 39216516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Identifying non-invasive blood-based biomarkers is crucial for early detection and monitoring of liver cancer (LC), thereby improving patient outcomes. This study leveraged computational approaches to predict potential blood-based biomarkers for LC. Machine learning (ML) models were developed using selected features from blood-secretory proteins collected from the curated databases. The logistic regression (LR) model demonstrated the optimal performance. Transcriptome analysis across 7 LC cohorts revealed 231 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The encoded proteins of these DEGs were compared with the ML dataset, revealing 29 proteins overlapping with the blood-secretory dataset. The LR model also predicted 29 additional proteins as blood-secretory with the remaining protein-coding genes. As a result, 58 potential blood-secretory proteins were obtained. Among the top 20 genes, 13 common hub genes were identified. Further, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) analysis was performed to assess the genes as potential diagnostic blood biomarkers. Six genes, ESM1, FCN2, MDK, GPC3, CTHRC1 and COL6A6, exhibited an AUC value higher than 0.85 and were predicted as blood-secretory. This study highlights the potential of an integrative computational approach for discovering non-invasive blood-based biomarkers in LC, facilitating for further validation and clinical translation. SIGNIFICANCE: Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide, with its prevalence and mortality rates projected to increase. Although current diagnostic methods are highly sensitive, they are invasive and unsuitable for repeated testing. Blood biomarkers offer a promising non-invasive alternative, but their wide dynamic range of protein concentration poses experimental challenges. Therefore, utilizing available omics data to develop a diagnostic model could provide a potential solution for accurate diagnosis. This study developed a computational method integrating machine learning and bioinformatics analysis to identify potential blood biomarkers. As a result, ESM1, FCN2, MDK, GPC3, CTHRC1 and COL6A6 biomarkers were identified, holding significant promise for improving diagnosis and understanding of liver cancer. The integrated method can be applied to other cancers, offering a possible solution for early detection and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahrii Paul
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | | | - Rajesh Das
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
| | | | - Amouda Venkatesan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India.
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Hui S, Nguyen A, Le S, Dev A, Bell S. Clinical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in Melbourne, Australia. Intern Med J 2024; 54:1360-1368. [PMID: 38666599 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may improve early tumour detection but may additionally result in surveillance-related harm through increased evaluation of non-HCC lesions. The incidence of these outcomes has not been reported outside North America. AIMS We aimed to report the outcomes of HCC surveillance with respect to both surveillance-related benefits and harms. METHODS We reviewed all HCC surveillance ultrasounds at a large Victorian tertiary hospital network in 2017 and followed their outcomes until 2021. Surveillance-related benefits were defined as early-stage HCC detection. Surveillance-related harm was defined as contrast imaging, biopsies or surgery performed to evaluate non-HCC liver lesions or false-positive alpha-fetoprotein levels. RESULTS Five hundred and fifty-three patients were included (mean age 54.5 ± 12.3 years, males 67.5%, cirrhosis 50.3%). The most common liver disease aetiology was hepatitis B (53.9%). Over a median of 4.7 years follow-up, early-stage HCC was detected in 3.3% (5.4% in cirrhotic vs 1.1% in non-cirrhotic patients, P < 0.01). 75% of all HCCs were early-stage. Surveillance-related harm occurred in 12.5% (15.5% in cirrhotic vs 9.5% in non-cirrhotic patients, P < 0.04), although most harm was mild (12.1%). In subgroup analysis, the detection of early-stage HCC ranged between 0% (screened outside of guideline criteria and alcoholic cirrhotic patients) and 7.2% (hepatitis C cirrhosis). Harm occurred between 9% (non-cirrhotic hepatitis B) and 20.8% (thrombocytopenia). CONCLUSION In our study, HCC surveillance was associated with early tumour detection, although many patients experienced mild surveillance-related harm. Novel surveillance strategies and pathways are required to improve detection in high-risk patients and minimise harm in low-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Nguyen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suong Le
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anouk Dev
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Bell
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Suddle A, Reeves H, Hubner R, Marshall A, Rowe I, Tiniakos D, Hubscher S, Callaway M, Sharma D, See TC, Hawkins M, Ford-Dunn S, Selemani S, Meyer T. British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma in adults. Gut 2024; 73:1235-1268. [PMID: 38627031 PMCID: PMC11287576 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Deaths from the majority of cancers are falling globally, but the incidence and mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in the United Kingdom and in other Western countries. HCC is a highly fatal cancer, often diagnosed late, with an incidence to mortality ratio that approaches 1. Despite there being a number of treatment options, including those associated with good medium to long-term survival, 5-year survival from HCC in the UK remains below 20%. Sex, ethnicity and deprivation are important demographics for the incidence of, and/or survival from, HCC. These clinical practice guidelines will provide evidence-based advice for the assessment and management of patients with HCC. The clinical and scientific data underpinning the recommendations we make are summarised in detail. Much of the content will have broad relevance, but the treatment algorithms are based on therapies that are available in the UK and have regulatory approval for use in the National Health Service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Suddle
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen Reeves
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Hubner
- Department of Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Ian Rowe
- University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stefan Hubscher
- Department of Pathology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark Callaway
- Division of Diagnostics and Therapies, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Teik Choon See
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Hawkins
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah Selemani
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tim Meyer
- Department of Oncology, University College, London, UK
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Mulgaonkar A, Huang DQ, Siddiqi H, Fowler K, Sirlin CB, Marks R, Loomba R, Konijeti GG. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Cirrhosis Using US Visualization Score C-Triggered Abbreviated MRI. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:1326-1336. [PMID: 38146873 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ultrasound (US) is associated with severe visualization limitations (US Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System visualization score C) in one-third of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cirrhosis undergoing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening. Data suggest abbreviated MRI (aMRI) may improve HCC screening efficacy. This study analyzed the cost-effectiveness of HCC screening strategies, including an US visualization score-based approach with aMRI, in patients with NAFLD cirrhosis. METHODS We constructed a Markov model simulating adults with compensated NAFLD cirrhosis in the United States undergoing HCC screening, comparing strategies of US plus visualization score, US alone, or no surveillance. We modeled aMRI in patients with visualization score C and negative US, while patients with scores A/B did US alone. We performed a sensitivity analysis comparing US plus visualization score with US plus alpha fetoprotein or no surveillance. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. Sensitivity analyses were performed for all variables. RESULTS US plus visualization score was the most cost-effective strategy, with an ICER of $59,005 relative to no surveillance. The ICER for US alone to US plus visualization score was $822,500. On sensitivity analysis, screening using US plus visualization score remained preferred across several parameters. Even with alpha fetoprotein added to US, the US plus visualization score strategy remained cost-effective, with an ICER of $62,799 compared with no surveillance. DISCUSSION HCC surveillance using US visualization score-based approach, using aMRI for visualization score C, seems to be the most cost-effective strategy in patients with NAFLD cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- MASLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Harris Siddiqi
- MASLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kathryn Fowler
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Claude B Sirlin
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Robert Marks
- Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- MASLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Gauree G Konijeti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California, USA
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11
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EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Obes Facts 2024; 17:374-444. [PMID: 38852583 PMCID: PMC11299976 DOI: 10.1159/000539371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is defined as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in the presence of one or more cardiometabolic risk factor(s) and the absence of harmful alcohol intake. The spectrum of MASLD includes steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This joint EASL-EASD-EASO guideline provides an update on definitions, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for MASLD. Case-finding strategies for MASLD with liver fibrosis, using non-invasive tests, should be applied in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, abnormal liver enzymes, and/or radiological signs of hepatic steatosis, particularly in the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity with additional metabolic risk factor(s). A stepwise approach using blood-based scores (such as FIB-4) and, sequentially, imaging techniques (such as transient elastography) is suitable to rule-out/in advanced fibrosis, which is predictive of liver-related outcomes. In adults with MASLD, lifestyle modification - including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise and discouraging alcohol consumption - as well as optimal management of comorbidities - including use of incretin-based therapies (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) for T2D or obesity, if indicated - is advised. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥2) should be considered for a MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. No MASH-targeted pharmacotherapy can currently be recommended for the cirrhotic stage. Management of MASH-related cirrhosis includes adaptations of metabolic drugs, nutritional counselling, surveillance for portal hypertension and HCC, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.
