Outcomes of hepatic resection for a single large hepatocellular carcinoma

Nomogram and calculator for predicting the prognosis of patients with giant hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the overall survival (OS) of giant hepatocellular carcinoma (G-HCC) patients and establish a nomogram and an Internet-based OS calculator for evaluating the OS of G-HCC patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 2445 G-HCC patients were searched in the SEER database. The independent variables affecting OS of G-HCC patients were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses, and a nomogram and Internet-based OS calculator were established. The accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated by the C-index, the AUC curve, and calibration curve.

RESULTS

Grade, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, T-staging, M-staging, AFP, and fibrosis were identified as independent variables affecting OS. These variables were included in the nomogram model and Internet-based OS calculator to evaluate OS in G-HCC patients. The C-indices and AUC of the nomogram are better than AJCC-staging system. Similarly, the calibration curves revealed that the actual survival was consistent with nomogram-based survival.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram and Internet-based OS calculator are superior to the traditional AJCC-staging system in the reliability and convenience of prognosis assessment for G-HCC patients, which is more conducive for clinicians to predict the survival of G-HCC patients and make the best treatment strategy.

Liver resection for single large hepatocellular carcinoma: a prognostic factors study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Liver resection is the only curative therapeutic option for large hepatocellular carcinoma (> 5 cm), but survival is worse than in smaller tumours, mostly due to the high recurrence rate. There is currently no proper tool for stratifying relapse risk. Herein, we investigated prognostic factors before hepatectomy in patients with a single large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified 119 patients who underwent liver resection for a single large HCC in 2 tertiary academic French centres and collected pre- and post-operative clinical, biological and radiological features. The primary outcome was overall survival at five years. Secondary outcomes were recurrence-free survival at five years and prognostic factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 84% of the patients were male, and the median age was 66 years old (IQR 58-74). Thirty-nine (33%) had Child-Pugh A cirrhosis, and the mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 6 (6-6). The aetiology of liver disease was predominantly alcohol-related (48%), followed by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (22%), hepatitis B (18%) and hepatitis C (10%). The mean tumour size was 70 mm (55-110). The median overall survival was 72.5 months (IC 95%: 56.2-88.7), and the five-year overall survival was 55.1 ± 5.5%. The median recurrence-free survival was 26.6 months (95% CI: 16.0-37.1), and the five-year recurrence-free survival rate was 37.8 ± 5%. In multivariate analysis, preoperative prognostic factors for recurrence were baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 7 ng/mL (p<0.001), portal veinous invasion (p=0.003) and cirrhosis (p=0.020). Using these factors, we created a simple recurrence-risk scoring system that classified three groups with distinct disease-free survival medians (p<0.001): no risk factors (65 months), 1 risk factor (36 months), and ≥2 risk factors (8.9 months).

CONCLUSION

Liver resection is the only curative option for large HCC, and we confirmed that survival could be acceptable in experienced centres. Recurrence is the primary issue of surgery, and we proposed a simple preoperative score to help identify patients with the most worrisome prognosis and possible candidates for combined therapy.

Prognostic value of the ALBI grade among patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma without macrovascular invasion

Although evidence for the application of an albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grading system to assess liver function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is available, less is known whether it can be applied to determine the prognosis of single HCC with different tumor sizes. This study aimed to address this gap.Here, we enrolled patients who underwent hepatectomy due to single HCC from 2010 to 2014. Analyses were performed to test the potential of the ALBI grading system to monitor the long-term survival of single HCC subjects with varying tumor sizes.A total of 265 participants were recruited. The overall survival (OS) among patients whose tumors were ≤7 cm was remarkably higher than those whose tumors were >7 cm. The Cox proportional hazards regression model identified the tumor differentiation grade, ALBI grade, and maximum tumor size as key determinants of OS. The ALBI grade could stratify the patients who had a single tumor ≤7 cm into 2 distinct groups with different prognoses. The OS between ALBI grades 1 and 2 was comparable for patients who had a single tumor >7 cm.We showed that the ALBI grading system can predict disease outcomes in patients with a single HCC with a tumor size ≤7 cm. However, the ALBI grade may not predict the prognosis of patients with a single tumor >7 cm.

Left Hepatectomy Through Double Approach and Total Vascular Exclusion for Giant Left Lobe Hepatocarcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma represents the most frequently encountered liver malignancy worldwide; however the dimensions of these lesions rarely surpass 20 cm. In such cases surgical treatment might encounter significant technical difficulties.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 49-year-old patient diagnosed with a 22/25/21 cm left lobe hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESULTS

In order to achieve a safe and effective resection total vascular exclusion was needed. Moreover, due to the anatomical relationship between the tumor and the cava vein, an intrathoracic approach of the inferior cava vein was the option of choice. The time of total vascular exclusion was of 26 minutes while the length of surgery was of 210 minutes; meanwhile the estimated blood loss was of 650 ml, while the postoperative outcome was uncomplicated.

CONCLUSION

Total vascular exclusion by double approach might be a safe alternative in order to minimize the risks of severe intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 10 cm: A multi-institution long-term observational study

BACKGROUND

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≥ 10 cm remains a challenge.

AIM

To consolidate the role of surgical resection for HCC larger than 10 cm.

METHODS

Eligible HCC patients were identified from the Chang Gung Research Database, the largest multi-institution database, which collected medical records of all patients from Chang Gung Memorial Foundation. The surgical outcome of HCC ≥ 10 cm (L-HCC) was compared to that of HCC < 10 cm (S-HCC) (model 1). The survival of L-HCC after either liver resection or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was also analyzed (model 2). The long-term risks of all-cause mortality and recurrence were assessed to consolidate the role of surgery for L-HCC.

