1
|
Bhatti ABH, Qasim SF, Zamrood Z, Riyaz S, Khan NY, Zia HH, Atiq M. Patient Selection for Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101403. [PMID: 38660560 PMCID: PMC11036089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high short-term mortality without liver transplantation (LT). The selection criteria for LT in these patients are not well defined. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with post-transplant survival in ACLF. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for ACLF between 2012 and 2022. Out of 1093 transplants, 110 patients had underlying ACLF, based on the European Association for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure Consortium (EASL-CLIF) criteria. We looked at factors associated with 1-year posttransplant survival. Results The median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 33.5 (31-38), and the 1-year posttransplant survival was 72%. Six risk factors were associated with posttransplant survival, namely, body mass index > 30 kg/m2 [HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8-10.7], platelet count < 66,000/μl [HR, 2.91; CI,1.2-6.6], poor response to medical treatment [HR, 2.6; CI, 1.1-5.7], drug-resistant bacterial or fungal cultures [HR, 4.2; CI, 1.4-12.4], serum creatinine > 2.5 mg/dl [HR, 3.4; CI, 1.5-7.7], and graft-to-recipient weight ratio < 0.7 [HR, 4.8; CI, 1.4-16.3]. The 1-year post-transplant survival was 84% in patients with 0-2 risk factors (n = 89) and was 6% with 3 risk factors (n = 15) (P < 0.001). For 1-year posttransplant survival, the area under curve (AUC) for the current model was 0.8 (0.69-0.9). The AUC for CLIF-ACLF, Chronic Liver Failure-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (CLIF-SOFA), and EASL-CLIF ACLF grades was < 0.5. Conclusion In LT for ACLF, acceptable survival can be achieved when less than three high-risk factors are present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakar H. Bhatti
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Pakistan
| | - Syeda F. Qasim
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zamrood Zamrood
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Riyaz
- Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Pakistan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nusrat Y. Khan
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb H. Zia
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Pakistan
| | - Muslim Atiq
- Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Pakistan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Altaf A, Mustafa A, Dar A, Nazer R, Riyaz S, Rana A, Bhatti ABH. Artificial intelligence-based model for the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. Surgery 2024:S0039-6060(24)00558-0. [PMID: 39181726 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial intelligence-based models might improve patient selection for liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of the current study was to develop artificial intelligence-based deep learning models and determine the risk of recurrence after living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS The study was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma were divided into training and validation cohorts (n = 192). The deep learning models were used to stratify patients in the training cohort into low- and high-risk groups, and 5-year recurrence-free survival was assessed in the validation cohort. RESULTS The median follow-up period was 59.1 (33.9-72.4) months. The artificial intelligence model (pretransplant factors) had an area under the curve of 0.86 in the training cohort and 0.71 in the validation cohort. The largest tumor diameter and alpha-fetoprotein level had the greatest Shapley Additive exPlanations values for recurrence (>0.4). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates in the low- and high-risk groups were 92.6% and 45% (P < .001). In the second artificial intelligence model (pretransplant factors + grade), the area under the curve for the validation cohort was 0.77, with 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of 96% and 30% in the low- and high-risk groups (P < .001). None of the low-risk patients outside the Milan and University of California San Francisco Criteria had recurrence during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The artificial intelligence-based hepatocellular carcinoma transplant recurrence models might improve patient selection for liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Altaf
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan; Department of HPB and Liver Transplant Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. https://twitter.com/abdullahaltaf97
| | - Ahmed Mustafa
- Department of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Dar
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplant Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rashid Nazer
- Department of Radiology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Riyaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. https://twitter.com/shahzadriyaz
| | - Atif Rana
- Department of Radiology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. https://twitter.com/atifranaIR
| | - Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplant Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Surgery, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chan KM, Lee WC. Liver transplantation for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Controversy over portal vein tumor thrombosis. Biomed J 2024:100757. [PMID: 38942384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is considered the ideal treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) concurrent with underlying cirrhotic liver disease. As well-known, LT for HCC based on the Milan criteria has shown satisfactory outcomes. However, numerous expanded transplantation criteria were proposed to benefit more patients for LT and showed comparable survivals as well. In addition, a modest expansion of transplantation criteria for HCC may be acceptable on the basis of the consensus within the transplantation community. Nonetheless, LT in patients with advanced HCC and portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) recently has received attention and has been reported by many transplantation centers despite being contraindicated. Of those, the LT outcomes in certain HCC patients with PVTT were favorable. Additionally, the advancement of multimodality treatments and the evolution of systemic therapies have emerged as promising therapeutic options for downstaging advanced HCC prior to LT. Somehow, advanced HCC with PVTT could be downstaged to become eligible for LT through these multidisciplinary approaches. Although the available evidence of LT for HCC with PVTT is limited, it is hoped that LT may soon be more widely indicated for these patients. Nevertheless, several unknown factors associated with LT for HCC remain to be explored. Herein, this review aimed to update the developments in LT for patients with advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Ming Chan
- Department of General Surgery and Chang Gung Transplantation Institute, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chen Lee
- Department of General Surgery and Chang Gung Transplantation Institute, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim SM, Hwang S, Song GW, Ahn CS, Moon DB, Ha TY, Jung DH, Park GC, Yoon YI, Kang WH, Kim SH, Lee SG. Recipient blood group does not affect hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after living donor liver transplantation in Korea. Surg Today 2024:10.1007/s00595-024-02879-x. [PMID: 38869691 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-024-02879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed whether or not the ABO blood type affects the incidence of HCC recurrence after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS This retrospective observational study included 856 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent LDLT between January 2006 and December 2016 at the Asan Medical Center. RESULTS This study included 324 patients (37.9%) with blood type A, 215 (25.1%) with blood type B, 210 (24.5%) with blood type O, and 107 (12.5%) with blood type AB. ABO-incompatible LT was performed in 136 (15.9%) patients. The independent risk factors for the disease-free survival (DFS) were maximal tumor diameter, microvascular invasion, and Milan criteria. The only independent risk factor for the overall survival (OS) was microvascular invasion. The ABO blood group did not affect the DFS (P = 0.978) or OS (P = 0.261). The DFS according to the ABO blood group did not differ significantly between the ABO-compatible (p = 0.701) and ABO-incompatible LDLT recipients (p = 0.147). The DFS according to the ABO blood group did not differ significantly between patients within the Milan criteria (p = 0.934) and beyond the Milan criteria (p = 0.525). The DFS did not differ significantly between recipients with and without type A blood (p = 0.941). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the ABO blood group system had no prognostic impact on the oncological outcomes of patients undergoing LT for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kim
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Shin Hwang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
| | - Gi-Won Song
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Chul-Soo Ahn
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Deok-Bog Moon
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Tae-Yong Ha
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Dong-Hwan Jung
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Gil-Chun Park
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Young-In Yoon
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Woo-Hyoung Kang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Kim
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Sung-Gyu Lee
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bhangui P. Liver transplantation and resection in patients with hepatocellular cancer and portal vein tumor thrombosis: Feasible and effective? Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2024; 23:123-128. [PMID: 37880019 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Patients with locally advanced hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have a dismal prognosis since limited treatment options are available for them. In recent years, effective systemic therapy, and advances in the understanding of technicalities and effectiveness of ablative therapies especially radiotherapy, have given some hope to prolong survival in them. This review summarized recent evidence in literature regarding the possible role of liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) in patients with locally advanced HCC and PVTT with no extrahepatic disease. Downstaging therapies have helped make curative resection or LT a reality in selected patients. This review emphasizes on the key points to focus on when considering surgery in these patients, who are usually relegated to palliative systemic therapy alone. Meticulous patient selection based on tumor biology, documented downstaging based on imaging and decrease in tumor marker levels, and an adequate waiting period to demonstrate stable disease, may help obtain satisfactory long-term outcomes post LR or LT in an intention to treat strategy in patients with HCC and PVTT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Bhangui