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Urias E, Tedesco NR, Burkholder DA, Moran IJ, Miller MJ, Jasty VSJ, Patil S, Zoellner S, Wijarnpreecha K, Chen VL. PNPLA3 risk allele is associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma but not decompensation in compensated cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0441. [PMID: 38780253 PMCID: PMC11124711 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PNPLA3-rs738409-G, TM6SF2-rs58542926-T, and HSD17B13-rs6834314-A polymorphisms have been associated with cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC. However, whether they remain associated with HCC and decompensation in people who already have cirrhosis remains unclear, which limits the clinical utility of genetics in risk stratification as HCC is uncommon in the absence of cirrhosis. We aimed to characterize the effects of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 genotype on hepatic decompensation, HCC, and liver-related mortality or liver transplant in patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. METHODS We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients in the Michigan Genomics Initiative who underwent genotyping. The primary predictors were PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 genotypes. Primary outcomes were either hepatic decompensation, HCC, or liver-related mortality/transplant. We conducted competing risk Fine-Gray analyses on our cohort. RESULTS We identified 732 patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. During follow-up, 50% of patients developed decompensation, 13% developed HCC, 24% underwent liver transplant, and 27% died. PNPLA3-rs738409-G genotype was associated with risk of incident HCC: adjusted subhazard hazard ratio 2.42 (1.40-4.17), p=0.0015 for PNPLA3-rs738409-GG vs. PNPLA3-rs738409-CC genotype. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was higher in PNPLA3-rs738409-GG carriers than PNPLA3-rs738409-CC/-CG carriers: 15.6% (9.0%-24.0%) vs. 7.4% (5.2%-10.0%), p<0.001. PNPLA3 genotype was not associated with decompensation or the combined outcome of liver-related mortality or liver transplant. TM6SF2 and HSD17B13 genotypes were not associated with decompensation or HCC. CONCLUSIONS The PNPLA3-rs738409-G allele is associated with an increased risk of HCC among patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. People with cirrhosis and PNPLA3-rs738409-GG genotype may warrant more intensive HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Urias
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas R. Tedesco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel A. Burkholder
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Isabel J. Moran
- Michigan State University College of Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Matthew J. Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Venkata Sai J. Jasty
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Snehal Patil
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sebastian Zoellner
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Vincent L. Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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13
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Ramírez Mena A, Thiam M, Ka D, Niang I, Tine J, Fortes L, Ndiaye K, Ndiaye O, Fall M, Gaye A, Ngom NF, Fall F, Berzigotti A, Kirk GD, Jaquet A, Seydi M, Wandeler G. Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance among people living with hepatitis B in Senegal (SEN-B): insights from a prospective cohort study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:539-549. [PMID: 38588691 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(24)00040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the predominant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in west Africa, yet data on the incidence of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma remain scarce. We aimed to describe the uptake and early outcomes of systematic ultrasound-based hepatocellular carcinoma screening in SEN-B, which is a prospective HBV cohort in Senegal. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, we included treatment-naive, HBsAg-positive individuals who were referred to the two infectious diseases clinics (the Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases and Ambulatory Treatment Center) at Fann University Hospital of Dakar, Senegal, between Oct 1, 2019, and Oct 31, 2022. All participants resided within the Dakar region. Participants underwent abdominal ultrasound, transient elastography, and clinical and virological assessments at inclusion and every 6 months. Liver lesions at least 1 cm in diameter on ultrasound were assessed using four-phase CT, MRI, or liver biopsy. Adherence to hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance was measured using the proportion of time covered, calculated by dividing the cumulative months covered by abdominal ultrasound examinations by the overall follow-up time, defined as the number of months from the date of cohort entry until the last recorded visit, hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, or death. Optimal adherence was defined as a proportion of time covered of 100%. FINDINGS Overall, 755 (99·6%) of 758 participants had at least one abdominal ultrasound performed. The median age of the enrolled participants was 31 years (IQR 25-39), 355 (47·0%) of 755 participants were women, and 82 (10·9%) had a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma. 15 (2·0%) of 755 individuals were HBeAg positive, 206 (27·3%) of 755 individuals had HBV DNA of more than 2000 IU/mL, and 27 (3·6%) of 755 had elastography-defined liver cirrhosis. Of ten (1·3%) participants with a focal lesion at least 1 cm at initial assessment, CT or MRI ruled out hepatocellular carcinoma in nine, whereas imaging and subsequent liver biopsy confirmed one patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Two further patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were diagnosed at study presentation due to the presence of portal thrombosis on ultrasound. Excluding the three participants with hepatocellular carcinoma identified at baseline, 752 participants were eligible for screening every 6 months. Median follow-up time was 12 months (IQR 6-18) and the median number of ultrasounds per patient was 3 (2-4). During 809·5 person-years of follow-up, one incident hepatocellular carcinoma was reported, resulting in an incidence rate of 1·24 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI 0·18-8·80). Overall, 702 (93·0%) of 755 participants showed optimal hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, but this proportion decreased to 77·8% (42 of 54 participants) after 24 months. INTERPRETATION Hepatocellular carcinoma screening is feasible in HBV research cohorts in west Africa, but its longer-term acceptability needs to be evaluated. Long-term hepatocellular carcinoma incidence data are crucial for shaping tailored screening recommendations. FUNDING Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Cancer Research Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and Roche Diagnostics. TRANSLATION For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Ramírez Mena
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - Mbaye Thiam
- Department of Radiology, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Daye Ka
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ibrahima Niang
- Department of Radiology, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Judicaël Tine
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Louise Fortes
- Infectious Diseases Department, Dalal Jamm Hospital, Guediawaye, Senegal
| | - Kiné Ndiaye
- Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ousseynou Ndiaye
- Centre Régional de Recherche et Formation Clinique à la Prise en Charge de Fann, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Maguette Fall
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Assietou Gaye
- Department of Radiology, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ndeye Fatou Ngom
- Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Fatou Fall
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregory Dale Kirk
- Johns Hopkins University, Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Antoine Jaquet
- University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
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14
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Singal AG, Parikh ND, Shetty K, Han SH, Xie C, Ning J, Rinaudo JA, Arvind A, Lok AS, Kanwal F. Natural History of Indeterminate Liver Nodules in Patients With Advanced Liver Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study. Am J Gastroenterol 2024:00000434-990000000-01151. [PMID: 38686922 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Indeterminate liver nodules (ILNs) are frequently encountered on diagnostic imaging after positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance results, but their natural history remains unclear. METHODS We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study among patients with ≥1 newly detected LI-RADS 3 (LR-3) lesion ≥1 cm or LI-RADS 4 (LR-4) lesion of any size (per LI-RADS v2018) between January 2018 and December 2019. Patients were followed with repeat imaging at each site per institutional standard of care. Multivariable Fine-Gray models were used to evaluate associations between potential risk factors and patient-level time-to-HCC diagnosis, with death and liver transplantation as competing risks. RESULTS Of 307 patients with ILNs, 208 had LR-3 lesions, 83 had LR-4 lesions, and 16 had both LR-3 and LR-4 lesions. HCC incidence rates for patients with LR-3 and LR-4 lesions were 110 (95% CI 70-150) and 420 (95% CI 310-560) per 1,000 person-year, respectively. In multivariable analysis, incident HCC among patients with LR-3 lesions was associated with older age, thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤150 ×10 9 /L), and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Among those with LR-4 lesions, incident HCC was associated with a maximum lesion diameter >1 cm. Although most patients had follow-up computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, 13.7% had no follow-up imaging and another 14.3% had follow-up ultrasound only. DISCUSSION ILNs have a high but variable risk of HCC, with 4-fold higher risk in patients with LR-4 lesions than those with LR-3 lesions, highlighting a need for accurate risk stratification tools and close follow-up in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven-Huy Han
- Pfleger Liver Institute, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cassie Xie
- Department of Biostatistics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jing Ning
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Ashwini Arvind
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- VA HSR'D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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15
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Wong RJ, Jones PD, Niu B, Therapondos G, Thamer M, Kshirsagar O, Zhang Y, Pinheiro P, Kyalwazi B, Fass R, Khalili M, Singal AG. Clinician-Level Knowledge and Barriers to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2411076. [PMID: 38743424 PMCID: PMC11094557 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis is underused. Identifying potentially modifiable factors to address barriers in HCC surveillance is critical to improve patient outcomes. Objective To evaluate clinician-level factors contributing to underuse of HCC surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study included primary care clinicians (PCCs) and gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians at 5 safety-net health systems in the US. Clinicians were surveyed from March 15 to September 15, 2023, to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, perceived barriers, and COVID-19-related disruptions in HCC surveillance in patients with cirrhosis. Data were analyzed from October to November 2023. Main Outcome and Measures HCC surveillance knowledge was assessed with 6 questions querying the respondent's ability to correctly identify appropriate use of HCC surveillance. Attitudes, perceived barriers, and beliefs regarding HCC surveillance and perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions with HCC surveillance were assessed with a series of statements using a 4-point Likert scale and compared PCCs and gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians. Results Overall, 347 of 1362 clinicians responded to the survey (25.5% response rate), among whom 142 of 237 (59.9%) were PCCs, 48 of 237 (20.3%) gastroenterology and hepatology, 190 of 236 (80.5%) were doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathic medicine, and 46 of 236 (19.5%) were advanced practice clinicians. On HCC knowledge assessment, 144 of 270 (53.3%) scored 5 or more of 6 questions correctly, 37 of 48 (77.1%) among gastroenterology and hepatology vs 65 of 142 (45.8%) among PCCs (P < .001). Those with higher HCC knowledge scores were less likely to report barriers to HCC surveillance. PCCs were more likely to report inadequate time to discuss HCC surveillance (37 of 139 [26.6%] vs 2 of 48 [4.2%]; P = .001), difficulty identifying patients with cirrhosis (82 of 141 [58.2%] vs 5 of 48 [10.4%]; P < .001), and were not up-to-date with HCC surveillance guidelines (87 of 139 [62.6%] vs 5 of 48 [10.4%]; P < .001) compared with gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians. While most acknowledged delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, 62 of 136 PCCs (45.6%) and 27 of 45 gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians (60.0%) reported that patients with cirrhosis could currently complete HCC surveillance without delays. Conclusions and Relevance In this survey study, important gaps in knowledge and perceived barriers to HCC surveillance were identified. Effective delivery of HCC education to PCCs and health system-level interventions must be pursued in parallel to address the complex barriers affecting suboptimal HCC surveillance in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine and Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Patricia D. Jones