RESULTS

From January 2004 to July 2015, a total of 32403 HCC patients were identified from the Chang Gung Research Database. Among 3985 patients who received liver resection, 3559 (89.3%) had S-HCC, and 426 had L-HCC. The L-HCC patients had a worse disease-free survival (0.27 for L-HCC vs 0.40 for S-HCC) and overall survival (0.18 for L-HCC vs 0.45 for S-HCC) than the S-HCC after liver resection (both P < 0.001). However, the surgical and long-term outcome of resected L-HCC had improved dramatically in the recent decades. After adjusting for covariates, surgery could provide a better outcome for L-HCC than TACE (adjusted hazard ratio of all-cause mortality: 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.56 for surgery). Subgroup analysis stratified by different stages showed similar trend of survival benefit among L-HCC patients receiving surgery.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated an improving surgical outcome for HCC larger than 10 cm. Under selected conditions, surgery is better than TACE in terms of disease control and survival and should be performed. Due to inferior survival, a subclassification within T1 stage should be considered. Future studies are mandatory to confirm our findings.

Systematic review of the outcomes of surgical resection for intermediate and advanced Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A critical appraisal of the evidence

AIM

To perform a systematic review to determine the survival outcomes after curative resection of intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC).

METHODS

A systematic review of the published literature was performed using the PubMed database from 1^st January 1999 to 31^st Dec 2014 to identify studies that reported outcomes of liver resection as the primary curative treatment for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B or C HCC. The primary end point was to determine the overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) of liver resection of HCC in BCLC stage B or C in patients with adequate liver reserve (i.e., Child’s A or B status). The secondary end points were to assess the morbidity and mortality of liver resection in large HCC (defined as lesions larger than 10 cm in diameter) and to compare the OS and DFS after surgical resection of solitary vs multifocal HCC.

RESULTS

We identified 74 articles which met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this systematic review. Analysis of the resection outcomes of the included studies were grouped according to (1) BCLC stage B or C HCC, (2) Size of HCC and (3) multifocal tumors. The median 5-year OS of BCLC stage B was 38.7% (range 10.0-57.0); while the median 5-year OS of BCLC stage C was 20.0% (range 0.0-42.0). The collective median 5-year OS of both stages was 27.9% (0.0-57.0). In examining the morbidity and mortality following liver resection in large HCC, the pooled RR for morbidity [RR (95%CI) = 1.00 (0.76-1.31)] and mortality [RR (95%CI) = 1.15 (0.73-1.80)] were not significant. Within the spectrum of BCLC B and C lesions, tumors greater than 10 cm were reported to have median 5-year OS of 33.0% and multifocal lesions 54.0%.

CONCLUSION

Indication for surgical resection should be extended to BCLC stage B lesions in selected patients. Further studies are needed to stratify stage C lesions for resection.

Giant hepatocellular carcinoma with bone metastasis in a young adult, emerged from pigmented adenoma with beta-Catenin activation: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) that are very large in size are a very rare finding in young adult. The malignant transformation of a pigmented hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) with beta-Catenin activation is a possible cause for appearance of HCC.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a 33-year-old male with a huge HCC with bone metastasis, emerged from pigmented HCA with beta-Catenin activation. As a two-stage surgical procedure, a left hepatectomy followed by a partial rib resection was performed.

DISCUSSION

Giant hepatocellular carcinomas mostly develop in non-cirrhotic livers and at time of diagnosis an extrahepatic spread occurs in up to 15%. In the present case, the progression from a benign HCA to malignant HCC was documented, as a unique finding. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment and was successfully performed in this case.

CONCLUSION

Hepatobiliary surgery with resection of metastases is the treatment with best long-term survival for patients with huge HCC. Molecular characterization as well as pigmentation analysis is useful tools for risk assessment of HCA.

Optimizing stage of single large hepatocellular carcinoma: A study with subgroup analysis by tumor diameter

This study aims to refine the designation for single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) >5 cm by comparing the postresection prognosis of these patients with those who have a single-tumor ≤5 cm and those with stage B.Patients with a single-tumor were classified into subgroups based on diameter. Of the 1132 patients analyzed, 426 had a single-tumor >2 and ≤5 cm; 229, a single-tumor >5 and ≤8 cm; 52, a single-tumor >8 and < 10 cm; 150, a single-tumor ≥10 cm; and 275, stage B.Hospital mortality and complications increased with tumor size among the single-tumor subgroups and median survival decreased with increasing of tumor size. Overall survival (OS) among patients with a single-tumor >5 cm was significantly lower than among patients with a single-tumor >2 and ≤5 cm (P ≤ .001), but significantly higher than among patients with clearly stage B (P ≤ .001). Patients with a single-tumor >5 and ≤8 cm showed lower OS than patients with a single-tumor >2 and ≤5 cm (P < .001). Patients with a single-tumor >8 and <10 cm or a single-tumor ≥10 cm showed lower OS than patients with a single-tumor >5 and ≤8 cm (P = .033 and .006), and similar OS to patients with stage B (P = .323).Patients with a single-tumor >5 and ≤8 cm may be assigned to a new stage between early and intermediate. Patients with a single-tumor >8 cm may be assigned to intermediate stage.

Liver resection associated with better outcomes for single large hepatocellular carcinoma located in the same section

The influence of the anatomical location of single large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on outcomes following hepatic resection (HR) is still unclear. This study examined the role of anatomical location profiles as prognostic markers for patients with single large HCC undergoing HR.A total of 374 consecutive patients with single large HCC undergoing HR between January 2009 and July 2013 were included. They were divided into group same section (SS) group (n = 171) and different sections (DS) group (n = 203) according to their tumor's anatomical location. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.More patients in group DS had intraoperative blood loss of >1000 mL and needed intraoperative blood transfusion than those in group SS. There were no significant differences regarding postoperative complications and 30-and 90-day mortality between the two groups. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were significantly higher in group SS than group DS. The subgroup analysis showed that tumor in the same section was associated with better prognosis than those in different sections for both patients with tumor of ≤8 cm and of > 8 cm. Multivariate analysis revealed that age <60 years, portal hypertension, alpha-fetoprotein ≥400 ng/mL, tumor in different sections, microvascular invasion and poorly differentiated tumor are independent predictors of poor prognosis in patient with single large HCC.For patients with single large HCC, a tumor located in the same section may lead to better long-term survival and lower tumor recurrence rates than those in different sections following HR.

