Recent trends in hepatectomy for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients: does age matter?

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the influence of the age of the patients upon the outcomes of liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

HCC patients who underwent LR between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed. They were divided into 3 groups depending on the patient's age. Group I (patients less than 60 years), Group II (patients between 60 and 69 years), and Group III (patients equal to or more than 70 years).

RESULTS

364 patients were included. A significantly higher serum bilirubin and alpha feto-protein were noted in Group I and serum creatinine was noted in Group III. The study groups did not show any significant differences regarding HCC site, number, macrovascular invasion, the extent of LR, Pringle maneuver, and perioperative blood transfusions. Longer operation time was found in Groups II and III, while more blood loss was noted in Group (I) Group I patients had longer hospital stays. Higher postoperative morbidities were noted in both Group I and Group (II) Higher incidence of post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction was noted in Group I. More early mortalities were found in Group I, related to liver failure. We did not experience early mortality in Group (III) Late Mortalities occurred in 117 patients (32.1%). HCC recurrence occurred in 165 patients (45.3%). Regarding the overall- and tumor-free survival, we did not experience any significant differences among the 3 groups (Log Rank: p = 0.371 and 0.464 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Curative LR can be safely performed in selected elderly patients with HCC. An advanced patient's age should not be considered as a contraindication for curative LR.

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma resection: Is it beneficial for survival in elderly patients?

INTRODUCTION

As the population ages, surgeons are growing frequently faced with hard choices among a vast array of treatment options for the elderly. This study was to investigate safety and efficacy of resection in elderly patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Literature reading and meta-analysis unveiled that elderly PHCC patients held a higher risk of death within 90 days after hepatectomy relative to younger patients, but their 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were comparable. Among PHCC patients who underwent hepatectomy, the proportion of elderly patients with tumor classification Bismuth I-II and tumor stage pStage 1-3 was significantly higher than that of younger patients.

RESULTS

Curative resection R0 was more common in elderly patients than younger patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. Because of more comorbidities and less physiological reserve of elderly patients, they seemed to suffer more postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Considering improved life expectancy, it is crucial to treat elderly PHCC patients appropriately and attempts should be made to radical surgery based on comorbidities and functional status.

Efficacy and Safety of Surgical Resection in Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims

: With increased life expectancy, the management of elderly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients became a crucial issue, yet it is still challenging due to comorbidities and high surgical risks. While surgical resection is considered as primary treatment for eligible HCC patients, systematic evidence on its outcomes in elderly patients remains scarce. In this review, we aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety outcomes of surgical resection in elderly HCC patients.

Methods

: The studies included in this meta-analysis were selected from Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-Embase, CENTRAL, KoreaMed, KMbase, and KISS databases following a predefined protocol. Efficacy outcomes included overall survival and disease-free survival, while the safety outcomes included postoperative mortality and complications.

Results

: Patients in the elderly group (≥65 years) who underwent surgery exhibited non-inferior overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92 to 1.74) and disease-free survival (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.08) compared to the non-elderly group. Overall postoperative mortality exhibited no statistical difference (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.31), but 30-day, 90-day, and in-hospital mortality were higher in the elderly group. The incidence of overall complications was higher in the elderly group (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.69). Sensitivity analysis for the super elderly group (≥80 years) showed significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to the non-super elderly group (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.16 to 5.45).

Conclusions

: The efficacy outcome of surgical resection in the elderly HCC patients was not worse than that in the non-elderly HCC patients, while in-hospital mortality and complications rates were higher. Therefore, surgical resection should be purposefully considered in the elderly population, with careful candidate selection.

Development of an individualized model for predicting postoperative delirium in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication in older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that adversely impacts clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for POD and to construct a predictive nomogram. Data for a total of 1481 older patients (training set: n=1109; validation set: n=372) who received liver resection for HCC were retrospectively retrieved from two prospective databases. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance. The rate of POD was 13.3% (148/1109) in the training set and 16.4% (61/372) in the validation set. Multivariate analysis of the training set revealed that factors including age, history of cerebrovascular disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, albumin level, and surgical approach had significant effects on POD. The area under the ROC curves (AUC) for the nomogram, incorporating the aforementioned predictors, was 0.798 (95% CI 0.752-0.843) and 0.808 (95% CI 0.754-0.861) for the training and validation sets, respectively. The calibration curves of both sets showed a degree of agreement between the nomogram and the actual probability. DCA demonstrated that the newly established nomogram was highly effective for clinical decision-making. We developed and validated a nomogram with high sensitivity to assist clinicians in estimating the individual risk of POD in older patients with HCC.