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Health System, Miami, Florida
| | - Bolin Niu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MetroHealth Hospital and Health System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Mae Thamer
- Medical Technology and Practice Patterns Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Onkar Kshirsagar
- Medical Technology and Practice Patterns Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yi Zhang
- Medical Technology and Practice Patterns Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Paulo Pinheiro
- Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Beverly Kyalwazi
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Ronnie Fass
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MetroHealth Hospital and Health System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Mandana Khalili
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Health, Dallas
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16
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Daher D, Dahan KSE, Yekkaluri S, Gopal P, Rich NE, Parikh ND, Murphy CC, Singal AG. Proportion of Time Covered by Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in Patients With Cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:875-882. [PMID: 37975606 PMCID: PMC11068493 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is associated with improved early tumor detection, but effectiveness is limited by underuse. We characterized adherence to HCC surveillance using proportion of time covered (PTC) and estimated its association with clinical outcomes among patients with cirrhosis. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with HCC between January 2008 and December 2022 at 2 large US health systems. We characterized PTC by imaging in the 12 and 24 months before HCC diagnosis. We used multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses to assess the association between PTC and early HCC detection, receipt of curative treatment, and overall survival. RESULTS Among 2,027 patients with HCC, 331 (51.4% Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer 0/A) had been followed up for at least 12 months before diagnosis. The median PTC was 24.9% (interquartile range 1.1%-50.7%), with only 16.0% having semiannual imaging and 42.0% having annual surveillance. Semiannual and annual surveillance decreased to 6.3% and 29.6% when assessed over 24 months, although the median PTC remained unchanged at 24.9%. Receipt of gastroenterology/hepatology care had the strongest association with PTC, with median PTC of 36.7% and 3.8% for those with and without gastroenterology/hepatology care, respectively. PTC was independently associated with improved early HCC detection, curative treatment receipt, and overall survival. The median survival was 15.7, 26.8, and 32.7 months among those with PTC of <25% (n = 168 patients), PTC 25%-50% (n = 69 patients), and PTC >50% (n = 94 patients), respectively. DISCUSSION The proportion of time covered by HCC surveillance in patients with cirrhosis remains low, highlighting a need for multilevel interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darine Daher
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karim Seif El Dahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sruthi Yekkaluri
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Purva Gopal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nicole E. Rich
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Neehar D. Parikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
| | | | - Amit G. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Mendiratta-Lala M, Fetzer D, Kamaya A, Parikh ND, Singal AG. The Future Role of Abdominal US in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance. Radiology 2024; 311:e232624. [PMID: 38742973 PMCID: PMC11140528 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.232624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Abdominal US is currently the best-validated surveillance strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in at-risk patients. It is the only modality shown to have completed all five phases of validation and can achieve high sensitivity and specificity for HCC detection, especially when conducted by expert sonographers in high-volume centers. However, US also has limitations, including operator dependency and varying sensitivity in clinical practice. Further, the sensitivity of US for early-stage HCC detection is lower in patients with obesity or nonviral liver disease, increasingly common populations undergoing surveillance. Imaging-based and blood-based surveillance strategies, including abbreviated MRI and biomarker panels, may overcome some limitations of US-based surveillance. Both strategies have promising test performance in phase II and phase III biomarker studies and are undergoing prospective validation. Considering the variation in HCC risk and test performance between patients, there will likely be a shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach and toward precision screening, in which the "best" test is selected based on individual patient characteristics. In this upcoming era of precision HCC screening among patients with cirrhosis, US will likely continue to have an important, albeit reduced, surveillance role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aya Kamaya
- From the Departments of Radiology (M.M.L.) and Internal Medicine
(N.D.P.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich; Department of Radiology
(D.F.) and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver
Diseases (A.G.S.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5959 Harry
Hines Blvd, Ste 420, POB 1, Dallas, TX 75390-8887; and Department of Radiology,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif (A.K.)
| | - Neehar D. Parikh
- From the Departments of Radiology (M.M.L.) and Internal Medicine
(N.D.P.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich; Department of Radiology
(D.F.) and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver
Diseases (A.G.S.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5959 Harry
Hines Blvd, Ste 420, POB 1, Dallas, TX 75390-8887; and Department of Radiology,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif (A.K.)
| | - Amit G. Singal
- From the Departments of Radiology (M.M.L.) and Internal Medicine
(N.D.P.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich; Department of Radiology
(D.F.) and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver
Diseases (A.G.S.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5959 Harry
Hines Blvd, Ste 420, POB 1, Dallas, TX 75390-8887; and Department of Radiology,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif (A.K.)
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18
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Nahon P, Layese R, Ganne-Carrié N, Moins C, N'Kontchou G, Chaffaut C, Ronot M, Audureau E, Durand-Zaleski I, Natella PA. The clinical and financial burden of nonhepatocellular carcinoma focal lesions detected during the surveillance of patients with cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:813-828. [PMID: 37774387 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC surveillance is challenged by the detection of hepatic focal lesions (HFLs) of other types. This study aimed to describe the incidence, characteristics, outcomes, and costs of non-HCC HFL detected during surveillance. APPROACH AND RESULTS We retrospectively analyzed nonstandardized workup performed in French patients included in HCC surveillance programs recruited in 57 French tertiary centers (ANRS CirVir and CIRRAL cohorts, HCC 2000 trial). The overall cost of workup was evaluated, with an estimation of an average cost per patient for the entire population and per lesion detected. A total of 3295 patients were followed up for 59.8 months, 391 (11.9%) patients developed HCCs (5-year incidence: 12.1%), and 633 (19.2%) developed non-HCC HFLs (5-year incidence: 21.8%). Characterization of non-HCC HFL required a median additional of 0.7 exams per year. A total of 11.8% of non-HCC HFLs were not confirmed on recall procedures, and 19.6% of non-HCC HFLs remained undetermined. A definite diagnosis of benign liver lesions was made in 65.1%, and malignant tumors were diagnosed in 3.5%. The survival of patients with benign or undetermined non-HCC HFL was similar to that of patients who never developed any HFL (5-year survival 92% vs. 88%, p = 0.07). The average cost of the diagnostic workup was 1087€ for non-HCC HFL and €1572 for HCC. CONCLUSIONS Non-HCC HFLs are frequently detected in patients with cirrhosis, and do not impact prognosis, but trigger substantial costs. This burden must be considered in cost-effectiveness analyses of future personalized surveillance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Nahon
- AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Liver Department, Bobigny; Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
- Inserm, UMR-1138 Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors department, Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Richard Layese
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Equipe CEpiA (Clinical Epidemiology and Ageing), Unité de Recherche Clinique (URC Mondor), Public health department, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Liver Department, Bobigny; Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
- Inserm, UMR-1138 Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors department, Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Moins
- Clinical Research Department, ANRS | Emerging Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Gisèle N'Kontchou
- AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Liver Department, Bobigny; Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
- Inserm, UMR-1138 Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors department, Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cendrine Chaffaut
- SBIM, APHP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, Inserm, UMR-1153, ECSTRA department, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Ronot
- APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Radiology department, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP. Nord, Clichy-Sous-Bois, & Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Audureau
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Equipe CEpiA (Clinical Epidemiology and Ageing), Unité de Recherche Clinique (URC Mondor), Public health department, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Isabelle Durand-Zaleski
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, URCECo department, AP-HP, Hôpital de l'Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-André Natella
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, Equipe CEpiA (Clinical Epidemiology and Ageing), Unité de Recherche Clinique (URC Mondor), Public health department, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
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19