Therapeutic priorities for solitary large hepatocellular carcinoma in a hepatitis B virus endemic area; an analysis of a nationwide cancer registry database

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We compared overall survival (OS) of patients with a solitary large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated surgically or by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

The archived records of HCC patients registered at the Korean Central Cancer Registry from 2003 through 2005 (registry A, n = 4 520) or from 2008 through 2010 (registry B, n = 4 596) were retrospectively analyzed. In these registries, 578 and 315 patients had a single large HCC, respectively. In registry A, 442 (cohort A) underwent surgery (n = 96) or TACE (n = 346). In registry B, 253 (cohort B) underwent surgery (n = 110) or TACE (n = 143). Cohort C (n = 695) was constructed by combining cohorts A and B, and thus, 206 and 489 patients received surgery and TACE, respectively.

RESULTS

In cohort C, cumulative OS rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years were significantly higher for surgery than TACE (89.3%, 67.4%, and 58.0% vs 67.7%, 38.2%, and 27.2%, respectively, P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for cohorts A and B, even after propensity-score matching in three cohorts (P values for all <0.05). TACE (HR 2.18, P < 0.001), serum albumin (HR 0.77, P = 0.015), and tumor size (HR 1.06, P < 0.001) were predictors of post-treatment mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is associated with improved OS for a solitary large HCC of BCLC stage A.

Survival Analysis of Single Large (>5 cm) Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: BCLC A versus B

Background & Aims

Single large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is classified as Barcelona Liver Clinic (BCLC) stage early stage (A). Yet, controversies exist whether single large HCC can be considered as early stage. We have analyzed long-term outcome to see which stage is appropriate for these patients.

Methods

From 2005 to 2006, 1,546 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed as HCC (BCLC A or B) at four tertiary hospitals in Korea were analyzed. BCLC A was sub-classified into A1 (single 2–5 cm), A2 (2–3 nodules ≤3 cm), and A3 (single >5 cm). BCLC B1 included patients beyond-Milan criteria, and within up-to-7 criterion. Survival prediction between subgroupings (1: A1 + A2 + A3 vs. B1 and 2: A1 + A2 vs. A3 + B1) was compared based on c-index and Akaike information criterion (AIC).

Results

The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 62.3, 58.6, 36.8, and 42.0% for A1, A2, A3 and B1, respectively. In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, OS was significantly different between A3 + B1 vs. A1 + A2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.85; P<0.001), but not between A1 + A2 + A3 vs. B1 (HR 1.19; P = 0.258). For A3, surgical resection showed superior OS over transarterial chemoembolization. Survival prediction was superior in subgrouping 2 (AIC 5727.2; c-index 0.652) than subgrouping 1 (AIC 5766.3; c-index 0.619) even after inverse probability weighting.

Conclusions

This large scale long-term follow-up data shows that single large tumor should be considered as intermediate stage in terms of prognosis. However, in terms of treatment, resection might be the first line treatment option.

Controversies and evidence of hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Symptoms of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often go unnoticed, so more than half of patients with primary HCC are diagnosed after their disease has already reached an intermediate or advanced stage, or after portal hypertension has appeared. While hepatic resection is widely recognized as a first-line therapy to treat very early or early HCC, its use in treating intermediate or advanced HCC or HCC involving portal hypertension remains controversial. Here we review PubMed-indexed literature covering the use of hepatic resection for such patients. The available evidence strongly suggests that, as a result of improvements in surgical techniques and perioperative care, hepatic resection can benefit many patients with intermediate or advanced HCC or with HCC associated with portal hypertension.

Liver resection for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in China. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is regarded as the gold standard staging system for HCC, classifying HCC as early, intermediate, or advanced. For intermediate HCC, trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recommended as the optimal strategy by the BCLC guideline. This review investigates whether liver resection is better than TACE for intermediate HCC. Based on published studies, we compare the survival benefits and complications of liver resection and TACE for intermediate HCC. We also compare the survival benefits of liver resection in early and intermediate HCC. We find that liver resection can achieve better or at least comparable survival outcomes compared with TACE for intermediate HCC; however, we do not observe a significant difference between liver resection and TACE in terms of safety and morbidity. We conclude that liver resection may improve the short- and long-term survival of carefully selected intermediate HCC patients, and the procedure may be safely performed in the management of intermediate HCC.

Solitary Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Staging and Treatment Strategy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Controversies exist on staging and management of solitary large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to evaluate the impact of tumor size on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging and treatment strategy.

METHODS

BCLC stage A and B patients were included and re-classified as single tumor 2-5 cm or up to 3 tumors ≤3 cm (group A; n = 657), single tumor >5 cm (group SL; n = 224), and multiple tumors >3 cm (group B; n = 351). Alternatively, 240 and 229 patients with solitary large HCC regardless of tumor stage received surgical resection (SR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), respectively. The propensity score analysis identified 156 pairs of patients from each treatment arm for survival comparison.

RESULTS

The survival was significantly higher for group A but was comparable between group SL and group B patients. Of patients with solitary large HCC, the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 88% versus 74%, 76% versus 44%, and 63% versus 35% between SR and TACE group, respectively (p<0.001). When baseline demographics were adjusted in the propensity model, the respective 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 87% versus 79%, 76% versus 46%, and 61% versus 36% (p<0.001). The Cox proportional hazards model identified TACE with a 2.765-fold increased risk of mortality compared with SR (95% confidence interval: 1.853-4.127, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with solitary large HCC should be classified at least as intermediate stage HCC. SR provides significantly better survival than TACE for solitary large HCC regardless of tumor stage. Further amendment to the BCLC classification is mandatory.

