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Martinino A, Bucaro A, Cardella F, Wazir I, Frongillo F, Ardito F, Giovinazzo F. Liver transplantation vs liver resection in HCC: promoting extensive collaborative research through a survival meta-analysis of meta-analyses. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1366607. [PMID: 38567152 PMCID: PMC10986178 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1366607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background HCC is a major global health concern, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This study conducts a meta-analysis of meta-analyses comparing liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) for HCC. Methods The systematic review included meta-analyses comparing liver resection vs. liver transplantation in HCC, following PRISMA guidelines. Primary outcomes included 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). AMSTAR-2 assessed study quality. Citation matrix and hierarchical clustering validated the consistency of the included studies. Results A search identified 10 meta-analyses for inclusion. The median Pearson correlation coefficient for citations was 0.59 (IQR 0.41-0.65). LT showed better 5-year survival and disease-free survival in all HCC (OR): 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67-0.93, I^2:57% and OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25-0.75, I^2:96%). Five-year survival in early HCC and ITT was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.50-0.78, I^2:0%) and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92, I^2:0%). Salvage LT vs. Primary LT did not differ between 5-year survival and disease-free survival (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.33-1.15, I^2:0% and 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.04, I^2:0%). Conclusion Overall, the study underscores the superior survival outcomes associated with LT over LR in HCC treatment, supported by comprehensive meta-analysis and clustering analysis. There was no difference in survival or recurrence rate between salvage LT and primary LT. Therefore, considering the organ shortage, HCC can be resected and transplanted in case of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Bucaro
- General Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cardella
- Surgical Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tract Unit, Vanvitelli University, Naples, Italy
| | - Ishaan Wazir
- Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Francesco Frongillo
- General Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ardito
- Hepatobilairy and General Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Giovinazzo
- General Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Drefs M, Schoenberg MB, Börner N, Koliogiannis D, Koch DT, Schirren MJ, Andrassy J, Bazhin AV, Werner J, Guba MO. Changes of long-term survival of resection and liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma throughout the years: A meta-analysis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024; 50:107952. [PMID: 38237275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.107952] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) still is one of the most detrimental malignant diseases in the world. As two curative surgical therapies exist, the discussion whether to opt for liver resection (LR) or transplantation (LT) is ongoing, especially as novel techniques to improve outcome have emerged for both. The aim of the study was to investigate how the utilization and outcome of the respective modalities changed through time. METHODS We searched Medline and PubMed for relevant publications comparing LT and LR in HCC patients during the time period from 1990 to 2022, prior to March 31, 2023. A total of 63 studies involving 19,804 patients - of whom 8178 patients received a liver graft and 11,626 underwent partial hepatectomy - were included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS LT is associated with significantly better 5-year overall survival (OS) (64.83%) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (70.20%) than LR (OS: 50.83%, OR: 1.79, p < 0.001; RFS: 34.46%, OR: 5.32, p < 0.001). However, these differences are not as evident in short-term intervals. Older cohorts showed comparable disparities between the outcome of the respective modalities, as did newer cohorts after 2005. This might be due to the similar improvement in survival rates that were observed for both, LT (15-23%) and LR (12-20%) during the last 30 years. CONCLUSION LT still outperforms LR in the therapy of HCC in terms of long-term survival rates. Yet, LR outcome has remarkably improved which is of major importance in reference to the well-known limitations that occur in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Drefs
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Markus B Schoenberg
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany; Medical Centers Gollierplatz and Nymphenburg, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Börner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Dionysios Koliogiannis
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik T Koch
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Malte J Schirren
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Andrassy
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany; Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Munich, Germany
| | - Markus O Guba
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Transplantation Center Munich, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