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Daher D, Seif El Dahan K, Cano A, Gonzales M, Ransom C, Jaurez E, Carranza O, Quirk L, Morgan T, Gopal P, Patel MS, Lieber S, Louissaint J, Cotter TG, VanWagner LB, Yang JD, Parikh ND, Yopp A, Rich NE, Singal AG. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Patterns and Outcomes in Patients With Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:295-304.e2. [PMID: 37573986 PMCID: PMC11415236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is associated with improved early detection and reduced mortality, although practice patterns and effectiveness vary in clinical practice. We aimed to characterize HCC surveillance patterns in a large, diverse cohort of patients with HCC. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with HCC between January 2008 and December 2022 at 2 large US health systems. We recorded imaging receipt in the year before HCC diagnosis: ultrasound plus α-fetoprotein (AFP), ultrasound alone, multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and no liver imaging. We used multivariable logistic and Cox regression analysis to compare early tumor detection, curative treatment receipt, and overall survival between surveillance strategies. RESULTS Among 2028 patients with HCC (46.7% Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A), 703 (34.7%) had ultrasound plus AFP, 293 (14.5%) had ultrasound alone, 326 (16.1%) had multiphasic CT/MRI, and 706 (34.8%) had no imaging in the year before HCC diagnosis. Over the study period, proportions without imaging were stable, whereas use of CT/MRI increased. Compared with no imaging, CT/MRI and ultrasound plus AFP, but not ultrasound alone, were associated with early stage HCC detection and curative treatment. Compared with ultrasound alone, CT/MRI and ultrasound plus AFP were associated with increased early stage detection. CONCLUSIONS HCC surveillance patterns vary in clinical practice and are associated with differing clinical outcomes. While awaiting data to determine if CT or MRI surveillance can be performed in a cost-effective manner in selected patients, AFP has a complementary role to ultrasound-based surveillance, supporting its adoption in practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darine Daher
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Karim Seif El Dahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Alva Cano
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Michael Gonzales
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Crystal Ransom
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Erik Jaurez
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Osiris Carranza
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lisa Quirk
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Todd Morgan
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Purva Gopal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Madhukar S Patel
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sarah Lieber
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jeremy Louissaint
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Thomas G Cotter
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Adam Yopp
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Nicole E Rich
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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20
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Lindemann J, Doyle MBM. Expanding the Boundaries for Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Surg Clin North Am 2024; 104:129-143. [PMID: 37953032 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, which was the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide in 2020. Transplantation remains the preferred treatment for cure in otherwise unresectable HCC. There are several areas of active research that have led to expansion of eligibility criteria for transplantation including local-regional therapy for downstaging patients presenting outside of the Milan criteria and identification of tumor biomarkers aiding in the early diagnosis, determining prognosis and likelihood of recurrence after transplantation for HCC. New neoadjuvant therapies and post-transplant immunosuppression regimens may also result in expansion of transplant eligibility criteria for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lindemann
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Maria Bernadette Majella Doyle
- Section of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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21
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Soliman N, Saharia A, Abdelrahim M, Connor AA. Molecular profiling in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2024; 29:10-22. [PMID: 38038621 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to both summarize the current knowledge of hepatocellular carcinoma molecular biology and to suggest a framework in which to prospectively translate this knowledge into patient care. This is timely as recent guidelines recommend increased use of these technologies to advance personalized liver cancer care. RECENT FINDINGS The main themes covered here address germline and somatic genetic alterations recently discovered in hepatocellular carcinoma, largely owing to next generation sequencing technologies, and nascent efforts to translate these into contemporary practice. SUMMARY Early efforts of translating molecular profiling to hepatocellular carcinoma care demonstrate a growing number of potentially actionable alterations. Still lacking are a consensus on what biomarkers and technologies to adopt, at what scale and cost, and how to integrate them most effectively into care.
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22
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Lumkul L, Jantaree P, Jaisamak K, Wongkummool W, Lapisatepun W, Orrapin S, Udomruk S, Lo Piccolo L, Chaiyawat P. Combinatorial Gene Expression Profiling of Serum HULC, HOTAIR, and UCA1 lncRNAs to Differentiate Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1258. [PMID: 38279264 PMCID: PMC10816616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health challenge due to limited early detection methods, primarily relying on conventional approaches like imaging and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Although non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) show promise as potential biomarkers in HCC, their true utility remains uncertain. We conducted a comprehensive review of 76 articles, analyzing 88 circulating lncRNAs in 6426 HCC patients. However, the lack of a standardized workflow protocol has hampered holistic comparisons across the literature. Consequently, we herein confined our meta-analysis to only a subset of these lncRNAs. The combined analysis of serum highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC) gene expression with homeobox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) and urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) demonstrated markedly enhanced sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic capability compared to traditional biomarkers or other ncRNAs. These findings could have substantial implications for the early diagnosis and tailored treatment of HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Genes, Homeobox
- RNA, Antisense
- Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics
- RNA, Untranslated
- Biomarkers
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Lumkul
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Clinical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Phatcharida Jantaree
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
| | - Kritsada Jaisamak
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
| | - Wasinee Wongkummool
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
| | - Worakitti Lapisatepun
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Santhasiri Orrapin
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
| | - Sasimol Udomruk
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
| | - Luca Lo Piccolo
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
| | - Parunya Chaiyawat
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (L.L.); (P.J.); (K.J.); (W.W.); (S.O.); (S.U.)
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23
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Narasimman M, Hernaez R, Cerda V, Lee M, Sood A, Yekkaluri S, Khan A, Quirk L, Liu Y, Kramer JR, Craddock Lee S, Murphy CC, Tiro JA, Singal AG. Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance may be associated with potential psychological harms in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:107-117. [PMID: 37401857 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The value of HCC surveillance is determined by the balance between benefits and harms; however, no studies have enumerated psychological harms. APPROACH AND RESULTS We fielded surveys measuring psychological harms to patients with cirrhosis in a multicenter randomized trial of HCC surveillance outreach. All patients with positive or indeterminate surveillance results and matched patients with negative results were invited to complete surveys measuring (1) depression through the Patient Health Questionnaire-ninth version, (2) anxiety through State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, (3) HCC-specific worry through Psychological Consequences Questionnaire, and (4) decisional regret. Patients were classified into 4 groups: true positive (TP), false positive (FP), indeterminate, and true negative (TN). Multivariable longitudinal regression analysis using the generalized estimating equation method was performed to compare the means of measures across groups. We conducted 89 semistructured interviews in a subset of patients stratified by health system and test results. Of 2872 patients in the trial, 311 completed 1+ follow-up survey (63 FP, 77 indeterminate, 38 TP, and 133 TN). Moderate depression decreased in TN patients, increased in TP, and had intermittent but mild increases in those with FP and indeterminate results. High anxiety temporarily increased in patients with TP results but resolved over time and was stable in those with FP and indeterminate results. Decisional regret was low and did not differ across groups. In semistructured interviews, patients reported apprehension, anxiety, emotional distress, and coping related to HCC surveillance. CONCLUSIONS Psychological harms of HCC surveillance appear mild but differ by test result. Future research should determine the impact of psychological harms on the value of HCC surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Narasimman
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ruben Hernaez
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vanessa Cerda
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - MinJae Lee
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anubha Sood
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sruthi Yekkaluri
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Aisha Khan
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa Quirk
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer R Kramer
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Caitlin C Murphy
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jasmin A Tiro
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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24
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Koo E, Singal AG. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance: Evidence-Based Tailored Approach. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:13-28. [PMID: 37945138 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is recommended by professional society guidelines given a consistent association with reduced HCC-related mortality. HCC surveillance should be performed using semiannual abdominal ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein, although this combination has suboptimal sensitivity and can miss more than one-third of HCC at an early stage. There are promising emerging blood-based and imaging-based strategies, including abbreviated MRI and biomarker panels; however, these require further validation before routine use in clinical practice. HCC surveillance is underused in clinical practice due to patient-related and provider-related barriers, highlighting a need for interventions to improve surveillance utilization in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Koo
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5959 Harry Hines Boulevard, POB 1, Suite 420, Dallas, TX 75390-8887, USA.