Systematic Review of Single Large and/or Multinodular Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Surgical Resection Improves Survival

BACKGROUND

The role of surgical resection for patients with single large (≥5 cm) and/or multinodular (≥2) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. This systematic review was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of resection for patients with single large and/or multinodular HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases (the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies exploring the safety and efficacy of resection for single large and/or multinodular HCC, published between January 2000 and December 2014. Perioperative morbidity and mortality, overall survival, and disease-free survival of the resection group were calculated. In addition, these outcome variables were also calculated for the control group in the included studies.

RESULTS

One randomized controlled trial and 42 non- randomized studies involving 9,580 patients were eligible for analysis. Eight (1,594 patients) of the 43 studies also reported the outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Although 51.4% of patients featured cirrhosis, 90.7% of them demonstrated Child-Pugh A liver function in the resection group. The median rates of morbidity (24.5%) and mortality (2.5%) after resection were significantly higher than that of TACE (11.0%, P<0.001; 1.9%, P<0.001). However, patients who underwent resection had significantly higher median one-, three-, and five-year overall survival (76.1%, 51.7%, and 37.4%) than those who underwent TACE (68.3%, 31.5%, and 17.5%, all P<0.001). The median 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates after resection were 58.3%, 34.6%, and 24.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although tumor recurrence after resection for patients with single large and/ or multinodular HCC continues to be a major problem, resection should be considered as a strategy to achieve long-term survival.

CT of Atypical and Uncommon Presentations of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with uncommon presentations of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with an emphasis on the CT spectrum of atypical appearances.

CONCLUSION

HCC is the fifth most common neoplasm worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. In many cases, HCC can be confidently diagnosed with noninvasive imaging. However, there are numerous unusual appearances of HCC with which the radiologist must be familiar.

Subclassification of patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma based on post-hepatectomy survival: a large retrospective study

Official guidelines group together all cases of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without macroscopic vascular invasion, regardless of tumor size. Here, we examined whether this is justified based on overall survival (OS) after hepatic resection (HR). Patients with newly diagnosed solitary HCC treated by initial HR from January 2004 to October 2013 were classified into six groups based on tumor size (in 2-cm increments). Combining adjacent categories with similar OS led to three groups: ≤5 cm (n = 426), >5 and ≤8 cm (n = 229), and >8 cm (n = 202). Among all patients, median survival time was 62 months, and OS was 95 % at 1 year, 73 % at 3 years, and 54 % at 5 years. Patients in the ≤5 cm group showed significantly higher OS (P < 0.001) and lower tumor recurrence (P = 0.004) than those in the >5 and ≤8 cm group, who in turn showed significantly higher OS (P = 0.003) and lower tumor recurrence (P = 0.021) than those in the >8 cm group. Our results suggest that patients with solitary HCC should be subclassified based on tumor size for more accurate prognosis. We propose defining solitary HCC tumors >5 and ≤8 cm as "large" and tumors >8 cm as "huge".

Outcomes of resection of giant hepatocellular carcinoma in a tertiary institution: does size matter?

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of giant hepatocellular carcinoma (G-HCC), or HCC of ≥10 cm in diameter, remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical resection of, respectively, G-HCC and small HCC (S-HCC), or HCC measuring <10 cm.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients (n = 86) diagnosed with HCC and submitted to resection in a tertiary hospital during the period from January 2007 to June 2012 was conducted. Overall survival (OS), recurrence rates and perioperative mortality at 30 days were compared between patients with, respectively, G-HCC and S-HCC. Prognostic factors for OS were analysed.

RESULTS

The sample included 23 patients with G-HCC (26.7%) and 63 with S-HCC (73.3%) based on histological tumour size. Patient demographics and comorbidities were comparable. Median OS was 39.0 months in patients with G-HCC and 65.0 months in patients with S-HCC (P = 0.213). Although size did not affect OS in this cohort, the presence of satellite lesions [hazard ratio (HR) 3.70, P = 0.012] and perioperative blood transfusion (HR 2.85, P = 0.015) were negative predictors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection of G-HCC provides OS comparable with that after resection of S-HCC.

Prognostic Factors and Clinical Characteristics for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Benign Enlarged Perihepatic Lymph Nodes: a Single-Center Experience from China

BACKGROUND

The clinical and prognostic significance of benign perihepatic lymph nodes enlargement (PLNE) from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relative frequency, incidence and locations of benign PLNE, and the impact on long-term survival of the patients.

METHODS

A total of 219 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection of HCC between July 2006 and March 2012 in our single institution were divided into two groups according to the presence of PLNE: PLNE group (n = 76), and control group (n = 143). The long-term outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 77.2, 60.0, and 38.1 % in the PLNE group and 71.3, 42.5, and 25.0 % in the control group (p = 0.080). Corresponding overall survival rates were 96.0, 84.8, 67.1 % and 93.5, 72.4, 46.9 % respectively (p = 0.041). Patients with benign PLNE were associated with a higher rate of centrally located HCCs or tumors adjacent to the major branch of vascular vessels. Multivariate analysis revealed that benign PLNE was an independent positive prognostic factor affecting the overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our analysis, patients of HCC with benign PLNE after curative resection can be expected to have better long-term survival. It is also associated with a lower risk of tumor recurrence, but not significant. This finding may provide new insights into daily clinical practice and the pathophysiological characteristics of HCC development.

Hepatic resection associated with good survival for selected patients with intermediate and advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy and safety of hepatic resection (HR) to treat patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B and C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was retrospectively assessed.

BACKGROUND

Although guidelines from the European Association for the Study of Liver Disease and the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease do not recommend HR for treating BCLC stage B/C HCC, several Asian and European studies have come to the opposite conclusions.