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Kudo A, Shinoda M, Ariizumi S, Kumamoto T, Katayama M, Otsubo T, Endo I, Kitagawa Y, Tanabe M, Yamamoto M. Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin affects the survival of HCC patients with marginal liver function and curative treatment: ACRoS1402. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2949-2956. [PMID: 32462296 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Considering the initial treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the best prognostic index for Child-Pugh classes B and C (CP-BC) patients has not been yet established. This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in multicenter patients with a poor liver functional reserve after curative treatment. METHODS Between April 2000 and April 2014, 212 CP-BC patients who received treatment in five high-volume centers in Japan were included in this study. CP-B and C patients were 206 and 6, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses for DFS and OS were performed to estimate the risk factors. RESULTS The mean observation time was 1132 days. Mean Child-Pugh score and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min were 7.5 and 31.5%, respectively. Histological chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were observed in 20% and 74% patients, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for DFS were des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) [hazard ratio (HR), 1.6; P = 0.012] and treatment without liver transplantation. Moreover, DCP was identified as an independent risk factor for OS (HR, 1.7; P = 0.01). Tumor size, number, tumor thrombus, Milan criteria, liver cirrhosis, and treatment without liver transplantation were not identified as risk factors for OS. The 5-year OS in patients with high serum DCP levels (< 90 mAU/mL) was significantly better than that in those with low serum DCP levels (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Serum DCP value before treatment predicted both DFS and OS in CP-BC patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Kudo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunichi Ariizumi
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kumamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masafumi Katayama
- Division of Gastroenterological and General Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takehito Otsubo
- Division of Gastroenterological and General Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Masakazu Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Lee TC, Morris MC, Patel SH, Shah SA. Expanding the Surgical Pool for Hepatic Resection to Treat Biliary and Primary Liver Tumors. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2019; 28:763-782. [PMID: 31472918 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Surgical management of primary liver and biliary tract tumors has evolved over the past several decades, resulting in improved outcomes in these malignancies with historically poor prognoses. Expansion of patient selection criteria, progress in neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, development of techniques to increase future liver remnant, and the select utilization of liver transplantation have all contributed to increasing the patient pool for surgical intervention. Ongoing and future studies need to focus on improving multimodality treatment regimens and further refining the selection criteria for transplantation in order to optimize utilization of limited organ resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany C Lee
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML 0558, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558, USA
| | - Mackenzie C Morris
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML 0558, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558, USA
| | - Sameer H Patel
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML 0558, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558, USA
| | - Shimul A Shah
- Cincinnati Research on Outcomes and Safety in Surgery (CROSS), Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, ML 0558, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558, USA.
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Schoenberg MB, Bucher JN, Vater A, Bazhin AV, Hao J, Guba MO, Angele MK, Werner J, Rentsch M. Resection or Transplant in Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 114:519-526. [PMID: 28835324 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has an incidence of 5-10 per 100 000 persons per year in the Western world. In 20% of cases, surgical liver resection (LR) or liver transplantation (LT) can be performed. LT results in longer survival, as it involves resection not only of the tumor, but of pre - cancerous tissue as well. The optimal allocation of donor organs depends on the identification of patients for whom LR is adequate treatment. In this meta-analysis, we compare LT and LR for patients with early HCC and wellcompensated cirrhosis. METHODS A systematic review of the pertinent literature was followed by a subgroup analysis of the studies in which patients with early HCC and wellcompensated cirrhosis were followed up after either LR or LT. Overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years, as well as morbidity and mortality, were compared in a random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS 54 studies with a total of 13 794 patients were included. Among patients with early HCC, the overall survival after LT became higher than the overall survival after LR 5 years after surgery (66.67% versus 60.35%, odds ratio 0.60 [0.45; 0.78], p <0.001); there was no significant difference 1 year or 3 years after surgery. Nor was there any significant difference in morbidity or mortality between the two types of treatment in this subgroup. These findings contrast with the results obtained in all of the studies, which documented significantly better survival 3 years after LT. CONCLUSION Three years after surgery, the survival rates and complication rates of patients with early HCC treated with either LR or LT are comparable. Resection should therefore be the preferred form of treatment if the prerequisites for it are met. In case of recurrent tumor, these patients can still be evaluated for liver transplantation. This strategy could improve the allocation of donor organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus B Schoenberg
- Markus B. Schoenberg and Julian N. Bucher shared first authorship; Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital of Munich, Campus Großhadern; Munich Transplant Center, University Hospital of Munich, Campus Großhadern; Liver Center Munich, University Hospital of Munich, Campus Großhadern