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25
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Tsoneva DK, Ivanov MN, Vinciguerra M. Liquid Liver Biopsy for Disease Diagnosis and Prognosis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1520-1541. [PMID: 38161500 PMCID: PMC10752811 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are a major burden worldwide, the scope of which is expected to further grow in the upcoming years. Clinically relevant liver dysfunction-related blood markers such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase have limited accuracy. Nowadays, liver biopsy remains the gold standard for several liver-related pathologies, posing a risk of complication due to its invasive nature. Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive approach, which has shown substantial potential in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of liver diseases by detecting disease-associated particles such as proteins and RNA molecules in biological fluids. Histones are the core components of the nucleosomes, regulating essential cellular processes, including gene expression and DNA repair. Following cell death or activation of immune cells, histones are released in the extracellular space and can be detected in circulation. Histones are stable in circulation, have a long half-life, and retain their post-translational modifications. Here, we provide an overview of the current research on histone-mediated liquid biopsy methods for liver diseases, with a focus on the most common detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desislava K. Tsoneva
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Transplantology, Research Institute, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Martin N. Ivanov
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Transplantology, Research Institute, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Transplantology, Research Institute, Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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26
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Huang DQ, Singal AG, Kanwal F, Lampertico P, Buti M, Sirlin CB, Nguyen MH, Loomba R. Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance - utilization, barriers and the impact of changing aetiology. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:797-809. [PMID: 37537332 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00818-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Surveillance for HCC is critical for early detection and treatment, but fewer than one-quarter of individuals at risk of HCC undergo surveillance. Multiple failures across the screening process contribute to the underutilization of surveillance, including limited disease awareness among patients and health-care providers, knowledge gaps, and difficulty recognizing patients who are at risk. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-associated liver disease are the fastest-rising causes of HCC-related death worldwide and are associated with unique barriers to surveillance. In particular, more than one-third of patients with HCC related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease do not have cirrhosis and therefore lack a routine indication for HCC surveillance on the basis of current practice guidelines. Semi-annual abdominal ultrasound with measurement of α-fetoprotein levels is recommended for HCC surveillance, but the sensitivity of this approach for early HCC is limited, especially for patients with cirrhosis or obesity. In this Review, we discuss the current status of HCC surveillance and the remaining challenges, including the changing aetiology of liver disease. We also discuss strategies to improve the utilization and quality of surveillance for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Q Huang
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
- CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Valle d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER-EHD del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claude B Sirlin
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, UCSD School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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27
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Singal AG, Llovet JM, Yarchoan M, Mehta N, Heimbach JK, Dawson LA, Jou JH, Kulik LM, Agopian VG, Marrero JA, Mendiratta-Lala M, Brown DB, Rilling WS, Goyal L, Wei AC, Taddei TH. AASLD Practice Guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023; 78:1922-1965. [PMID: 37199193 PMCID: PMC10663390 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 304.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amit G. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Laura A. Dawson
- Radiation Medicine Program/University Health Network, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Janice H. Jou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Laura M. Kulik
- Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vatche G. Agopian
- The Dumont–University of California, Los Angeles, Transplant Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jorge A. Marrero
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mishal Mendiratta-Lala
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel B. Brown
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William S. Rilling
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lipika Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Alice C. Wei
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Tamar H. Taddei
- Department of Medicine (Digestive Diseases), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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28
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Roldan GA, Blomker J, Aby ES. Hepatocellular Carcinoma from a Hepatologist's Perspective. Semin Intervent Radiol 2023; 40:524-535. [PMID: 38274218 PMCID: PMC10807972 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, represents a growing health challenge worldwide. The incidence of HCC is rising, which, in turn, has led to a corresponding increase in the associated number of deaths. HCC will become the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030. HCC usually develops in the setting of chronic liver disease. Individuals at increased risk of HCC are recommended to undergo surveillance with ultrasound every 6 months along with serum α-fetoprotein testing. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are considered alternatives based on specific patient factors. Lesions suspicious for HCC are recommended to undergo a diagnostic testing, which includes contrast-enhanced multiphase CT or MRI and liver biopsy when findings are indeterminate. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer prognosis and treatment strategy is the most used assessment for patients with HCC ( Fig. 2 ). Curative therapies include resection, liver transplantation, and ablation. Locoregional therapies, such as transarterial chemoembolization and radioembolization, can be used for patients with intermediate-stage HCC. For patients with advanced-stage HCC, systemic therapy is often used. This review aims to provide an overview of HCC from a hepatologist's perspective, including epidemiology, screening, surveillance, diagnosis, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A. Roldan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jacquelin Blomker
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Elizabeth S. Aby
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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29
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Singal AG, Kanwal F, Llovet JM. Global trends in hepatocellular carcinoma epidemiology: implications for screening, prevention and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:864-884. [PMID: 37884736 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00825-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality rates are increasing globally, and particularly in the Western world. Cirrhosis remains the predominant risk factor for HCC. However, epidemiological shifts in the incidence of HCC from patients with virus-related liver disease to those with non-viral aetiologies, including alcohol-associated and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, have important implications for prevention, surveillance and treatment. Hepatitis B vaccination and antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C are effective for primary prevention of virus-related HCCs, but chemoprevention strategies for non-viral liver disease remain an unmet need. Emerging data suggest associations between aspirin, statins, metformin and coffee and reduced HCC incidence, although none has been proved to be causally related. Secondary prevention of HCC via semi-annual surveillance is associated with improvements in early detection and thus reduced mortality; however, current tools, including abdominal ultrasonography, have suboptimal sensitivity for the detection of early stage HCC, particularly in patients with obesity and/or non-viral liver disease. Promising blood-based or imaging-based surveillance strategies are emerging, although these approaches require further validation before adoption in clinical practice. In the interim, efforts should be focused on maximizing use of the existing surveillance tools given their prevalent underuse globally. Remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of HCC, including expanded eligibility for surgical therapies, improved patient selection for locoregional treatments and increased systemic treatment options, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we discuss trends in the epidemiology of HCC and their implications for screening, prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt), Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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Hui S, Bell S, Le S, Dev A. Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in Australia: current and future perspectives. Med J Aust 2023; 219:432-438. [PMID: 37803907 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and is increasing in incidence in Australia. For most people with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B, HCC screening and surveillance is recommended with 6-monthly ultrasound. However, most patients with HCC are still diagnosed outside of surveillance with incurable disease. While HCC surveillance almost certainly reduces cancer-related mortality, the potential harms of surveillance are incompletely understood. Surveillance uptake remains suboptimal in many contexts, and stems from a combination of patient, clinician and system level barriers. Improved case-finding strategies may be required to identify high risk individuals in need of surveillance, as cirrhosis and viral hepatitis are often asymptomatic. HCC prediction models and novel surveillance tools such as biomarker panels, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may have a future role in personalised HCC surveillance. Analyses suggest surveillance may be cost-effective, but Australian data remain limited. A centralised HCC surveillance program may ultimately have a role in delivering improved and more equitable care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hui
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Sally Bell
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Suong Le
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Anouk Dev
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC
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Piratvisuth T, Hou J, Tanwandee T, Berg T, Vogel A, Trojan J, De Toni EN, Kudo M, Eiblmaier A, Klein HG, Hegel JK, Madin K, Kroeniger K, Sharma A, Chan HL. Development and clinical validation of a novel algorithmic score (GAAD) for detecting HCC in prospective cohort studies. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0317. [PMID: 37938100 PMCID: PMC10635602 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP), also known as protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II [DCP]) are biomarkers for HCC with limited diagnostic value when used in isolation. The novel GAAD algorithm is an in vitro diagnostic combining PIVKA-II (DCP) and AFP measurements, age, and gender (biological sex) to generate a semi-quantitative result. We conducted prospective studies to develop, implement, and clinically validate the GAAD algorithm for differentiating HCC (early and all-stage) and benign chronic liver disease (CLD), across disease stages and etiologies. METHODS Patients aged ≥18 years with HCC or CLD were prospectively enrolled internationally into algorithm development [n = 1084; 309 HCC cases (40.7% early-stage) and 736 controls] and clinical validation studies [n = 877; 366 HCC cases (47.6% early-stage) and 303 controls]. Serum samples were analyzed on a cobas® e 601 analyzer. Performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to calculate AUC. RESULTS For algorithm development, AUC for differentiation between early-stage HCC and CLD was 90.7%, 84.4%, and 77.2% for GAAD, AFP, and PIVKA-II, respectively. The sensitivity of GAAD for the detection of early-stage HCC was 71.8% with 90.0% specificity. Similar results were shown in the clinical validation study; AUC for differentiation between early-stage HCC and CLD was 91.4% with 70.1% sensitivity and 93.7% specificity. GAAD also showed strong specificity, with a lower rate of false positives regardless of disease stage, etiology, or region. CONCLUSIONS The GAAD algorithm significantly improves early-stage HCC detection for patients with CLD undergoing HCC surveillance. Further phase III and IV studies are warranted to assess the utility of incorporating the algorithm into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerha Piratvisuth