METHODS

A consecutive sample of 1259 patients with BCLC stage B/C HCC who underwent HR (n = 908) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n = 351) were included. Moreover, propensity score-matched patients were analyzed to adjust for any baseline differences. In parallel with this retrospective clinical study, the MEDLINE database was searched for studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of HR for BCLC stage B/C HCC.

RESULTS

Among our patient sample, the 90-day mortality rate in the HR group was 3.1%. HR provided a survival benefit over TACE at 1, 3, and 5 years (88% vs 81%, 62% vs 33%, and 39% vs 16%, respectively; all P < 0.001). Propensity scoring and subgroup analyses based on tumor size, tumor number, presence or absence of macrovascular invasion, and portal hypertension (PHT) also showed that HR was associated with better long-term survival than TACE. All 36 studies identified in our literature search reported that HR is associated with good long-term survival and low morbidity. Multivariate analyses revealed that alpha-fetoprotein more than or equal to 400 ng/mL, diabetes mellitus, macrovascular invasion, and PHT are independent predictors of poor prognosis in patients with BCLC stage B/C HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our clinical and literature analyses suggest that in patients with HCC with preserved liver function, the presence of large, solitary tumors, multinodular tumors, macrovascular invasion, or PHT are not contraindications for HR.

Hepatic resection as a safe and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma involving a single large tumor, multiple tumors, or macrovascular invasion

This systematic review examined whether the available evidence justifies using hepatic resection (HR) during later stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which contravenes treatment guidelines but is current practice at many medical centers.Official guidelines and retrospective studies recommend different roles for HR for patients with large/multinodular HCC or with HCC involving macrovascular invasion (MVI).Several databases were systematically searched for studies examining the safety and efficacy of HR for treating HCC involving a single large tumor (>5 cm) or multiple tumors, or for treating HCC involving MVI.We identified 50 studies involving 14, 808 patients that investigated the use of HR to treat large/multinodular HCC, and 24 studies with 4389 patients that investigated HR to treat HCC with MVI. Median in-hospital mortality for patients with either type of HCC was significantly lower in Asian studies (2.7%) than in non-Asian studies (7.3%, P < 0.001). Median overall survival (OS) was significantly higher for all Asian patients with large/multinodular HCC than for all non-Asian patients at both 1 year (81% vs 65%, P < 0.001) and 5 years (42% vs 32%, P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for median disease-free survival at 1 year (61% vs 50%, P < 0.001) and 5 years (26% vs 24%, P < 0.001). However, median OS was similar for Asian and non-Asian patients with HCC involving MVI at 1 year (50% vs 52%, P = 0.45) and 5 years (18% vs 14%, P = 0.94). There was an upward trend in 5-year OS in patients with either type of HCC.HR is reasonably safe and effective at treating large/multinodular HCC and HCC with MVI. The available evidence argues for expanding the indications for HR in official treatment guidelines.

Tumor size does not independently affect long-term survival after curative resection of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma without macroscopic vascular invasion

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of tumor size alone on long-term survival and recurrence after curative resection for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without macroscopic vascular invasion.

METHODS

A single-center cohort of 615 patients with solitary HCC (a single tumor, without macroscopic vascular invasion or distant metastasis) undergoing curative hepatic resection from 2002 to 2010 was retrospectively studied. Using 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 8.0, and 10.0 cm as cut-off values of tumor size, the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were compared between the groups of patients with tumor size up to a certain cut-off value and the groups of patients with tumor size above that cut-off value. Thus, multiple comparisons were done. The prognostic factors of OS and RFS were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The median tumor size of all HCCs was 4.0 cm (range 0.9-22.0 cm). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.0 %, and the overall morbidity rate was 22.3 %. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 96.0, 79.8, and 69.9 %, and the corresponding RFS rates were 83.6, 72.7, and 57.2 %, respectively. On univariate analyses, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and RFS rates were significantly different between the individual two groups of patients as divided by the aforementioned different cut-off values of tumor sizes (all p < 0.05). However, when tumor size was put as a continuous variable into multivariate analysis, it was no longer an independent prognostic factor of OS or RFS after curative resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size did not independently affect long-term survival and recurrence after curative resection of solitary HCC without macroscopic vascular invasion. Therefore, there is no size limit that precludes hepatic resection for solitary HCC, provided the tumor is resectable.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Surgical perspectives beyond the barcelona clinic liver cancer recommendations

The barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging system has been approved as guidance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment guidelines by the main Western clinical liver associations. According to the BCLC classification, only patients with a small single HCC nodule without signs of portal hypertension or hyperbilirubinemia should undergo liver resection. In contrast, patients with intermediate-advanced HCC should be scheduled for palliative therapies, even if the lesion is resectable. Recent studies report good short-term and long-term outcomes in patients with intermediate-advanced HCC treated by liver resection. Therefore, this classification has been criticised because it excludes many patients who could benefit from curative resection. The aim of this review was to evaluate the role of surgery beyond the BCLC recommendations. Safe liver resection can be performed in patients with portal hypertension and well-compensated liver function with a 5-year survival rate of 50%. Surgery also offers good long-term result in selected patients with multiple or large HCCs with a reported 5-year survival rate of over 50% and 40%, respectively. Although macrovascular invasion is associated with a poor prognosis, liver resection provides better long-term results than palliative therapies or best supportive care. Recently, researchers have identified several genes whose altered expression influences the prognosis of patients with HCC. These genes may be useful for classifying the biological behaviour of different tumours. A revision of the BCLC classification should be introduced to provide the best treatment strategy and to ensure the best prognosis in patients with HCC.

Advanced age is not a contraindication for liver resection in cases of large hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of surgery in the management of large hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) is controversial. Advanced age and comorbidities are taken into account when major surgery is considered.

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of liver resection (LR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for resectable HCC in patients aged 70 years or older.