Comparison of Surgical Resection and Radiofrequency Ablation in Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine whether the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical resection (SR) are comparable for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) less than 3 cm in elderly individuals aged 65 years or older.

METHODS

We used the National Health Insurance Service claims data in Korea, which was linked with liver cancer stage data from the Central Cancer Registry of the National Cancer Center, as well as death data from the National Statistical Office. Out of the 9213 registrants, we focused on 141 patients who underwent SR and 225 patients who underwent RFA when they were 65 years or older. To ensure comparability, a 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching was conducted.

RESULTS

The SR group had lower performance status and better liver function compared to the RFA group. Tumor diameter was larger in the SR group than in the RFA group (2.1 cm vs. 1.7 cm), and the proportion of stage II cases was higher (62.4% vs. 33.8%). After PS matching, the mortality rate in the RFA group did not significantly differ from the SR group (HR 1.33, 95% CI 0.86-2.06, P = 0.19). Also, liver related mortality was similar between the SR and RFA group after matching (log rank P = 0.13). However, recurrence free survival was significantly longer in the SR group than RFA group before and after matching (log rank P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In patients aged 65 years or older with resectable HCC, RFA demonstrates a therapeutic effect comparable to SR.

Aging of Liver in Its Different Diseases

The proportion of elderly people in the world population is constantly increasing. With age, the risk of numerous chronic diseases and their complications also rises. Research on the subject of cellular senescence date back to the middle of the last century, and today we know that senescent cells have different morphology, metabolism, phenotypes and many other characteristics. Their main feature is the development of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), whose pro-inflammatory components affect tissues and organs, and increases the possibility of age-related diseases. The liver is the main metabolic organ of our body, and the results of previous research indicate that its regenerative capacity is greater and that it ages more slowly compared to other organs. With age, liver cells change under the influence of various stressors and the risk of developing chronic liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases. It has been proven that these diseases progress faster in the elderly population and in some cases lead to end-stage liver disease that requires transplantation. The treatment of elderly people with chronic liver diseases is a challenge and requires an individual approach as well as new research that will reveal other safe and effective therapeutic modalities.

The prognosis of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A multi-center 19-year experience in Japan

AIMS

This retrospective study compared the survival between elderly and non-elderly patients.

METHODS

A total of 5545 treatment-naive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who visited 7 different hospitals from January 2000 to December 2018 were included. Patients ≥80 years old were defined as elderly patients. We divided the patients into three groups based on the timing of the initial treatment: Early, middle, and late periods defined as 2000 to 2005, 2006 to 2012, and 2013 to 2018, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 132 (8.9%), 405 (17.5%), and 388 (22.2%) elderly patients in the early, middle, and late period, respectively, showing a significant increase over time (p < 0.001). In both elderly and non-elderly patients, the median albumin-bilirubin score significantly improved over time and the diagnosis of HCC was made slightly earlier over time. The median overall survival (OS) in elderly patients was 52.8, 42.0, and 45.6 months in the early, middle, and late period, respectively, without a significant improvement (p = 0.17) whereas the OS in non-elderly patients was significantly improved (p < 0.001). The percentage of elderly patients receiving curative treatments did not significantly increase (p = 0.43), while that of non-elderly patients did (p = 0.017). Non-liver-related death in elderly patients significantly differed among periods (p = 0.023), while liver-related death did not (p = 0.050). Liver- and non-liver-related death in non-elderly patients significantly differed among periods (p < 0.001, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival in elderly patients was not improved despite an improvement in their liver function. Curative treatments should be conducted when appropriate after evaluating each elderly patient.