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Institute of Hepatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thomas Berg
- Department of Medicine, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Hanover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jörg Trojan
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Enrico N. De Toni
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anja Eiblmaier
- Laboratory Services, Microcoat Biotechnologie GmbH, Bernried, Germany
| | - Hanns-Georg Klein
- Center of Human Genetics and Laboratory Diagnostics, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Kolja Hegel
- Studies, Collaborations, and Innovation Management, Labor Berlin Charité Vivantes Services GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Ashish Sharma
- Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Roche Diagnostics International AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Henry L.Y. Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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32
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Kanneganti M, Singal AG. Diagnosis and management of indeterminate liver nodules in patients with cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2023; 22:181-183. [PMID: 38026118 PMCID: PMC10653571 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000069] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
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Hunold T, Pillai A. Current updates in HCC screening and treatment. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2023; 22:122-129. [PMID: 37908865 PMCID: PMC10615533 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000083] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
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Kang JH, Kim NH, Kim DH, Choi Y, Choi JI. Ultrasound LI-RADS Visualization Scores on Surveillance Ultrasound for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023; 49:2205-2212. [PMID: 37517886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the proportions of each surveillance ultrasound (US) visualization score for hepatocellular carcinoma based on the US Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) and to identify the factors associated with visualization score C. Original publications reporting US LI-RADS visualization scores were identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 1, 2017, to November 25, 2022. The meta-analytic pooled proportion of each visualization score based on US examination was calculated using the DerSimonian‒Laird random-effects model. Subgroup meta-regression analyses were performed to explore study heterogeneity. US LI-RADS visualization scores were reported from a total of 25,698 US examinations across 12 studies. The pooled proportions of visualization scores A, B and C were 56.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.6-73.2%, I2 = 99.2%), 30.3% (95% CI: 21.5-40.7%, I2 = 98.8%) and 6.9% (95% CI: 3.9-11.7%, I2 = 97.7%), respectively. Significantly higher proportions of visualization score C were found in studies that exclusively enrolled cirrhosis patients and a study in which the disease etiology was non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (p < 0.05). In addition, the pooled proportion of visualization score C was higher in studies with a mean or median body mass index >25 kg/m2 (10.7%, 95% CI: 4.3-24.3%). In conclusion, a substantial proportion of surveillance US examinations exhibited moderate to severe limitations on visualization. There was a tendency toward higher proportions of US LI-RADS visualization score C in patients with cirrhosis, NAFLD and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hun Kang
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Hee Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hwan Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yangsean Choi
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Il Choi
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Su TH, Chang SH, Chen CL, Liao SH, Tseng TC, Hsu SJ, Hong CM, Liu CH, Yang HC, Liu CJ, Chen PJ, Kao JH. Serial increase and high alpha-fetoprotein levels predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in 6 months. Hepatol Res 2023; 53:1021-1030. [PMID: 37291079 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) checkup with abdominal ultrasonography for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance remains controversial. We evaluated a serial AFP-increase and high AFP levels in the prediction of HCC. METHODS At-risk patients with chronic liver disease underwent HCC surveillance with trimonthly AFP measurement were included and categorized into HCC and non-HCC groups. Their AFP levels at 12, 9, and 6 months (-6M) before the outcome date were evaluated. Group-based trajectory analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed to identify AFP trajectories as risk predictors for HCC. RESULTS Overall, 2776 patients were included in the HCC (n = 326) and non-HCC (n = 2450) groups. Serial AFP levels were significantly higher in the HCC than the non-HCC groups. Trajectory analysis identified AFP-increase group (11%) increased 24-fold risks of HCC compared with the AFP-stable (89%) group. Compared with patients without the AFP-increase, a serial 3-month AFP-increase ≥10% elevated HCC risk by 12.1-fold (95% CI: 6.5-22.4) in 6 months, and the HCC risks increased 13-60 fold in patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or C receiving antiviral therapy, or AFP levels <20 ng/ml. Combining serial AFP-increase ≥10% and AFP ≥20 ng/ml at -6M significantly increased 41.7-fold (95% CI: 13.8-126.2) HCC risks. In patients who underwent biannual AFP checkups, those with both 6-month AFP-increase ≥10% and AFP ≥20 ng/ml increased 22.1-fold (95% CI: 12.52-39.16) HCC risks in 6 months. Most HCCs were detected at an early stage. CONCLUSIONS Serial 3-6-month AFP-increase of ≥10% previously and AFP level of ≥20 ng/ml significantly increased HCC risks in 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Han Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sih-Han Liao
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jer Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liu T, Liu L, Li L, Cai J. Exploiting targeted nanomedicine for surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100766. [PMID: 37636988 PMCID: PMC10457457 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the cancers that has the highest morbidity and mortality rates. In clinical practice, there are still many limitations in surveilling, diagnosing, and treating HCC, such as the poor detection of early HCC, the frequent post-surgery recurrence, the low local tumor control rate, the therapy resistance and side effects. Therefore, improved, or innovative modalities are urgently required for early diagnosis as well as refined and effective management. In recent years, nanotechnology research in the field of HCC has received great attention, with various aspects of diagnosis and treatment including biomarkers, ultrasound, diagnostic imaging, intraoperative imaging, ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. Different from previous reviews that discussed from the perspective of nanoparticles' structure, design and function, this review systematically summarizes the methods and limitations of diagnosing and treating HCC in clinical guidelines and practices, as well as nanomedicine applications. Nanomedicine can overcome the limitations to improve diagnosis accuracy and therapeutic effect via enhancement of targeting, biocompatibility, bioavailability, controlled releasing, and combination of different clinical treatment modalities. Through an in-depth understanding of the logic of nanotechnology to conquer clinical limitations, the main research directions of nanotechnology in HCC are sorted out in this review. It is anticipated that nanomedicine will play a significant role in the future clinical practices of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Medical Imaging, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
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Yang J, Yang Z, Zeng X, Yu S, Gao L, Jiang Y, Sun F. Benefits and harms of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk populations: systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2023; 3:175-185. [PMID: 39035193 PMCID: PMC11256723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been increasing around the world. Current guidelines recommend HCC screening in high-risk population. However, the strength of evidence of benefits and harms of HCC screening to support the recommendation was unclear. The objective is to systematically synthesize current evidence on the benefits and harms of HCC screening. Methods We searched PubMed and nine other databases until August 20, 2021. We included cohort studies and RCTs that compared the benefits and harms of screening and non-screening in high-risk population of HCC. Case series studies that reported harms of HCC screening were also included. Pooled risk ratio (RR), according to HCC screening status, was calculated for each benefit outcome (e.g., HCC mortality, survival rate, proportion of early HCC), using head-to-head meta-analysis. The harmful outcomes (e.g., proportion of physiological harms provided by non-comparative studies were pooled by prevalence of meta-analysis. Analysis on publication bias and quality of life, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were also conducted. Results We included 70 studies, including four random clinical trials (RCTs), 63 cohort studies,three case series studies. The meta-analysis of RCTs showed HCC screening was significantly associated with reduced HCC mortality (RR [risk ratio], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.56-0.96]; I 2 = 75.1%), prolonged overall survival rates (1-year, RR, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.13-2.61]; I 2 = 72.5%; 3-year, RR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.78-4.58]; I 2 = 10.1%; and 5-year, RR, 2.76 [95% CI, 1.37-5.54]; I 2 = 28.3%), increased proportion of early HCC detection (RR, 2.68 [95% CI, 1.77-4.06]; I 2 = 50.4%). Similarly, meta-analysis of cohort studies indicated HCC screening was more effective than non-screening. However, pooled proportion of physiological harms was 16.30% (95% CI: 8.92%-23.67%) and most harms were of a mild to moderate severity. Conclusion The existing evidence suggests HCC screening is more effective than non-screening in high-risk population. However, harms of screening should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichun Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhirong Yang
- Primary Care Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueyang Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqing Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Le Gao
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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38
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Lee RM, Russell MC. Is Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effective? Adv Surg 2023; 57:73-86. [PMID: 37536863 DOI: 10.1016/j.yasu.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs primarily in patients with cirrhosis and is an important cause of cancer death. Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma every 6 months with ultrasound with or without alpha fetoprotein measurement is recommended by multiple professional societies. There are no randomized controlled trials in patients with cirrhosis documenting the effectiveness of screening in improving survival, however, making screening controversial. There are multiple retrospective and cohort studies, as well as pooled analyses that do show an association of screening with earlier stage at diagnosis, increased receipt of curative intent treatment, and improved overall survival. Though these studies are limited by lead and length time biases, they make compelling arguments in favor of screening. Additional research into barriers to receiving screening, barriers to receiving treatment, and the optimal screening modalities given the shift of cirrhosis etiology in the United States are needed to further improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Lee