PATIENTS AND MATERIALS

This study included 70 patients aged 70 years or older treated for large HCCs (≥5 cm) between January 2007 and December 2012: 37 underwent LR and 33 underwent TACE. The outcomes of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were established. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated, and survival data were compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Hospital stay was significantly longer in the LR group than in the TACE group (10 days vs 8.5 days; P = 0.003). Treatment-related complications were more frequent in the TACE group, but this difference was not statistically significant. LR was associated with a better disease-free survival rate, median survival rate and cumulative overall survival rate.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that LR could be a safe and effective treatment option for HCC tumors ≥5 cm in patiets aged 70 years or older.

Long-term outcomes after curative resection for patients with macroscopically solitary hepatocellular carcinoma without macrovascular invasion and an analysis of prognostic factors

The long-term outcome and prognostic factors after curative in patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without macrovascular invasion are still unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of curative resection on survival and analyze the prognostic clinicopathologic factors, especially the presence of microvascular invasion (MVI), in these patients. Two hundred and sixty consecutive patients with single HCC without macrovascular invasion who underwent curative resection from December 2004 to December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Survival rates were calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses of 14 clinicopathologic factors were performed to determine the significant prognostic factors. No patient died within 1 month after the operation. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates after curative resection were 96.54, 83.46, and 74.01%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the presence of MVI was an independent negative prognostic factor affecting overall survival. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 79.62, 62.69, and 56.01%, respectively. The presence of MVI was the only independent unfavorable prognostic factor for disease-free survival. According to our analysis, patients with single HCC without macrovascular invasion after curative resection can be expected to have considerable long-term survival. The presence of MVI was an independent negative prognostic factor for both overall survival and disease-free survival. To improve the prognosis, these patients should be followed up more carefully and might be good candidates for adjuvant therapy.

Comparison of long-term survival of patients with BCLC stage B hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection or transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Treatment of patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC-B HCC) is controversial. This study compared the long-term survival of patients with BCLC-B HCC who received liver resection (LR) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

A total of 257 and 135 BCLC-B HCC patients undergoing LR and TACE, respectively, were retrospectively evaluated. Kaplan-Meier method was used for long-term survival analysis. Independent prognostic predictors were determined by the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The hospital mortality rate was similar between groups (3.1% vs. 3.7%; P = 0.76). However, the LR group showed a significantly higher postoperative complication rate than the TACE group (28 vs. 18.5%; P = 0.04). At the same time, the LR group showed significantly higher overall survival rates (1 year, 84 vs. 69%; 3 years, 59 vs. 29%; 5 years, 37 vs. 14%; P<0.001). Moreover, similar results were observed in the propensity score model. Three independent prognostic factors were associated with worse overall survival: serum AFP level (≥400 ng/ml), serum ALT level, and TACE.

CONCLUSIONS

LR appears to be as safe as TACE for patients with BCLC-B HCC, and it provides better long-term overall survival. However, prospective studies are needed to disclose if LR may be regarded as the preferred treatment for these patients as long as liver function is preserved.

Comparison of long-term survival of patients with BCLC stage B hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection or transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Treatment of patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC-B HCC) is controversial. This study compared the long-term survival of patients with BCLC-B HCC who received liver resection (LR) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

A total of 257 and 135 BCLC-B HCC patients undergoing LR and TACE, respectively, were retrospectively evaluated. Kaplan-Meier method was used for long-term survival analysis. Independent prognostic predictors were determined by the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The hospital mortality rate was similar between groups (3.1% vs. 3.7%; P = 0.76). However, the LR group showed a significantly higher postoperative complication rate than the TACE group (28 vs. 18.5%; P = 0.04). At the same time, the LR group showed significantly higher overall survival rates (1 year, 84 vs. 69%; 3 years, 59 vs. 29%; 5 years, 37 vs. 14%; P<0.001). Moreover, similar results were observed in the propensity score model. Three independent prognostic factors were associated with worse overall survival: serum AFP level (≥400 ng/ml), serum ALT level, and TACE.

CONCLUSIONS

LR appears to be as safe as TACE for patients with BCLC-B HCC, and it provides better long-term overall survival. However, prospective studies are needed to disclose if LR may be regarded as the preferred treatment for these patients as long as liver function is preserved.

Radiological prognosticators of hepatocellular carcinoma treated by hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Hepatectomy is the main curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but postoperative long-term survival is poor. Preoperative radiological features of HCC displayed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging could serve as additional prognostic factors. This study aimed to identify preoperative radiological features of HCC that may be of prognostic significance in hepatectomy.

METHODS

Ninety-two patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were included in this study. Preoperative radiological features including tumor number, size, location (peripheral, middle, central), portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion, and presence of pseudo-capsule were analyzed in relation to survival.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up period of 41.7 months, the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 85%, 65% and 58%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that portal vein invasion and absence of pseudo-capsule were significant prognostic factors for overall survival, while all the examined radiological features were prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Multivariate analysis for overall survival found no significant factor. On multivariate analysis for disease-free survival, patients who had tumors with portal vein invasion had poorer survival with a hazard ratio of 2.26 (95% CI, 1.05-4.91; P=0.038) and patients with single nodular HCC or pseudo-capsulated HCC had better survival with a hazard ratio of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.27-0.94; P=0.032) and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.14-0.99; P=0.048), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Demonstrable pseudo-capsule of HCC and solitary HCC on imaging and absence of portal vein invasion are features associated with better disease-free survival after hepatectomy. These features may guide treatment planning for HCC.

A pilot comparison of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT to predict early recurrence of unifocal hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection

OBJECTIVE

Presurgical identification of patients at high risk for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection could warrant additional therapies. F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by the tumour on preoperative PET can predict HCC recurrence after resection as effectively as poor differentiation or presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) on postsurgical histology. A better sensitivity for the detection of HCC nodules has been reported with F-fluorocholine (FCH), a PET tracer of lipid metabolism. This pilot study aimed to compare preoperative FDG and FCH PET/CT for predicting early recurrence of unifocal HCC, occurring within 6 months after surgical resection.