Nomograms to predict survival outcomes after microwave ablation in elderly patients (>65 years old) with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Objectives: To develop and validate the nomograms to predict survival outcomes after microwave ablation (MWA) in elderly patients(>65 years old) with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (EHCC).Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 265 EHCC patients (76 females, 189 males; average age 71.4 years ± 5.4 [standard deviation]) with 345 nodules subsequently underwent MWA from April 2006 to October 2019. Baseline characteristics were collected to identify the risk factors for the determination of survival outcomes after MWA. The nomograms were based on prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) from the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and validated in external cohorts from another two institutions (n = 130). The nomograms were assessed for their predictive accuracy using Harrell's concordance index (C-index).Results: After a median follow-up time of 28.6 months, 29.8% (79/265) of the patients died, and 54.3% (144/265) of the patients experienced recurrence in the training set. The OS nomogram was developed based on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) presence, α-fetoprotein (AFP), and albumin, with a C-index of 0.757 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.645, 0.789).The scores of the nomogram ranged from 0 to 24. The RFS nomogram was developed based on tumor number, abutting major vessels and platelets, with a C-index of 0.733 (CI: 0.672, 0.774). The likelihood of 3- and 5-year OS and RFS were consistent between clinical observations and nomogram predictions in external cohorts.Conclusions: The nomogram models can be useful in determining the risk of OS and RFS in elderly patients with EHCC after MWA, which can guide individual patient management.Key pointsMWA is an effective and feasible treatment for elderly patients with EHCC and can improve survival outcomes.A calibrated and objective nomogram model for the prediction of survival outcomes in elderly patients (>65 years old) may guide patient selection and MWA treatment.Older age was not deemed to be a risk factor for survival outcomes when the elderly patients with EHCC underwent MWA.

Impact of Preoperative Cholangitis on Short-term Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Liver Resection

BACKGROUND

The impact of preoperative cholangitis (PC) on perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing liver resection remains poorly defined. We sought to characterize the prevalence of PC among patients undergoing hepatectomy and define the impact of PC on postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent liver resection between 2013 and 2015 were identified using the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) 100% Limited Data Set (LDS) Standard Analytic Files (SAFs). Short-term outcomes after liver resection, stratified by the presence of PC, were examined. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between the timing of liver resection relative to PC.

RESULTS

Among 7392 patients undergoing liver resection, 251 patients (3.4%) experienced PC. Patients with PC were more likely to be male (59.0% vs. 50.6%) and to have a benign diagnosis (34.3% vs. 19.8%) compared with patients without PC (both p<0.05). On multivariable analysis, PC was associated with increased odds of experiencing a complication (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.17-2.03), extended LOS (OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.99-3.39), 90-day mortality (OR 2.31, 95%CI 1.64-3.26), and higher Medicare expenditures (OR 3.32, 95%CI 2.55-4.32). Among patients with PC, requirement of both endoscopic and percutaneous biliary drainage (OR 5.16, 95%CI 1.36-9.61), as well as liver resection < 2 weeks after PC (OR 2.92, 95%CI 1.13-7.57) were associated with higher odds of 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 1 in 30 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing liver resection had a history of PC. PC was associated with an increased risk of adverse short-term outcomes and higher healthcare expenditures among patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Prognoses, outcomes, and clinicopathological characteristics of very elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the prognostic factors, clinicopathological characteristics, and surgical outcomes after hepatectomy in very elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We analyzed 796 patients with HCC from 2000 to 2017. Patients aged 80 years or older were classified into the very elderly group (group VE; n = 49); patients younger than 80 years old and aged 65 years or older were classified into the elderly group (group E; n = 363), and patients younger than 65 years old were classified into the young group (group Y; n = 384). We investigated the prognoses, clinicopathological characteristics, and surgical outcomes after hepatectomy.

Results

The number of surgical procedures and outcomes, including morbidities, was not significantly different. Groups VE, E, and Y showed similar prognoses in terms of both survival and recurrence. In group VE, prothrombin activity (PA) < 80% and PIVKA-II ≥ 400 mAU/ml were unfavorable factors for survival, and PIVKA-II ≥ 400 mAU/ml and the presence of portal venous invasion (PVI), hepatic venous invasion, and fibrosis were unfavorable factors for recurrence. In group E, ChE < 180 IU/l, AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, and the presence of multiple tumors, PVI, and hepatic venous invasion (HVI) were unfavorable factors for survival, and ChE < 180 IU/l, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, and the presence of multiple tumors, PVI, and HVI were unfavorable factors for recurrence. In group Y, AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml, the presence of multiple tumors, poor differentiation, PVI, HVI, and blood loss ≥ 400 ml were unfavorable factors for survival, and PA < 80%, albumin < 3.5 g/dl, AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, and the presence of multiple tumors, poor differentiation, and PVI were unfavorable factors for recurrence.