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria C Russell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Emory University, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 9th Floor MOT, 550 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
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39
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Biglari N, Soltani-Zangbar MS, Mohammadian J, Mehdizadeh A, Abbasi K. ctDNA as a novel and promising approach for cancer diagnosis: a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma. EXCLI JOURNAL 2023; 22:752-780. [PMID: 37720239 PMCID: PMC10502204 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat HCC patients promptly. As a novel discovery, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used to analyze the tumor type and the cancer location. Additionally, ctDNA assists the cancer stage determination, which enables medical professionals to provide patients with the most appropriate treatment. This review will discuss the HCC-related mutated genes diagnosed by ctDNA. In addition, we will introduce the different and the most appropriate ctDNA diagnosis approaches based on the facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Biglari
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jamal Mohammadian
- School of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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40
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Yap JYY, Goh LSH, Lim AJW, Chong SS, Lim LJ, Lee CG. Machine Learning Identifies a Signature of Nine Exosomal RNAs That Predicts Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3749. [PMID: 37509410 PMCID: PMC10377993 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although alpha fetoprotein (AFP) remains a commonly used serological marker of HCC, the sensitivity and specificity of AFP in detecting HCC is often limited. Exosomal RNA has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool for various cancers, but its use in HCC detection has yet to be fully explored. Here, we employed Machine Learning on 114,602 exosomal RNAs to identify a signature that can predict HCC. The exosomal expression data of 118 HCC patients and 112 healthy individuals were stratified split into Training, Validation and Unseen Test datasets. Feature selection was then performed on the initial training dataset using permutation importance, and the predictive performance of the selected features were tested on the validation dataset using Support Vector Machine (SVM) Classifier. A minimum of nine features were identified to be predictive of HCC and these nine features were then evaluated across six different models in an unseen test set. These features, mainly in the immune, platelet/neutrophil and cytoskeletal pathways, exhibited good predictive performance with ROC-AUC from 0.79-0.88 in the unseen test set. Hence, these nine exosomal RNAs have potential to be clinically useful minimally invasive biomarkers for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Yu Yan Yap
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Laura Shih Hui Goh
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Ashley Jun Wei Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Samuel S Chong
- Department of Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Lee Jin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Caroline G Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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41
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Rich NE, Chernyak V. Standardizing liver imaging reporting and interpretation: LI-RADS and beyond. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e00186. [PMID: 37314738 PMCID: PMC10270536 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring of primary liver cancers. Clear, consistent, and actionable communication of imaging results is crucial to avoid miscommunication and potential detrimental impact on patient care. In this review, we discuss the importance, advantages, and potential impact of universal adoption of standardized terminology and interpretive criteria for liver imaging, from the point of view of radiologists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Rich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Victoria Chernyak
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
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42
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Singal AG, Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Nahon P, Ronot M, Hoshida Y, Rich N, Reig M, Vilgrain V, Marrero J, Llovet JM, Parikh ND, Villanueva A. International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) white paper on hepatocellular carcinoma risk stratification and surveillance. J Hepatol 2023; 79:226-239. [PMID: 36854345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Major research efforts in liver cancer have been devoted to increasing the efficacy and effectiveness of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As with other cancers, surveillance programmes aim to detect tumours at an early stage, facilitate curative-intent treatment, and reduce cancer-related mortality. HCC surveillance is supported by a large randomised-controlled trial in patients with chronic HBV infection and several cohort studies in cirrhosis; however, effectiveness in clinical practice is limited by several barriers, including inadequate risk stratification, underuse of surveillance, and suboptimal accuracy of screening tests. There are several proposed strategies to address these limitations, including risk stratification algorithms and biomarkers to better identity at-risk individuals, interventions to increase surveillance, and emerging imaging- and blood-based surveillance tests with improved sensitivity and specificity for early HCC detection. Beyond clinical validation, data are needed to establish clinical utility, i.e. increased early tumour detection and reduced HCC-related mortality. If successful, these data could facilitate a precision screening paradigm in which surveillance strategies are tailored to individual HCC risk to maximise overall surveillance value. However, practical and logistical considerations must be considered when designing and implementing these validation efforts. To address these issues, ILCA (the International Liver Cancer Association) adjourned a single topic workshop on HCC risk stratification and surveillance in June 2022. Herein, we present a white paper on these topics, including the status of the field, ongoing research efforts, and barriers to the translation of emerging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli
- BCLC Group, Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions, Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pierre Nahon
- APHP, Liver Unit, Bobigny, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93000 Bobigny, France; Inserm, UMR-1138 "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors", Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Ronot
- Université Paris Cité, CRI INSERM UMR 1149, Paris & Department of radiology, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP. Nord, Clichy, France
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nicole Rich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maria Reig
- BCLC Group, Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions, Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valerie Vilgrain
- Université Paris Cité, CRI INSERM UMR 1149, Paris & Department of radiology, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP. Nord, Clichy, France
| | - Jorge Marrero
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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43
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Lee YT, Fujiwara N, Yang JD, Hoshida Y. Risk stratification and early detection biomarkers for precision HCC screening. Hepatology 2023; 78:319-362. [PMID: 36082510 PMCID: PMC9995677 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality remains high primarily due to late diagnosis as a consequence of failed early detection. Professional societies recommend semi-annual HCC screening in at-risk patients with chronic liver disease to increase the likelihood of curative treatment receipt and improve survival. However, recent dynamic shift of HCC etiologies from viral to metabolic liver diseases has significantly increased the potential target population for the screening, whereas annual incidence rate has become substantially lower. Thus, with the contemporary HCC etiologies, the traditional screening approach might not be practical and cost-effective. HCC screening consists of (i) definition of rational at-risk population, and subsequent (ii) repeated application of early detection tests to the population at regular intervals. The suboptimal performance of the currently available HCC screening tests highlights an urgent need for new modalities and strategies to improve early HCC detection. In this review, we overview recent developments of clinical, molecular, and imaging-based tools to address the current challenge, and discuss conceptual framework and approaches of their clinical translation and implementation. These encouraging progresses are expected to transform the current "one-size-fits-all" HCC screening into individualized precision approaches to early HCC detection and ultimately improve the poor HCC prognosis in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Te Lee
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Zhang H, Dong P, Fan H, Liang H, Zhang K, Zhao Y, Guo S, Schrodi SJ, Fan Y, Zhang D. Gene body hypomethylation of pyroptosis-related genes NLRP7, NLRP2, and NLRP3 facilitate non-invasive surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:198. [PMID: 37273114 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01114-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) resistance is a key driver of cancer occurrence and development. The prognostic relevance of PCD-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, there is still a lack of efforts to compare the methylation status of different types of PCD genes in HCC and their roles in its surveillance. The methylation status of genes related to pyroptosis, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis was analyzed in tumor and non-tumor tissues from TCGA. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data of paired tumor tissue and buffy coat samples were used to filter the potential interference of blood leukocytes in cell-free DNA (cfDNA). The WGBS data of healthy individuals' and early-stage HCC patients' cfDNA were analyzed to evaluate the distinguishing ability. The average gene body methylation (gbDNAme) of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) was significantly altered in HCC tissues relative to normal tissues, and their distinguishing ability was higher compared to the other types of PCD-related genes. The gbDNAme of NLRP7, NLRP2, and NLRP3 was reflective of the hypomethylation in HCC tissues, and methylation levels of NLRP3 correlated positively with its expression level (r=0.51). The candidate hypomethylated PRGs could discriminate between early HCC patients and healthy controls in cfDNA analysis with high accuracy (area under the receiver operation curve, AUC=0.94). Furthermore, the hypomethylation of PRGs was associated with poor prognosis of HCC. Gene body hypomethylation of PRGs is a promising biomarker for early HCC detection, monitoring of tumor recurrence, and prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Peiling Dong
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hailang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- SCG Cell Therapy Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Steven J Schrodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Dake Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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45