METHODS

FDG and FCH tumour uptakes were assessed on preoperative PET/CT by two masked readers. On FCH PET/CT, a photopenic lesion and a hot focus were considered as indicative of malignancy. During postoperative follow-up, recurrence was searched for by regularly performing CT and MRI.

RESULTS

In 11 consecutive HCC patients, the detection rate was greater with FCH (80%) than with FDG (27%). After resection, the overall recurrence rate was 55%. Early recurrence occurred in four patients, who were the only ones with an FDG-positive and FCH-photopenic tumour, with a significant reduction in disease-free survival. On postsurgical histology, those four patients also presented with MVI and satellite nodules. Histological differentiation and capsule disruption appeared less accurate than PET/CT or MVI in predicting early recurrence.

CONCLUSION

In unifocal HCC, the FCH photopenic pattern was associated with MVI and predicted early HCC recurrence after surgical resection as accurately as did an FDG uptake. Larger studies with FCH are warranted.

Surgical treatment for large hepatocellular carcinoma: does size matter?

Despite significant progress in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), patients with large HCC (defined as >10 cm) continue to present a significant challenge. The goal of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding large HCC, with emphasis on identifying the issues and challenges involved in approaching these tumours surgically. A computerized search was made of the Medline database from January 1992 to December 2010. The MESH heading 'large' or 'huge' in combination with the keyword 'hepatocellular carcinoma' was used. After excluding further studies that identified 'large' HCC as less than 10 cm and/or sequential publications with overlapping patient populations, the search produced a study population of 22 non-duplicated papers, reporting on a total of 5223 patients with HCC tumours >10 cm. Regarding resection for large HCC, the overall 5-year survival in these studies ranged from 25% to 45%, with few outliers on both sides, whereas in most studies, the 5-year disease-free survival ranged between 15% and 35%, with the only exception being studies with patients with single lesions and no cirrhosis showing disease-free survival of 41% and 56%, respectively. Risk factors identified included vascular invasion, cirrhosis, high level of alpha-fetoprotein and the presence of multiple lesions. Finally, liver transplantation, although an attractive concept, did not appear to offer a survival benefit in any of the studies. In conclusion, identifying the risk factors that affect the outcome in patients undergoing surgery for large HCC is critical. The reason is that surgical resection can have excellent outcomes in carefully selected patients.

Encapsulation is a significant prognostic factor for better outcome in large hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tumor encapsulation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on long-term survival.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 1,240 patients who underwent hepatectomy from January 1993 to June 2005 was conducted. There were 891 patients with tumor encapsulation (EC type) and 349 patients without tumor encapsulation (NC type). Clinicopathological factors, surgical outcome, and long-term survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Disease-free survival (DFS) was affected by surgical margin involvement, the presence of surgical complications, vascular invasion, liver cirrhosis, tumor encapsulation, tumor size >5 cm, tumor rupture, and the presence of satellite lesions (all, P < 0.05). Overall survival (OS) was also affected by the same parameters, except for satellite lesions. When the patients were grouped by tumor size >5 or ≤5 cm, the protective effect of encapsulation was only observed when the tumor size was >5 cm [odds ratio (OR) for DFS = 0.75, P = 0.02; OR for OS = 0.68, P < 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor encapsulation is a significant prognostic factor for HCC >5 cm.

Tumor-related factors do not influence the prognosis of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma after partial hepatectomy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Although many factors related to the tumor or the hepatic functional reserve may affect the outcome of partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), these factors have not yet been intensively investigated in patients with solitary HCC. The purpose of this study is to determine the clinicopathological factors influencing the long-term outcomes of partial hepatectomy for solitary HCC.

METHODS

Data on 266 consecutive patients with a solitary HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy between 1997 and 2006 were analyzed with regard to prognosis.

RESULTS

Overall survival rates at 3, 5, and 10 years were 89.5, 79.6, and 56.1%, respectively. The significant independent predictors for overall survival included hepatitis C virus infection, liver cirrhosis, and prolonged prothrombin activity. Disease-free survival rates at 3, 5, and 10 years were 51.7, 41.1, and 20.4%, respectively. The significant independent predictors for disease-free survival included elevated levels of aspartate amino transferase, decreased platelet counts, presence of liver cirrhosis, and prolonged prothrombin activity. Tumor-related factors such as tumor size and microscopic vascular invasion were not significant predictors of overall or disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term outcomes of patients with a solitary HCC who underwent partial hepatectomy mainly depended on the background liver status but not on tumor-related factors; this suggests that partial hepatectomy is a remarkably effective antitumor therapy. If the hepatic functional reserve is within the permissible range, partial hepatectomy should be considered as the treatment of choice for patients with a solitary HCC.

Radiofrequency ablation of high-grade dysplastic nodules

High-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDNs) are known to be premalignant lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We devised a model to estimate the long-term survival benefit of treating HGDNs by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (Group I), as compared with regular follow-up and timely treatment by resection (Group II). A hypothetical 60-year-old compensated patient with cirrhosis was assumed. The system being modeled was assumed to be a simple Markov process, and state transition probabilities were given as parameters. Data used for simulation were obtained by a systematic review of the literature. The reported overall malignant transformation rates of HGDNs ranged from 12.5% to 80.8%, and were assumed to be 20%, 50%, and 80% using the best, moderate, and worst scenarios for Group II, respectively. The 5-year overall survival benefit of Group I compared with Group II was calculated by summing the detrimental effect of overtreatment and the beneficial effects of avoiding operative mortality. When the overall malignant transformation rate was set at 20%, 50%, or 80% the expected additional 5-year overall survival benefits of Group I compared with Group II were -0.05%, 0.20%, and 0.47%, respectively, and the corresponding additional 10-year overall survival benefits were 0.03%, 0.33%, and 0.55%, respectively. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that Group I was preferable to Group II in terms of 5-year overall survival when the 5-year overall malignant transformation rate was greater than 25.9%.