Conclusions

Tumor factors might have limited influence on the prognosis of very elderly patients, and liver function reserve might be important for the long-term survival of very elderly patients. Hepatectomy can be performed safely, even in very elderly patients. Hepatectomy should not be avoided in very elderly patients with HCC if patients have a good general status because these patients have the same prognoses as nonelderly individuals.

Hemorrhoidectomy for elderly patients aged 75 years or more, before and after studies

Background

The incidence of hemorrhoids requiring hemorrhoidectomy among the elderly has been increasing. Old age is sometimes considered a contraindication for surgery. The relationship between age and complications of hemorrhoidectomy for elderly patients is not well established. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathological features and postoperative outcomes of hemorrhoidectomy in the elderly (≥75 years old) and non-elderly patients (<75 years old).

Methods

A total of 100 patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy for hemorrhoids of Goligher classification grades 3 and 4 at our institution between 2014 and 2018 were enrolled. The clinical characteristics were compared between the elderly and non-elderly patients. Pain scores were measured at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The risk factors for postoperative complications were identified.

Results

A total of 34 patients were classified as elderly patients. In the elderly group, aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher while the albumin levels and cholinesterase levels were lower and the platelet counts were significantly lower. The blood urea nitrogen levels were higher and estimated glomerular filtration rates and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the elderly group. The pain scores significantly decreased at 48 h postoperatively compared to those recorded at 6 h postoperatively in both groups. Multivariate analysis identified Goligher classification grade 4 and high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio at the indicators of complications.

Conclusions

Hemorrhoids due to impairment of liver function and kidney function were dominant in elderly patients. Aging itself was not a risk factor for postoperative complications.

•

The feasibility of hemorrhoidectomy for the elderly is not remained clear.

•

The incidence of postoperative complications was comparable regardless of age.

•

The risk factor for complication was Goligher classification grade 4 and high NLR.

Evaluation of the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) surgical risk calculator (SRC) aims to help predict patient-specific risk for morbidity and mortality. The performance of the SRC among an elderly population undergoing curative-intent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown.

METHODS

Patients > 70 years of age who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 1998 and 2017 were identified using a multi-institutional international database. To estimate the performance of SRC, 12 observed postoperative outcomes were compared with median SRC-predicted risk, and C-statistics and Brier scores were calculated.

RESULTS

Among 500 patients, median age was 75 years (IQR 72-78). Most patients (n = 324, 64.8%) underwent a minor hepatectomy, while 35.2% underwent a major hepatectomy. The observed incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (3.2%) and renal failure (RF) (4.4%) exceeded the median predicted risk (VTE, 1.8%; IQR 1.5-3.1 and RF, 1.0%; IQR 0.5-2.0). In contrast, the observed incidence of 30-day readmission (7.0%) and non-home discharge (2.5%) was lower than median-predicted risk (30-day readmission, 9.4%; IQR 7.4-12.8 and non-home discharge, 5.7%; IQR 3.3-11.7). Only 57.8% and 71.2% of patients who experienced readmission (C-statistic, 0.578; 95%CI 0.468-0.688) or mortality (C-statistic, 0.712; 95%CI 0.508-0.917) were correctly identified by the model.

CONCLUSION

Among elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC, the SRC underestimated the risk of complications such as VTE and RF, while being no better than chance in estimating the risk of readmission. The ACS SRC has limited clinical applicability in estimating perioperative risk among elderly patients being considered for hepatic resection of HCC.

New landscapes and horizons in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most frequent form of cancer and leads to the fourth highest number of deaths each year. HCC results from a combination of environmental factors and aging as there are driver mutations at oncogenes which occur during aging. Most of HCCs are diagnosed at advanced stage preventing curative therapies. Treatment in advanced stage is a challenging and pressing problem, and novel and well-tolerated therapies are urgently needed. We will discuss further advances beyond sorafenib that target additional signaling pathways and immune checkpoint proteins. The scenario of possible systemic therapies for patients with advanced HCC has changed dramatically in recent years. Personalized genomics and various other omics approaches may identify actionable biochemical targets, which are activated in individual patients, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify predictive biomarkers and aberrantly activated signaling pathways capable of guiding the clinician in choosing the most appropriate therapy for the individual patient.