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Su TS, Liang P, Liang J, Lu HZ, Jiang HY, Cheng T, Huang Y, Tang Y, Deng X. Long-Term Survival Analysis of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Versus Liver Resection for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 98:639-646. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.02.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Lee S, Hyuck David Kwon C, Man Kim J, Joh JW, Woon Paik S, Kim BW, Wang HJ, Lee KW, Suh KS, Lee SK. Time of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver resection and alpha-fetoprotein are important prognostic factors for salvage liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2014; 20:1057-63. [PMID: 24862741 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Salvage liver transplantation (LT) is considered a feasible option for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed this multicenter study to assess the risk factors associated with the recurrence of HCC and patient survival after salvage LT. Between January 2000 and December 2011, 101 patients who had previously undergone liver resection (LR) for HCC underwent LT at 3 transplant centers in Korea. Sixty-nine patients' data were retrospectively reviewed for the analysis. The recurrence of HCC was diagnosed at a median of 10.6 months after the initial LR, and patients underwent salvage LT. Recurrences were within the Milan criteria in 48 cases and were outside the Milan criteria in 21 cases. After salvage LT, 31 patients had HCC recurrence during a median follow-up period of 24.5 months. There were 24 deaths, and 20 were due to HCC recurrence. The 5-year overall survival rate was approximately 54.6%, and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 49.3%. HCC recurrence within the 8 months after LR [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.124, P = 0.009], an alpha-fetoprotein level higher than 200 ng/mL (HR = 2.609, P = 0.02), and HCC outside the Milan criteria at salvage LT (HR = 2.219, P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for poor recurrence-free survival after salvage LT. In conclusion, the timing and extent of HCC recurrence after primary LR both play significant roles in the outcome of salvage LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghoon Lee
- Departments of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Xu XS, Liu C, Qu K, Song YZ, Zhang P, Zhang YL. Liver transplantation versus liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2014; 13:234-41. [PMID: 24919605 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(14)60037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) are currently considered the standard treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the outcomes of LT and LR are still inconclusive. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. Surgical safety indices such as treatment-related morbidity and mortality, and efficacy indices such as overall and tumor-free survival outcomes were evaluated. Weighted mean differences and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included in this meta-analysis. LT achieved significantly higher rates of surgery-related morbidity (OR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.02-2.13) and mortality (OR=2.12; 95% CI: 1.11-4.05). Likewise, the 1-year survival rate was lower in LT (OR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.61-1.20). However, the 3- and 5-year survival rates were significantly higher in LT than in LR and the ORs were 1.12 (95% CI: 0.96-1.30) in 3 years and 1.84 (95% CI: 1.49-2.28) in 5 years. Furthermore, the tumor-free survival rate in LT was significantly higher than that in LR in 1, 3, 5 years after surgery, with the ORs of 1.72 (95% CI: 1.24-2.41), 3.75 (95% CI: 2.94-4.78) and 5.64 (95% CI: 4.35-7.31), respectively. CONCLUSIONS One-year morbidity and mortality are higher in LT than in LR for patients with HCC. However, long-term survival and tumor-free survival rates are higher in patients treated with LT than those treated with LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Sen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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Proneth A, Zeman F, Schlitt HJ, Schnitzbauer AA. Is Resection or Transplantation the ideal Treatment in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhosis if Both Are Possible? A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis. Ann Surg Oncol 2014; 21:3096-107. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-014-3808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Chan DL, Alzahrani NA, Morris DL, Chua TC. Systematic review of efficacy and outcomes of salvage liver transplantation after primary hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:31-41. [PMID: 24117517 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Upfront liver transplantation is the gold standard in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis, but a shortage of donor organs negatively impacts on survival outcomes, with significant disease progression during long waiting lists. This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of salvage liver transplantation (SLT) as treatment for recurrent HCC after initial hepatic resection. METHODS Electronic searches of Pubmed, Embase, and Medline databases identified 130 abstracts, from which 16 eligible studies comprising 319 patients were selected for review. Studies adopting SLT following primary hepatic resection for recurrent HCC with more than five patients were included. Demographic details, morbidity and mortality indices, and survival outcomes were collected from each study and were tabulated. RESULTS All patients included in the studies had liver cirrhosis, with the majority being Child-Pugh A (50%) and B (33%). The etiology of liver disease was hepatitis B in the majority of patients (84%). Disease recurrence occurred in 27-80% of patients at a median of 21.4 months (range 14.5-34) following initial resection. SLTs were performed on 41% of recurrences, and were associated with biliary complications (8%), infection (11%), bleeding (8%), and vascular complications (7%). There were 18 perioperative deaths (5.6%). The median 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall and disease-free survival was 89%, 80%, and 62%, and 86%, 68%, and 67%, respectively. CONCLUSION Synthesis of available observational studies suggests that SLT following primary hepatic resection is a highly applicable strategy with long-term survival outcomes that are comparable to upfront liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Chan