CONCLUSION

No definite evidence indicates that the treatment of HGDNs by RFA provides additional long-term overall survival benefit as compared with regular follow-up and timely treatment. The findings of the present study concur with the present American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines.

Survival advantage of primary liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the up-to-7 criteria with microvascular invasion

PURPOSE

Microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered a poor prognostic factor of liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT), but its significance for lesions within the up-to-7 criteria is unclear. This study investigated the survival benefit of primary LT against LR for HCC with microvascular invasion and within the up-to-7 criteria.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent LR or LT as the primary treatment for HCC were included for study. Patients with prior local ablation, neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, positive resection margin, or metastatic spread were excluded.

RESULTS

There were 471 LR patients and 95 LT recipients (70 with living donor, 25 with deceased donor). Seventy-seven (81.1%) LT recipients had HCC within the up-to-7 criteria. Twenty-five (26.3%) LT recipients had HCC with either macrovascular (n = 4) or microvascular (n = 21) invasion. The 5-year survival rate was 85.7% for LT recipients with HCC within the up-to-7 criteria, unaffected by the presence or absence of vascular invasion (88.2 vs. 85.1%). The rate was comparable with that of LR patients with HCC without vascular invasion (81.2%, p 0.227), but far superior to that of LR patients with lesions with vascular invasion (50.0%, p < 0.0001). Overall survivals were compromised by multiple tumors [odds ratio (OR) 1.902, confidence interval (CI) 1.374-2.633, p = 0.0001], vascular invasion (OR 2.678, CI 1.952-3.674, p < 0.0001), blood transfusion (OR 2.046, CI 1.337-3.131, p = 0.001), and being beyond the up-to-7 criteria (OR 1.457, CI 1.041-2.037, p = 0.028). LT was a favorable factor for survival (OR 0.243, CI 0.130-0.454, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Primary LT for HCC with microvascular invasion and within the up-to-7 criteria doubled the chance of cure as compared with LR.

Appropriate liver resection type for patients with the American joint committee on cancer classification T1 and T2 hepatocellular carcinoma

SYNOPSIS

Major liver resection prevents intrahepatic tumor recurrence in T2 hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion or daughter nodules.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is no consensus on whether major or minor hepatectomy is better for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. We investigated the outcomes of liver resection type in resectable HCC patients.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty-three HCC patients with Child-Pugh class A liver function who underwent curative hepatectomy were enrolled. Among them, 186 patients had pathologic stage T1 HCC and 77 had stage T2 HCC. Patients were also classed according to the type of resection (major or minor). Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Patients with T1 HCC who underwent major resection had a higher rate of blood transfusion than those who underwent minor resection (P < 0.001). The disease-free survival rate of T2 patients who underwent major resection was better than that of patients who underwent minor resection (P = 0.004). The overall survival rates of T1 and T2 HCC patients did not differ significantly between those with major or minor resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Major liver resection is recommended for T2 HCC patients with adequate remnant liver function because it results in a better disease-free survival rate than does minor resection in these patients. Minor liver resection is suggested for T1 HCC patients, except for those with a tumor sitting close to vessels, because it is associated with a low incidence of blood transfusion and a good survival rate.

Resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma using the combination of liver hanging maneuver and anterior approach

BACKGROUND

Resection of a large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult and is associated with a poor outcome. Herein we describe our experience with the use of a liver hanging maneuver (LHM) in conjunction with the anterior approach (AA) in patients with large HCC (>10 cm) and compare the perioperative outcome with the conventional method (CM) for hepatic resection.

METHODS

Patients who underwent major hepatic resections for large HCC (>10 cm) were categorized as group 1 (n = 14), treated with LHM and AA, versus group 2 (n = 11), treated with CM. Variables including patient age, tumor size, operative time and transection time, blood loss, blood transfusion requirements, and postoperative ICU and hospital stay were used to compare the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 14 and 11 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The variables in group 1 and 2 of median tumor size, median operative time, median transection time, median ICU stay, and median hospital stay were comparable. In contrast, the intraoperative blood loss and the blood transfusion requirements were significantly higher in group 2. Patients under LHM and AA and CM had a median blood loss of 375 ml (237.5-850) and 1,000 ml (500-1,200), requirement of blood transfusion of 3 (21.42%) and 8 (72.7%), respectively. Postoperative complications were comparable in the two groups. There were no deaths in the series.

CONCLUSIONS

The liver hanging maneuver in conjunction with AA is a safe and highly feasible procedure, particularly in patients with sizable (>10 cm) tumors and tumors found to be adherent to the diaphragm and retroperitoneum. The use of the procedure eventuated in lower blood loss as well as fewer blood transfusion requirements when compared to the conventional method.

Resection of a giant hepatocellular carcinoma weighing over ten kilograms

The authors report a giant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a diameter over 30 cm and weight over 10 kg that was resected completely. A 62-year-old man was admitted because of continuous abdominal uplift. A computed tomography scan demonstrated that the entire abdomen was filled with a giant tumor containing both cystic and solid components with a size of 29 cm × 22 cm. The huge tumor was successfully resected without any complication, such as massive hemorrhage or visceral injuries. The size and weight of the tumor were 35 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm and 10 050 g, respectively. Pathological examination showed that the tumor was a well-differentiated HCC, and α-fetoprotein was positive. Postoperative syndrome, characterized by hypovolemic shock, diarrhea and urine retention, was observed and induced by abdominal decompression. This syndrome was resolved with expectant treatment. The patient was still alive without recurrence after a 27-mo follow-up.