A Review of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Elderly Patients Focused on Management and Outcomes

Recent studies report a significant age-specific increase in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development among persons over 75 years old. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the optimal treatment strategy in elderly patients with HCC. This systemic review examines the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and safety of first-line treatment modalities. The literature was searched regarding epidemiology and clinical outcomes in elderly patients (age ≥75 years) undergoing first-line treatment for HCC. Causative or comorbid conditions of HCC in elderly patients differed from those in younger patients. Radiofrequency ablation may be effective and safe in early stages. Surgical resection may also be feasible in the early stages for selected patients. Transarterial chemoembolization may be safe and effective for intermediate HCC, and sorafenib may be feasible in elderly patients with advanced HCC. Prospective randomized trials are needed to establish the treatment strategy for elderly patients with HCC.

Hepatic resection for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review of more than 17,000 patients

BACKGROUND

With the aging population and increasing incidence of hepatic malignancies in elderly patients, establishing the safety and efficacy of hepatic resection for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial. The present systematic review investigates postoperative morbidity, hospital mortality, median survival time, overall and disease-free survival in elderly patients with undergoing hepatic resection.

METHODS

Some databases were systematically searched for prospective or retrospective studies to reveal the safety and efficacy of hepatic resection for elderly patients with primary HCC.

RESULTS

Fifty studies involving 4,169 elderly patients and 13,158 young patients with HCC were included into analyses. Elderly group patients had similar rate of median postoperative morbidity (28.2% vs. 29.6%) but higher mortality (3.0% vs. 1.2%) with young group patients. Moreover, elderly group patients had slightly lower median survival time (55 vs. 58 months), 5-years overall survival (51% vs. 56%) and 5-years disease-free survival (27% vs. 28%) than young group patients. There was an upward trend in 5-years overall and disease-free survival in either elderly or young group.

CONCLUSION

Though old age may increase the risk of hospital mortality for patients with HCC after hepatic resection, elderly patients can obtain acceptable long-term prognoses from hepatic resection.

Resection for hepatocellular cancer: overpassing old barriers

Several recent studies have shown that the selection limits commonly used for patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) potentially requiring a liver resection (LR) are too restrictive. The present review aims at investigating the studies showing that LR is no longer a treatment suitable only for highly selected patients, but also for patients selectively presenting one-to-more negative factors. Several specific variables have been investigated, none of them showing to be an absolute contraindication for LR: age; single vs. multiple diseases; the dimension of the nodule; hyperbilirubinemia; clinically relevant portal hypertension; Child-Pugh status; macrovascular invasion. As a consequence, LR for the treatment of HCC-on-cirrhosis is a safe and effective procedure not only in "ideal cases", but also for selected patients presenting risk factors. The presence of only one of these factors does not represent an absolute contraindication for LR. On the opposite, the contemporaneous presence of risk factors should contraindicate the procedure. Further studies investigating the "borderline" cases are required, mainly looking at the possible decisive role of laparoscopy in this setting.

Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of S-1 monotherapy versus S-1 and interferon-α combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic metastases

AIM

No effective therapies for extrahepatic metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have yet been identified. Previous studies suggested a potentially promising antitumor effect of combination therapy of S-1, a novel oral dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase inhibitor, and interferon (IFN)-α. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of single agent S-1 and S-1/IFN-α for HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases in a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial.

METHODS

A total of 103 patients with HCC with extrahepatic metastases were randomly assigned to the S-1/IFN-α group, receiving the combination of S-1 and IFN-α, or the S-1 group, receiving the single agent of S-1. Clinical efficacy and adverse events were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients in the S-1/IFN-α group and 51 patients in the S-1 group were included in the efficacy analysis. The response rate was 22.4% (11/49) in the S-1/IFN-α group and 13.7% (7/51) in the S-1 group; there was no significant difference. Overall and progression-free survival in the two groups were also not significantly different (1-year overall survival 50.8% vs. 72.4%, median progression-free survival 127 days vs. 157 days). The incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events in the S-1/IFN-α group was 62.7% (32/51), which tended to be higher than in the S-1 group (43.1% [22/51]).