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta - The Medicity, Sector 38, Gurgaon, Delhi NCR 122001, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rohland O, Freye L, Schwenk L, Ali-Deeb A, Ardelt M, Bauschke A, Settmacher U, Rauchfuß F, Dondorf F. Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma beyond the Milan Criteria: A Specific Role for Living Donor Liver Transplantation after Neoadjuvant Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:920. [PMID: 38473282 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was designed to elucidate the various new classifications and the use of LDLT and bridging therapy for HCC in this context beyond the Milan criteria (MC). METHODS The clinical data of patients with HCC outside the MC who underwent LT at Jena University between January 2007 and August 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Eligible patients were classified according to various classification systems. Clinicopathological features, overall and disease-free survival rates were compared between LT and LDLT within the context of bridging therapy. THE RESULTS Among the 245 patients analysed, 120 patients did not meet the MC, and 125 patients met the MC. Moreover, there were comparable overall survival rates between patients outside the MC for LT versus LDLT (OS 44.3 months vs. 28.3 months; 5-year survival, 56.4% vs. 40%; p = 0.84). G3 tumour differentiation, the presence of angioinvasion and lack of bridging were statistically significant risk factors for tumour recurrence according to univariate and multivariate analyses (HR 6.34; p = 0.0002; HR 8.21; p < 0.0001; HR 7.50; p = 0.0001). Bridging therapy before transplantation provided a significant survival advantage regardless of the transplant procedure (OS: p = 0.008; DFS: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with HCC outside the MC who underwent LT or LDLT had worse outcomes compared to those of patients who met the MC but still had a survival advantage compared to patients without transplantation. Nevertheless, such patients remain disadvantaged on the waiting list, which is why LDLT represents a safe alternative to LT and should be considered in bridged HCC patients because of differences in tumour differentiation, size and tumour marker dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Rohland
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lea Freye
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Schwenk
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aladdin Ali-Deeb
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Ardelt
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Astrid Bauschke
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Falk Rauchfuß
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felix Dondorf
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schwenk L, Rauchfuß F, Ali-Deeb A, Dondorf F, Rohland O, Ardelt M, Settmacher U. [Individualized curative treatment for malignant diseases through liver transplantation]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 95:122-128. [PMID: 37847311 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-023-01973-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients with primary and secondary liver tumors that are functionally or technically nonresectable, liver transplantation remains the sole curative treatment option. Over the years the benefits of transplantation have also been validated for conditions other than hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, amidst a period of organ shortage the broadening of transplantation indications is a topic of ongoing debate. Although recent studies have confirmed the long-term success of transplantation within multimodal treatment regimens, this approach has yet to become the standard treatment for many conditions. OBJECTIVE This article explores the potential of liver transplantation in individualized multimodal oncological treatment strategies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Liver transplantation has become an integral component of the treatment regimen for hepatocellular carcinoma. In Germany there is a prioritized organ allocation facilitated by the granting of a standard exception for cases with a smaller tumor burden. Over the years numerous studies have demonstrated comparable long-term results using different listing criteria. Both intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma can be curatively treated with transplantation in Germany, although this is typically within the context of clinical studies. The neoadjuvant therapy and patient selection, based on tumor burden and the response to preliminary treatment, play a crucial role in influencing long-term survival and recurrence rates. The success of transplantation for liver metastases from neuroendocrine malignancies or colorectal carcinomas, which cannot be removed by partial resection, also significantly hinges on the patient selection. The role of living donor liver transplantation is becoming increasingly more pivotal in this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schwenk
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland.