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Chhatwal J, Samur S, Yang JD, Roberts LR, Nguyen MH, Ozbay AB, Ayer T, Parikh ND, Singal AG. Effectiveness of HCC surveillance programs using multitarget blood test: A modeling study. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0146. [PMID: 37204402 PMCID: PMC10538878 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of ultrasound-based surveillance for HCC in patients with cirrhosis is limited by suboptimal sensitivity for early tumor detection and poor adherence. Emerging blood-based biomarkers have been proposed as an alternative surveillance strategy. We aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of a multitarget HCC blood test (mt-HBT)-with and without improved adherence-against ultrasound-based HCC surveillance. METHODS We developed a Markov-based mathematical model that simulated a virtual trial in patients with compensated cirrhosis comparing potential surveillance strategies: biannual surveillance using ultrasound, ultrasound plus AFP, and mt-HBT with or without improved adherence (+10% increase). We used published data to inform underlying liver disease progression rates, HCC tumor growth patterns, performance characteristics of surveillance modalities, and efficacy of treatments. Primary outcomes of interest were the number of early-stage HCCs detected and life years gained. RESULTS Per 100,000 patients with cirrhosis, mt-HBT detected 1680 more early-stage HCCs than ultrasound alone and 350 more early-stage HCCs than ultrasound + AFP, yielding an additional 5720 and 1000 life years, respectively. mt-HBT with improved adherence detected 2200 more early-stage HCCs than ultrasound and 880 more early-stage HCCs than ultrasound + AFP, yielding an additional 8140 and 3420 life years, respectively. The number of screening tests needed to detect one HCC case was 139 with ultrasound, 122 with ultrasound + AFP, 119 with mt-HBT, and 124 with mt-HBT with improved adherence. CONCLUSIONS mt-HBT is a promising alternative to ultrasound-based HCC surveillance, particularly given anticipated improved adherence with blood-based biomarkers could increase HCC surveillance effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagpreet Chhatwal
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Department of Radiology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lewis R. Roberts
- Mayo Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mindie H. Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Turgay Ayer
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Amit G. Singal
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
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46
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McMahon B, Cohen C, Brown Jr RS, El-Serag H, Ioannou GN, Lok AS, Roberts LR, Singal AG, Block T. Opportunities to address gaps in early detection and improve outcomes of liver cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:pkad034. [PMID: 37144952 PMCID: PMC10212536 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Death rates from primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) have continued to rise in the United States over the recent decades despite the availability of an increasing range of treatment modalities, including new systemic therapies. Prognosis is strongly associated with tumor stage at diagnosis; however, most cases of HCC are diagnosed beyond an early stage. This lack of early detection has contributed to low survival rates. Professional society guidelines recommend semiannual ultrasound-based HCC screening for at-risk populations, yet HCC surveillance continues to be underused in clinical practice. On April 28, 2022, the Hepatitis B Foundation convened a workshop to discuss the most pressing challenges and barriers to early HCC detection and the need to better leverage existing and emerging tools and technologies that could improve HCC screening and early detection. In this commentary, we summarize technical, patient-level, provider-level, and system-level challenges and opportunities to improve processes and outcomes across the HCC screening continuum. We highlight promising approaches to HCC risk stratification and screening, including new biomarkers, advanced imaging incorporating artificial intelligence, and algorithms for risk stratification. Workshop participants emphasized that action to improve early detection and reduce HCC mortality is urgently needed, noting concern that many of the challenges we face today are the same or similar to those faced a decade ago and that HCC mortality rates have not meaningfully improved. Increasing the uptake of HCC screening was identified as a short-term priority while developing and validating better screening tests and risk-appropriate surveillance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian McMahon
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Robert S Brown Jr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hashem El-Serag
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George N Ioannou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anna S Lok
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Timothy Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
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47
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Karim MA, Singal AG, Kum HC, Lee YT, Park S, Rich NE, Noureddin M, Yang JD. Prediagnostic CT or MRI Utilization and Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: SEER-Medicare Database Analysis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:874-883. [PMID: 37377892 PMCID: PMC10187587 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound-based surveillance has suboptimal sensitivity for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection, generating interest in alternative surveillance modalities. We aim to investigate the association between prediagnostic CT or MRI and overall survival in a contemporary cohort of patients with HCC. Using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, we analyzed Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with HCC between 2011 and 2015. Proportion of time covered (PTC) was defined as the proportion of the 36-month period prior to HCC diagnosis in which patients had received abdominal imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate the association between PTC and overall survival. Among 5,098 patients with HCC, 3,293 (65%) patients had abdominal imaging prior to HCC diagnosis, of whom 67% had CT/MRI. Median PTC by any abdominal imaging was 5.6% [interquartile range (IQR): 0%-36%], with few patients having PTC >50%. Compared with no abdominal images, ultrasound [adjusted HR (aHR): 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-0.95] and CT/MRI group (aHR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.63-0.74) were associated with improved survival. Lead-time adjusted analysis showed improved survival continued to be observed with CT/MRI (aHR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74-0.87) but not ultrasound (aHR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.91-1.10). Increased PTC was associated with improved survival, with a larger effect size observed with CT/MRI (aHR per 10%: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91-0.95) than ultrasound (aHR per 10%: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98). In conclusion, PTC by abdominal images was associated with improved survival in patients with HCC, with potential greater benefit using CT/MRI. Regular utilization of CT/MRI before cancer diagnosis may have potential survival benefit compared to ultrasound in patients with HCC. Significance Our population-based study using SEER-Medicare database demonstrated that proportion of time covered by abdominal imaging was associated with improved survival in patients with HCC, with potential greater benefit using CT/MRI. The results suggest that CT/MRI surveillance may have potential survival benefit compared with ultrasound surveillance in high-risk patients for HCC. A larger prospective study should be conducted for external validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A. Karim
- Population Informatics Lab, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Hye Chung Kum
- Population Informatics Lab, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Yi-Te Lee
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sulki Park
- Population Informatics Lab, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Nicole E. Rich
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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48
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Curran C, Priest M, Datta S, Forrest EH, Stanley AJ, Barclay ST. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk Scores Predict Patients Under Surveillance at Low Risk of Benefit and High Risk of Harm. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:770-777. [PMID: 36376575 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07731-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is recommended for patients with cirrhosis. Multiple risk scores aim to stratify HCC risk, potentially allowing individualized surveillance strategies. We sought to validate four risk scores and quantify the consequences of surveillance via the calculation of numbers needed to benefit (NNB) and harm (NNH) according to classification by risk score strata. METHODS Data were collected on 482 patients with cirrhosis during 2013-2014, with follow-up until 31/12/2019. Risk scores (aMAP, Toronto risk index, ADRESS HCC, HCC risk score) were derived from index clinic results. The area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for each. Additionally, per-risk strata, NNB was calculated as total surveillance ultrasounds per surveillance diagnosed early HCC (stage 0/A) and NNH as total ultrasounds performed per false positive (abnormal surveillance with normal follow-up imaging). RESULTS 22 (4.6%) patients developed HCC. 77% (17/22) were diagnosed through surveillance, of which 13/17 (76%) were early stage. There were 88 false positives and no false negatives (normal surveillance result however subsequent HCC detection). Overall NNB and NNH were 241 and 36, respectively. No score was significantly superior using AUC. Patients classified as low risk demonstrated no surveillance benefit (AMAP, THRI) or had a high NNB of > 300/900 (ADRESS HCC, HCC risk score), with low NNH (24-38). CONCLUSION Given the lack of benefit and increased harm through false positives in low-risk groups, a risk-based surveillance strategy may have the potential to reduce patient harm and increase benefit from HCC surveillance. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION This was not a clinical trial and the study was not pre-registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Curran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK.
- , Flat 2/2, 53 Dalnair Street, Glasgow, G3 8SQ, UK.
| | - Matthew Priest
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - Shouren Datta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - Ewan H Forrest
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0SF, UK
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Adrian J Stanley
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0SF, UK
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Stephen T Barclay
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0SF, UK
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Daher D, Dahan KSE, Singal AG. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:127-142. [PMID: 37384032 PMCID: PMC10202236 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2022.12.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most common causes of liver disease, is an increasingly common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several demographic, clinical, and genetic factors contribute to HCC risk in NAFLD patients, which may inform risk stratification scores. Proven efficacious approaches to primary prevention approach in patients with non-viral liver disease remain an area of need. Semi-annual surveillance is associated with improved early tumor detection and reduced HCC-related mortality; however, patients with NAFLD have several challenges to effective surveillance, including under-recognition of at-risk patients, low surveillance utilization in clinical practice, and lower sensitivity of current tools for early-stage HCC detection. Treatment decisions are best made in a multidisciplinary fashion and are informed by several factors including tumor burden, liver dysfunction, performance status, and patient preferences. Although patients with NAFLD often have larger tumor burden and increased comorbidities compared to counterparts, they can achieve similar post-treatment survival with careful patient selection. Therefore, surgical therapies continue to provide a curative treatment option for patients diagnosed at an early stage. Although there has been debate about the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with NAFLD, current data are insufficient to change treatment selection based on liver disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darine Daher
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karim Seif El Dahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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50
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When to Stop Screening-Liver Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:427-428. [PMID: 36563304 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002120] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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