CONCLUSIONS

Oncological outcomes in both treatment groups were favorable compared with previous reports, though there was no significant beneficial effect of adding IFN-α to S-1 for the treatment of HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases.

Mechanism of impairment on liver regeneration in elderly patients: Role of hepatic stellate cell function

Japan, along with most other countries in the world, is facing an increasingly aging population with a prolonged life expectancy. Concurrently, the need for medical intervention, including hepatectomy, has also increased for the elderly. Although surgical outcomes for older patients are reported to be comparable with those for younger patients, additional care in the selection of older patients for hepatectomy is considered necessary. Although the effect of aging on human liver regeneration is not fully understood, the regeneration of liver tissue after hepatectomy in elderly patients is shown to be generally worse than in younger patients and, to date, the mechanisms involved in the impairment of liver regeneration have not been fully clarified. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-specific mesenchymal cells that play critical roles in liver physiology and fibrogenesis. Recent studies in liver regeneration have increasingly focused on HSCs rather than on hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, endothelial cells, or infiltrating immune cells and suggest that HSCs might play a critical role in liver regeneration. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms involved in the impairment of liver regeneration in elderly patients, especially focusing on HSCs. We also discuss how HSCs contribute to the impairment of liver regeneration.

Impact of age on short-term outcomes of liver surgery: Lessons learned in 10-years' experience in a tertiary referral hepato-pancreato-biliary center

We investigate the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing hepatectomy according to different age intervals, identify the clinical factors related to surgical outcomes, and propose clinical risk scores for severe morbidity and mortality based on the clinical factors.Eight hundred three patients undergoing liver resection were divided into 3 groups: young patients (YP), <65 years (n = 387), elderly patients (EP), from 65 to 74 years (n = 279); very-elderly patients (VEP), ≥75 years (n = 137).Severe morbidity was 10.6%, 12.2%, and 17.5% (P = .103), and mortality was 0.3%, 1.4%, and 4.4% (P = .002) in group YP, EP, and VEP, respectively. Ischemic heart disease, cirrhosis, major hepatectomy, biliary tract-associated procedure, and red blood cells (RBC) transfusion ≥3 U were related with severe morbidity. Ischemic heart disease, cirrhosis, major hepatectomy, and RBC transfusion were independent risk factors for postoperative mortality. Age did not result an independent factor related to mortality and severe morbidity. Two different scores were developed and have proved to be statistically related with severe morbidity and mortality. Moreover, in patients with score ≥2, severe morbidity increased from 24.2% in YP, to 29.3% in EP, and to 40.0% in VEP, P = .047. Likewise, mortality increased from 2.3% in YP, to 7.0% in EP, and to 22.7% in VEP, in patients with score ≥2, P = .017.Age alone should not be considered a contraindication for hepatectomy. We identified factors and proposed 2 scores that can be useful to stratify the risk of morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy. Moreover, severe morbidity and mortality increases according to the different age intervals in patients with scores ≥2.

Effect of Age on Liver Function in Patients Undergoing Partial Hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Postresectional liver failure is the most frequent cause of fatal outcome following liver surgery. Diminished preoperative liver function in the elderly might contribute to this. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate preoperative liver function in patients <60 or >70 years of age scheduled for liver resection.

METHODS

All consecutive patients aged <60 or >70 years who are about to undergo elective liver surgery between 2011 and 2013 and underwent the methacetin breath liver function test (LiMAx) preoperatively were included. Histologic assessment of the resected liver gave insight into background liver disease. Correlation between age and liver function was calculated with Pearson's test.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were included, 31 were aged <60 and 28 were aged >70 years. General patient characteristics and liver function LiMAx values (340 (137-594) vs. 349 (191-530) μg/kg/h, p = 0.699) were not significantly different between patients aged <60 and >70 years. Moreover, no correlation between age and preoperative liver function LiMAx values was found (R = 0.04, p = 0.810).

CONCLUSION

Liver function did not seem to differ between younger and older patients.