- Hepatobiliary and Surgical Oncology Unit, UNSW Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; St George Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Systematic Review Unit, The Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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Dhir M, Lyden ER, Smith LM, Are C. Comparison of outcomes of transplantation and resection in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis. HPB (Oxford) 2012; 14:635-45. [PMID: 22882201 PMCID: PMC3461390 DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-2574.2012.00500.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Surgical decision making for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and well-compensated cirrhosis remains controversial. The aim of the current study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published reports to compare survival outcomes after transplantation and resection, respectively, in patients with early HCC [i.e. HCC falling within the Milan Criteria (a solitary lesion measuring ≤5 cm or fewer than three lesions with a largest diameter of ≤3 cm, and absence of macroscopic vascular invasion or extrahepatic disease)] and well-compensated cirrhosis. METHODS A total of 990 abstracts were identified through a PubMed-based search. Ten articles comparing transplantation and resection in patients with early HCC were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using stata 9.2 statistical software. RESULTS Outcomes were analysed for a total of 1763 patients with early HCC. The 5-year overall survival (OS) for all patients was 58% (transplantation: 63%; resection: 53%). Meta-analysis of all 10 studies revealed a survival advantage for transplantation [odds ratio (OR) 0.581, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.359-0.939; P = 0.027]. Analysis of only those reports that utilized an 'intention-to-treat' strategy failed to demonstrate a survival advantage for either treatment approach (OR 0.600, 95% CI 0.291-1.237; P = 0.166). CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates a favourable outcome in patients with early HCC treated by either transplantation or resection. Although transplantation was noted to have a survival advantage in some settings, resection continues to be a viable treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashaal Dhir
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Eppley Cancer CenterOmaha, NE, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Lyden
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public HealthOmaha, NE, USA
| | - Lynette M Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public HealthOmaha, NE, USA
| | - Chandrakanth Are
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Eppley Cancer CenterOmaha, NE, USA,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha, NE, USA
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Maggs JRL, Suddle AR, Aluvihare V, Heneghan MA. Systematic review: the role of liver transplantation in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35:1113-34. [PMID: 22432733 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2012.05072.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Liver transplantation offers a potential cure for this otherwise devastating disease. The selection of the most appropriate candidates is paramount in an era of graft shortage. AIM To review systematically the role of liver transplantation in the management of HCC in current clinical practice. METHODS An electronic literature search using PUBMED (1980-2010) was performed. Search terms included HCC, hepatoma, liver cancer, and liver transplantation. RESULTS Liver transplantation is a highly successful treatment for HCC, in patients within Milan criteria (MC), defined as a solitary tumour ≤50 mm in diameter or ≤3 tumours ≤30 mm in diameter in the absence of extra-hepatic or vascular spread. Other eligibility criteria for liver transplantation are also used in clinical practice, such as the University of California, San Francisco criteria, with outcomes comparable to MC. Loco-regional therapies have a role in the bridging treatment of HCC by minimising wait-list drop-out secondary to tumour progression. Beyond MC, encouraging results have been demonstrated for patients with down-staged tumours. Post-liver transplantation, there is no evidence to support a specific immunosuppressive regimen. In the context of an insufficient cadaveric donor pool to meet demand, the role of adult living donation may be increasingly important. CONCLUSIONS Liver transplantation offers a curative therapy for selected patients with HCC. The optimisation of eligibility criteria is paramount to ensure that maximum benefit is accrued. Although wait-list therapies have been incorporated into clinical practice, additional high quality data are required to support this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R L Maggs
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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13
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Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma? Ann Surg 2011. [PMID: 21865950 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e3182ca66f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either liver resection or transplantation. METHODS A retrospective, single-institution analysis of 413 HCC patients from 1999 to 2009. RESULTS A total of 413 patients with HCC underwent surgical resection (n = 106) and transplantation (n = 270) or were listed without receiving transplantation (n = 37). Excluding transplanted patients with incidental tumors (n = 50), 257 patients with suspected HCC were listed with the intent to transplant (ITT). The median diameter of the largest tumor by radiography was 6.0 cm in resected, 3.0 cm in transplanted, and 3.4 cm in the listed-but-not-transplanted patients. Median time to transplant was 48 days. Recurrence rates were 19.8% for resection and 12.1% for all ITT patients. Overall, patient survival for resection versus ITT patients was similar (5-year survival of 53.0% vs 52.0%, not significant). However, for HCC patients with model end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores less than 10 and who radiologically met Milan or UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved in resected patients. For patients with MELD score less than 10 and who met Milan criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival were 92.0% and 63.0% for resection (n = 26) versus 83.0% and 41.0% for ITT (n = 73, P = 0.036). For those with MELD score less than 10 and met UCSF criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival was 94.0% and 62.0% for resection (n = 33) versus 81.0% and 40.0% for ITT (n = 78, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Among known HCC patients with preserved liver function, resection was associated with superior patient survival versus transplantation. These results suggest that surgical resection should remain the first line therapy for patients with HCC and compensated liver function who are candidates for resection.