| | - Falk Rauchfuß
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Aladdin Ali-Deeb
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Felix Dondorf
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Oliver Rohland
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Michael Ardelt
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Claasen MPAW, Sneiders D, Rakké YS, Adam R, Bhoori S, Cillo U, Fondevila C, Reig M, Sapisochin G, Tabrizian P, Toso C. European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Consensus Report on Downstaging, Bridging and Immunotherapy in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transpl Int 2023; 36:11648. [PMID: 37779513 PMCID: PMC10533675 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation offers the best chance of cure for most patients with non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although not all patients with HCC are eligible for liver transplantation at diagnosis, some can be downstaged using locoregional treatments such as ablation and transarterial chemoembolization. These aforementioned treatments are being applied as bridging therapies to keep patients within transplant criteria and to avoid them from dropping out of the waiting list while awaiting a liver transplant. Moreover, immunotherapy might have great potential to support downstaging and bridging therapies. To address the contemporary status of downstaging, bridging, and immunotherapy in liver transplantation for HCC, European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) convened a dedicated working group comprised of experts in the treatment of HCC to review literature and to develop guidelines pertaining to this cause that were subsequently discussed and voted during the Transplant Learning Journey (TLJ) 3.0 Consensus Conference that took place in person in Prague. The findings and recommendations of the working group on Downstaging, Bridging and Immunotherapy in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma are presented in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Petrus Adrianus Wilhelmus Claasen
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dimitri Sneiders
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yannick Sebastiaan Rakké
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - René Adam
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, APHP Hôpital Universitaire Paul Brousse, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Sherrie Bhoori
- Hepatology, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Chirurgia Generale 2, Epato-Bilio-Pancreatica e Centro Trapianto di Fegato, Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Maria Reig
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Digestive Disease Institute, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Parissa Tabrizian
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christian Toso
- Division of Abdominal Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tustumi F, Coelho FF, de Paiva Magalhães D, Júnior SS, Jeismann VB, Fonseca GM, Kruger JAP, D'Albuquerque LAC, Herman P. Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic vascular invasion: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2023; 37:100763. [PMID: 37393656 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of different treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and macroscopic vascular invasion. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed to evaluate various treatment modalities for HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion, including liver resection (LR), liver transplantation (LT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), transarterial radioembolization (TARE), radiotherapy (RT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and antineoplastic systemic therapy (AnST). RESULTS After applying the selection criteria, 31 studies were included. The surgical resection (SR) group (including LR and LT) had a similar mortality rate to the non-surgical resection (NS) group (RD = -0.01; 95% CI -0.05 to 0.03). The SR group had a higher rate of complications (RD = 0.06; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.12) but a higher 3-year overall survival (OS) rate than the NS group (RD = 0.12; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.20). The network analysis revealed that the overall survival was lower in the AnST group. LT and LR had similar survival benefits. The meta-regression suggested that SR has a greater impact on the survival of patients with impaired liver function. DISCUSSION Most likely, LT has a significant impact on long-term survival and consequently would be a better option for HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion in patients with impaired liver function. LT and LR offer a higher chance of long-term survival than NS alternatives, although LR and LR are associated with a higher risk of procedure-related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Tustumi
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fabricio Ferreira Coelho
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Paiva Magalhães
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Silveira Júnior
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vagner Birk Jeismann
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilton Marques Fonseca
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jaime Arthur Pirola Kruger
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Augusto Carneiro D'Albuquerque
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Herman