Assessing the feasibility of clinicopathological features of hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients over 80 years of age

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features, benefits and problems associated with hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients aged ≥80 years. Between 2006 and 2013, hepatic resection was performed in 395 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, including 351 patients aged <80 years and 44 patients aged ≥80 years. Clinicopathological examination revealed that the tumor size was significantly larger among patients of ≥80 years of age. However, recurrence-free and cumulative survival rates were similar between the two age groups. The occurrence of post-operative complications was an independent risk factor for survival among patients ≥80 years of age. In addition, the albumin level was identified as a risk factor for post-operative complications. The post-operative transition towards an improvement in the albumin level in the ≥80 years group was significantly lower compared with the <80 years group. It was revealed that hepatic resection was feasible for elderly patients. However, the post-operative improvement in the albumin levels was less marked among patients ≥80 years of age, and lower albumin levels were associated with post-operative complications and prognosis. Therefore, elderly patients undergoing hepatic resection should receive peri-operative management including special nutrition.

Partial liver resection results in a significantly better long-term survival than locally ablative procedures even in elderly patients

PURPOSE

The number of elderly patients with HCC will increase worldwide in the next years. Therefore, surgeons need to reassess clinical algorithms for the treatment of patients with HCC. We reevaluated a cohort of patients treated in the last 10 years at our hospital, with emphasis on long-term results and age.

METHOD

A prospectively recorded consecutive series of all patients treated in between January 1995 and December 2014 with curative intent either by partial liver resection or by ablative therapy was analysed.

RESULTS

At the time of diagnosis, 232 patients were younger than 70 years and 127 patients were aged 70 years and over. In the latter group, solitary tumours, absence of liver cirrhosis and resection therapy were more frequent compared to younger patients. Charlson index, AFP-negative tumours and CLIP score were equally distributed in both groups. Observed survival of older and younger patients was similar but after partial liver resection, younger patients had a better survival than elderly patients, whereas survival in patients treated with ablation was similar in both groups. In the univariate analysis, long-term survival of patients aged 70 years and over was influenced by treatment procedure, number of lesions, liver cirrhosis, Child's stage and CLIP score. In the multivariate analysis, only treatment procedure and CLIP score were identified as independent predictors of observed survival, and comorbidity was not.

CONCLUSION

In patients aged 70 years and over, long-term prognosis is independently influenced by CLIP score and treatment procedure and other findings have only minor influence on long-term survival.

Safety of hepatectomy for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The number of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing. Characteristics of elderly HCC patients are a higher proportion of females, a lower rate of positive hepatitis B surface antigen, and a higher rate of positive hepatitis C antibodies. Careful patient selection is vital for performing hepatectomy safely in elderly HCC patients. Treatment strategy should be decided by not only considering tumor stage and hepatic functional reserve, but also physiological status, including comorbid disease. Various assessment tools have been applied to predict the risk of hepatectomy. The reported mortality and morbidity rates after hepatectomy in elderly HCC patients ranged from 0% to 42.9% and from 9% to 51%, respectively. Overall survival rate after hepatectomy in elderly HCC patients at 5 years ranged from 26% to 75.9%. Both short-term and long-term results after hepatectomy for strictly selected elderly HCC patients are almost the same as those for younger patients. However, considering physiological characteristics and the high prevalence of comorbid disease in elderly patients, it is important to assess patients more meticulously and to select them strictly if scheduled to undergo major hepatectomy.

Clinical significance of surgical resection of metastatic lymph nodes from hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

The clinical significance of the surgical resection of metastatic lymph nodes (LN) from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of the surgical resection of LN metastasis of HCC.

METHODS

Among 961 patients who underwent surgical resection for HCC in our hospital, LN metastasis was identified in 38 patients. In these patients, the metastatic LN were removed completely in 22 patients (complete removal group), and incompletely or not removed in 16 patients (control group). The long-term prognosis after LN metastasis was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The overall survival rate after LN metastasis was significantly better in the complete removal group (1-, 3- and 5-year: 71.2, 58.0 and 49.7%, respectively) than in the control group (45.9, 23.0 and 15.3%, respectively, p = 0.0477). LN metastasis was not the cause of death in any of the patients in the complete removal group, whereas it was a cause in some patients in the control group. No local LN recurrence was identified in the complete removal group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that the complete removal of metastatic LN from HCC is clinically beneficial in selected patients.