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Mazzaferro V, Bhoori S, Sposito C, Bongini M, Langer M, Miceli R, Mariani L. Milan criteria in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: an evidence-based analysis of 15 years of experience. Liver Transpl 2011; 17 Suppl 2:S44-57. [PMID: 21695773 DOI: 10.1002/lt.22365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 411] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Units of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation, National Cancer Institute of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Koniaris LG, Levi DM, Pedroso FE, Franceschi D, Tzakis AG, Santamaria-Barria JA, Tang J, Anderson M, Misra S, Solomon NL, Jin X, DiPasco PJ, Byrne MM, Zimmers TA. Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma? Ann Surg 2011; 254:527-37; discussion 537-8. [PMID: 21865950 PMCID: PMC4425302 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e31822ca66f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either liver resection or transplantation. METHODS A retrospective, single-institution analysis of 413 HCC patients from 1999 to 2009. RESULTS A total of 413 patients with HCC underwent surgical resection (n = 106) and transplantation (n = 270) or were listed without receiving transplantation (n = 37). Excluding transplanted patients with incidental tumors (n = 50), 257 patients with suspected HCC were listed with the intent to transplant (ITT). The median diameter of the largest tumor by radiography was 6.0 cm in resected, 3.0 cm in transplanted, and 3.4 cm in the listed-but-not-transplanted patients. Median time to transplant was 48 days. Recurrence rates were 19.8% for resection and 12.1% for all ITT patients. Overall, patient survival for resection versus ITT patients was similar (5-year survival of 53.0% vs 52.0%, not significant). However, for HCC patients with model end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores less than 10 and who radiologically met Milan or UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved in resected patients. For patients with MELD score less than 10 and who met Milan criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival were 92.0% and 63.0% for resection (n = 26) versus 83.0% and 41.0% for ITT (n = 73, P = 0.036). For those with MELD score less than 10 and met UCSF criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival was 94.0% and 62.0% for resection (n = 33) versus 81.0% and 40.0% for ITT (n = 78, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Among known HCC patients with preserved liver function, resection was associated with superior patient survival versus transplantation. These results suggest that surgical resection should remain the first line therapy for patients with HCC and compensated liver function who are candidates for resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas G Koniaris
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA.
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Merchant N, David CS, Cunningham SC. Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Transplantation versus Resection: The Case for Liver Resection. Int J Hepatol 2011; 2011:142085. [PMID: 21994848 PMCID: PMC3170737 DOI: 10.4061/2011/142085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The optimal surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma on well-compensated cirrhosis is controversial. Advocates of liver transplantation cite better long-term survival, lower risk of recurrence, and the ability of transplantation to treat both the HCC and the underlying liver cirrhosis. Transplantation, however, is not universally available to all appropriate-risk candidates because of a lack of sufficient organ donors and in addition suffers from the disadvantages of requiring a more complex pre- and postoperative management associated with risks of inaccessibility, noncompliance, and late complications. Resection, by contrast, is much more easily and widely available, avoids many of those risks, is by many accounts as effective at achieving similar long-term survival, and still allows for safe, subsequent liver transplantation in cases of recurrence. Here, arguments are made in favor of resection being easier, safer, simpler, and comparably effective in the treatment of HCC relative to transplantation, and therefore being the optimal initial treatment in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma on well-compensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Merchant
- Department of Surgery, Saint Agnes Hospital, 900 Caton Avenue, Mailbox #207, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA
| | - Calvin S. David
- Department of Surgery, Saint Agnes Hospital, 900 Caton Avenue, Mailbox #207, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA
| | - Steven C. Cunningham
- Department of Surgery, Saint Agnes Hospital, 900 Caton Avenue, Mailbox #207, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA,*Steven C. Cunningham:
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Morris-Stiff G, Gomez D, de Liguori Carino N, Prasad K. Surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma: Is the jury still out? Surg Oncol 2009; 18:298-321. [DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 08/19/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Cunningham SC, Tsai S, Marques HP, Mira P, Cameron A, Barroso E, Philosophe B, Pawlik TM. Management of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Well-Compensated Cirrhosis. Ann Surg Oncol 2009; 16:1820-31. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-009-0364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 12/20/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Ishizaki Y, Kawasaki S. The evolution of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (past, present, and future). J Gastroenterol 2008; 43:18-26. [PMID: 18297431 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-007-2141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 11/02/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past quarter-century, liver transplantation (LT) has been established as a durable therapy for all forms of end-stage liver disease. LT appears ideally suited for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it involves complete oncologic resection and correction of the underlying liver dysfunction. Since LT based on the Milan criteria has been shown to provide good disease-free survival, LT is considered the optimal treatment for small HCC, especially in patients with underlying chronic liver disease. However, because there is a severe shortage of organ donors, not all patients in need can be offered LT. Transplant listing criteria must simultaneously determine the greatest number of suitable candidates for LT while rejecting the smallest number of those who could benefit from LT. The amended model for end-stage liver disease allocation policy has had a positive effect on liver transplant candidates with HCC, and their number has been increasing significantly over the past several years. To minimize dropout from the waiting list, the treatment of HCC with procedures such as chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, or ethanol injection in patients awaiting LT have become widespread. It is currently accepted that liver resection is the best option for the treatment of small HCC when liver function is well preserved, and that LT is preferred when liver function is severely impaired (Child-Pugh class B or C). However, the question arises as to what is the best option for Child-Pugh class A patients with early HCC eligible for both resection and LT, especially in Western countries. HCC is a major indication for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), because the risk of dropout while waiting is negligible. Extension of the Milan criteria in the setting of LDLT may offer more patients a potentially curative treatment without reducing the donor pool of organs for patients on the waiting list with nonmalignant liver disease. However, imprudent expansion of the selection criteria may result in more patients with HCC being cured at the expense of a higher incidence of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Ishizaki
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
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20
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Trends in local therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and survival outcomes in the US population. Am J Surg 2008; 195:829-36. [PMID: 18436176 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Revised: 10/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) frequently presents with limitations to resection. We investigated survival outcomes after various local HCC therapies in US patients. DATA SOURCES Relationships between local HCC therapy modality and overall survival (OS) were analyzed from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 1973-2003 database. Of 46,065 patients with primary hepatobiliary malignancy, 5,317 individuals with HCC had sufficient surgical data. The median age was 65 (range 0-105), and 73% of patients were male. The median tumor size was 6 cm (.2-30). There were single lesions (52%), multiple lesions (28%), and extrahepatic disease (20%). Mortality at 30 days was 8.4% (resection), 3.3% (transplantation), 3.2% (ablation), or 31% (no local therapy, P <.0001). Actuarial 5-year survival was 67% after transplantation, 35% after resection, 20% after ablation, and 3% for no or incomplete local therapy (P <.0001). Multivariate prognosticators were surgical modality, disease extent, grade (all at P <.0001), tumor size (P = .01), vascular invasion (P = .02), and age (P = .045). Compared to resection, risk ratios were .56 (transplantation) and 1.53 (ablation). CONCLUSIONS Long-term HCC survival can be observed after all 3 treatment approaches but is best after transplantation and resection, although likely biased through confounding patient selection variables. Preferred HCC treatment should be individualized based on morbidity and long-term OS prospects.
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21
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Baccarani U, Isola M, Adani GL, Benzoni E, Avellini C, Lorenzin D, Bresadola F, Uzzau A, Risaliti A, Beltrami AP, Soldano F, De Anna D, Bresadola V. Superiority of transplantation versus resection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma. Transpl Int 2008; 21:247-54. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2007.00597.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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22
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Scaife C. Liver. Surgery 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-68113-9_49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Knight SR, Friend PJ, Morris PJ. Role of transplantation in the management of hepatic malignancy. Br J Surg 2007; 94:1319-30. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.5968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The acceptance of liver transplantation in the management of hepatic malignancy declined after early poor outcomes. Despite recent developments, including stricter selection criteria and improved adjuvant therapies, the role of liver transplantation in the management of cancer remains controversial. This review explores the evidence for the current role of liver transplantation in the management of hepatic malignancy in the context of recent advances in surgical resection and non-surgical treatments.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using the Cochrane Library and Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE, using terms for hepatic malignancy and interventions that included liver transplantation, percutaneous interventions, chemotherapy and surgical resection.