- Divisão de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Soin A, Lesurtel M, Bhangui P, Cocchi L, Bouattour M, Clavien PA. Are patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumour thrombosis candidates for liver transplantation? J Hepatol 2023; 78:1124-1129. [PMID: 37208099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this debate, the authors consider whether patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumour thrombosis are candidates for liver transplantation (LT). The argument for LT in this context is based on the premise that, following successful downstaging treatment, LT confers a much greater clinical benefit in terms of survival outcomes than the available alternative (palliative systemic therapy). A major argument against relates to limitations in the quality of evidence for LT in this setting - in relation to study design, as well as heterogeneity in patient characteristics and downstaging protocols. While acknowledging the superior outcomes offered by LT for patients with portal vein tumour thrombosis, the counterargument is that expected survival in such patients is still below accepted thresholds for LT and, indeed, the levels achieved for other patients who receive transplants beyond the Milan criteria. Based on the available evidence, it seems too early for consensus guidelines to recommend such an approach, however, it is hoped that with higher quality evidence and standardised downstaging protocols, LT may soon be more widely indicated, including for this population with high unmet clinical need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvinder Soin
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Gurgaon, India
| | - Mickaël Lesurtel
- Department of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, APHP Beaujon Hospital, University of Paris Cité, 100, bd General Leclerc, 92110 Clichy, France
| | - Prashant Bhangui
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Gurgaon, India
| | - Lorenzo Cocchi
- Department of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, APHP Beaujon Hospital, University of Paris Cité, 100, bd General Leclerc, 92110 Clichy, France
| | - Mohamed Bouattour
- Department of Hepatology, APHP Beaujon Hospital, University of Paris Cité, 100, Bd General Leclerc, 92110 Clichy, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liver transplantation and portal vein tumour thrombus: futile enterprise? Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:312-319. [PMID: 36354257 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent evidence in literature regarding liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT) with no extrahepatic disease. In addition, in this review, we have tried to highlight the advances in downstaging with ablative therapies that have made liver transplantation a possibility, and also the key points to focus on when considering liver transplantation in these patients with locally advanced HCC. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in the understanding of technicalities and effectiveness of ablative therapies, including transarterial chemoembolization, stereotactic body radiotherapy and transarterial radioembolization on PVTT have helped successfully downstage patients with HCC and PVTT to within transplant criteria. This provides the opportunity to offer a curative liver transplantation in these patients who are generally managed with systemic or palliative therapy alone with dismal prognosis. Meticulous patient selection based on tumour biology, documented downstaging based on imaging and decrease in tumour marker levels, an adequate waiting period to demonstrate stable disease, liver transplantation with some technical modifications, and a modified immunosuppression protocol may offer long-term survival in a select group of patients treated with initial downstaging therapies in an intention to treat strategy. SUMMARY In patients with HCC, presence of PVTT is generally considered the end of the road by many. A multidisciplinary approach combining ablation and a curative liver transplantation may offer the best hope of long-term survival in a select group of patients with favourable tumour biology. Although promising, current evidence is limited, and future studies with larger number of patients, and longer follow-up may pave the way for an elaborate selection algorithm to choose the ideal candidates for such a curative strategy in patients with locally advanced HCC with PVTT.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hafeez Bhatti AB, Qureshi AI, Tahir R, Almas T, Rana A. Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Improving eligibility without compromising outcomes. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 68:102552. [PMID: 34295467 PMCID: PMC8281598 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the context of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), traditional transplant criteria appear restrictive. The objective of the current study was to determine risk factors for recurrence and improve transplant eligibility in patients with HCC. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent living donor liver transplant (LDLT) for HCC (n = 219). Largest tumor diameter, tumor number, AFP and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed to develop risk scores. The new model was compared with seven previously published transplant criteria using receiver operator curves. Results Largest tumor size >3.7 cm [HR:2.6, P = 0.02], and AFP > 600 ng/ml [HR:4.7, P = 0.001] were independent predictors of recurrence. Patients with risk scores of 0, 1–3, 4–6 and 7–9 had recurrence rate of 5.9%, 12.5%, 25% and 58.4% respectively. When compared with Milan criteria, Metro ticket 2.0, AFP model and Samsung criteria; transplant eligibility increased by 31.5%, 22.9%, 8.7%, and 7% respectively. Recurrence rate with the current model was 16/199 (8%) (P < 0.0001) and was comparable with other transplant criteria (6.9–9.1%). On ROC analysis, only Milan criteria (AUC = 0.7, P = 0.001) and the current model (AUC = 0.66, P = 0.01) showed significance for recurrence. All patients with high risk scores within Milan criteria had recurred at 3 years (P = 0.03). Conclusions Low AFP can be used to select patients for LDLT outside traditional criteria for HCC, with comparable recurrence rates. There is an unmet need to expand transplant pool for hepatocellular carcinoma. We developed a model, based on tumor size cutoff of 3.7 cm, any tumor number, and AFP cutoff of 600 ng/ml; and compared it with other transplant criteria. There was considerable expansion in transplant pool with comparable outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ammal Imran Qureshi
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rizmi Tahir
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Talal Almas
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Atif Rana
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|