Results and conclusion
In patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma, improved selection has led to outcomes equivalent to those from surgical resection and comparable to those in patients transplanted for non-malignant indications. Recent studies suggest that selection criteria may be refined further. Surgical resection or percutaneous therapies may reduce the risk of progression while waiting for a transplant. Recent improvements have occurred in neoadjuvant therapies for cholangiocarcinoma. Nevertheless, a number of questions regarding the role of liver transplantation for hepatic malignancy remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Knight
- Centre for Evidence in Transplantation, Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Oxford Transplant Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - P J Friend
- Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Transplant Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - P J Morris
- Centre for Evidence in Transplantation, Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Jin X, Zhang Z, Beer-Stolz D, Zimmers TA, Koniaris LG. Interleukin-6 inhibits oxidative injury and necrosis after extreme liver resection. Hepatology 2007; 46:802-12. [PMID: 17668886 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Extreme hepatectomy or resection of more than 80% of liver mass often leads to liver failure and death and is a major limitation to therapeutic liver resection for patients with liver tumors. We sought to define the mechanisms leading to liver failure and to determine the utility of interleukin-6 (IL-6) administration to improve outcomes. Mice were injected with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human IL-6 or no recombinant protein, or were administered recombinant IL-6 or carrier by osmotic mini-pump. Mice were then subjected to 70% or 87% hepatectomy. Light and electron microscopy of liver sections after 87% hepatectomy showed ballooning hepatocytes, vacuolar changes, and mitochondrial abruption, with absence of anoikic nuclei. No significant activation of executor caspases or DNA laddering was observed, although a dramatic decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stores was measured, suggesting cell death was by a necrotic pathway involving mitochondrial dysfunction. A large increase in protein oxidation was observed, indicative of significant oxidative stress. IL-6 treatment before 87% hepatectomy resulted in less biochemical and histological evidence of liver injury as well as earlier proliferating chain nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and accelerated recovery of liver mass. IL-6 pretreatment induced the antioxidative injury proteins, ref-1 and GPX1, decreased protein oxidation, vacuolar changes and leakage of mitochondrial products, improved ATP stores, and maintained cellular ultrastructure after 87% hepatectomy. CONCLUSION Massive oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in the liver after extreme hepatectomy. IL-6 improves recovery and survival from extreme liver resection by enhancing pro-growth pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and maintaining mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Jin
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Poon RTP. Liver transplantation for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma less than 3 cm in diameter in Child A cirrhosis. Dig Dis 2007; 25:334-40. [PMID: 17960069 DOI: 10.1159/000106914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the treatment of choice for patients with unresectable tumors within the Milan criteria associated with Child B or C cirrhosis. Liver transplantation provides the best cure for both the HCC and the underlying cirrhosis. In recent years, some authors have advocated liver transplantation even for resectable early HCC associated with Child A cirrhosis, leading to a controversy of whether resection or transplantation should be the first-line therapy for patients with small HCC in Child A cirrhosis. Recent studies comparing liver resection and transplantation for early HCC demonstrated similar long-term survival of 60-70%, but liver transplantation is associated with a lower tumor recurrence rate. However, the current shortage of deceased donor liver grafts limits the applicability of liver transplantation for HCC. The use of live donor liver transplantation for patients with a small solitary HCC in Child A cirrhosis that is resectable may not be justified ethically because of the potential risk to the donors. Patients put on a transplantation waiting list run a significant risk of tumor progression and dropout, while liver resection is immediately applicable to all. Advocating primary liver transplantation for patients with early HCC associated with compensated cirrhosis will increase the waiting time for transplantation and further increases the chance of dropout. Resection first and salvage transplantation for recurrent tumors or liver failure is an alternative strategy that may reduce the use of liver grafts. However, the long-term survival result of such a strategy compared with primary liver transplantation remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie T P Poon
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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26
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Poon RTP. Optimal Initial Treatment for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Preserved Liver Function: Transplantation or Resection? Ann Surg Oncol 2006; 14:541-7. [PMID: 17103069 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-006-9156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2006] [Revised: 03/07/2006] [Accepted: 04/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Partial hepatic resection has been the mainstay of curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients with preserved liver function. Liver transplantation for HCC was initially developed as a treatment option for patients with unresectable tumors associated with Child B or C cirrhosis. However, in recent years, some authors have advocated liver transplantation even for resectable early HCC associated with Child A cirrhosis. Whether transplantation or liver resection is the optimal initial treatment for early HCC in compensated cirrhosis depends on the survival results and also the availability of liver grafts. Recent studies comparing liver resection and transplantation for early HCC in Child A cirrhotic patients demonstrated similar long-term survival. While liver transplantation is associated with a lower tumor recurrence rate, this benefit is counteracted by long-term complications such as immunosuppression related infections and neoplasms. Patients put on transplantation waiting list run a significant risk of tumor progression and dropout, while liver resection is immediately applicable to all. A premature liver transplantation may expose patients to the side effects of immunosuppression earlier than necessary. With the current shortage of liver grafts, advocating primary liver transplantation for patients with early HCC associated with compensated cirrhosis will increase waiting time of transplantation and further increases the chance of dropout. Resection first and salvage transplantation for recurrent tumors or liver failure has been shown to be a feasible strategy in the majority of patients, and this appears to be the optimal strategy with the best use of organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie T P Poon
- Centre for the Study of Liver Disease, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
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McKillop IH, Moran DM, Jin X, Koniaris LG. Molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Surg Res 2006; 136:125-35. [PMID: 17023002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2006.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2006] [Revised: 04/04/2006] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common life-threatening malignancies in the world. This cancer generally arises within the boundaries of well-defined causal factors, of which viral hepatitis infection, aflatoxin exposure, chronic alcohol abuse, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are the major risk factors. Despite the identification of these etiological agents, hepatocarcinogenesis remains poorly understood. The molecular mechanisms leading to the development of HCC appear extremely complex and only recently have begun to be elucidated. Currently, surgical resection or liver transplantation offer the best chance of cure for the patient with HCC; however, these therapies are hindered by inability of many of these patients to undergo liver resection, by tumor recurrence and by donor shortages. A lack of suitable therapeutic strategies has led to a greater focus on prevention of HCC using antiviral agents and vaccination. Overall, the current outlook for patients with HCC is bleak; however, a better understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of this cancer should lead to the development of more efficacious therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain H McKillop
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, USA.
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Earle SA, Perez EA, Gutierrez JC, Sleeman D, Livingstone AS, Franceschi D, Levi JU, Robbins C, Koniaris LG. Hepatectomy enables prolonged survival in select patients with isolated noncolorectal liver metastasis. J Am Coll Surg 2006; 203:436-46. [PMID: 17000386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2006.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Revised: 06/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was done to determine the benefit of undergoing liver resection for noncolorectal metastasis. METHODS A single-institution retrospective review of all patients (n = 95) who underwent hepatic resection for a noncolorectal liver metastasis from 1990 to 2005 was performed. Primary outcomes measure was months of patient survival after liver resection. RESULTS Median patient age was 58 years (range 19 to 83 years). There were 37 men (38.9%) and 58 women (61.1%). The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 2.1%, and postoperative complications developed in 15.8% of patients. Mean hospital stay was 7 days (range 4 to 25 days). Median time of survival from date of liver resection was 36 months, and 5-year survival rate was 34.9%. Primary tumor sites were identified as foregut or gastrointestinal in 16.8% and nongastrointestinal in 83.2%. Patients with a nonforegut primary tumor had a median survival time twice as long as those with foregut primaries (49 months versus 20 months, p < 0.001). Multiple liver metastases were an independent prognostic factor for worse outcomes with a hazard ratio of 3.3 (p = 0.007). No treatment-dependent variables (initial treatment modality, extent of liver resection, margins, complications) were found on multivariable analysis to be important prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS In select patients with any of a variety of malignancies metastatic to the liver, prolonged survival can result from liver resection, especially in those with a single, resectable tumor from a nongastrointestinal primary site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Earle
- Dewitt-Daughtry Department of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Yokoi H, Isaji S, Yamagiwa K, Tabata M, Nemoto A, Sakurai H, Usui M, Uemoto S. The role of living-donor liver transplantation in surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 13:123-30. [PMID: 16547673 DOI: 10.1007/s00534-005-1018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2005] [Accepted: 05/30/2005] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The role of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the surgical treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been established as yet. METHODS Preliminary experience gained from 24 patients who underwent LDLT for HCC between March 2002 and November 2004, and the results of the 131 patients who underwent hepatic resection (HR) for HCC between January 1990 and December 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. The exclusion criteria for LDLT for HCC included extrahepatic metastasis and major vascular invasion. RESULTS (1) LDLT: the median age of the patients was 57 years and the Child-Pugh grades (A/B/C) of the patients were 6, 12, and 6, respectively. The tumor size was 3 cm or less in 15 patients, multinodular tumors were present in 23 patients, and 11 patients (45.8%) met the Milan Criteria. The overall 2-year survival rate was 72.3%, without a significant difference as to whether or not patients met the Milan criteria. (2) HR: on multivariate analysis, the Child-Pugh grade, the presence of cirrhosis, and the number of tumor nodules were considered as independent risk factors for unfavorable survival (P < 0.05). The 84 patients who met the Milan criteria and were Child-Pugh grade A had a 5-year survival rate of 71.3%; this was significantly better than those of the other patients (P < 0.005). Among the 57 patients with intrahepatic recurrence, 18 patients who were Child-Pugh grade A, met the Milan criteria, and were treated by re-resection or ablation therapy achieved a significantly better 5-year survival rate, of 73.1%, as compared to 19.7% in the other 39 patients (P < 0.0045). CONCLUSIONS HR could be a first-line treatment with a favorable prognosis for patients who have resectable HCC, preserved liver function, and who meet the Milan criteria. Salvage LDLT could be employed in patients with recurrent tumors that cannot be controlled by conventional treatment or in patients in whom liver function has deteriorated to Child-Pugh grade B or C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Yokoi
- First Department of Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
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Poon RT, Fan ST. Resection prior to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a strategy of optimizing the role of resection and transplantation in cirrhotic patients with preserved liver function. Liver Transpl 2004; 10:813-5. [PMID: 15162479 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie T Poon
- Centre for the Study of Liver Disease and Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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