Access to Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does Candidate Age Matter?

Beyond 75: Graft Allocation and Organ Utility Implications in Liver Transplantation

Background

The global surge in aging has intensified debates on liver transplantation (LT) for candidates aged 75 y and older, given the prevalent donor scarcity. This study examined both the survival benefits and organ utility of LT for this age group.

Methods

A total of 178 469 adult LT candidates from the United Network for Organ Sharing database (2003-2022) were analyzed, with 112 266 undergoing LT. Post-LT survival outcomes and waitlist dropout rates were monitored across varying age brackets. Multivariable Cox regression analysis determined prognostic indicators. The 5-y survival benefit was assessed by comparing LT recipients to waitlist candidates using hazard ratios. Organ utility was evaluated through a simulation model across various donor classifications.

Results

Among candidates aged 75 y and older, 343 received LT. The 90-d graft and patient survival rates for these patients were comparable with those in other age categories; however, differences emerged at 1 and 3 y. Age of 75 y or older was identified as a significant negative prognostic indicator for 3-y graft survival (hazard ratio: 1.72 [1.20-2.42], P < 0.01). Dropout rates for the 75 y and older age category were 12.0%, 24.1%, and 35.1% at 90 d, 1 y, and 3 y, respectively. The survival benefit of LT for the 75 y and older cohort was clear when comparing outcomes between LT recipients and those on waitlists. However, organ utility considerations did not favor allocating livers to this age group, regardless of donor type. Comparing 3-y patient survival between LT using donors aged 60 y and younger and older than 60 y showed no significant difference (P = 0.50) in the 75 y or older cohort.

Conclusions

Although LT offers survival benefits to individuals aged 75 y and older, the system may need rethinking to optimize the use of scarce donor livers, perhaps by matching older donors with older recipients.

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who are 70 years or older

Background

Although liver transplantation has been done successfully in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, these are likely well-selected patients. This study uses a large database of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma to explore treatment and potential candidacy for liver transplantation in the elderly.

Methods

Retrospective review of 1,533 hepatocellular carcinoma cases identified 2 groups: 475 patients 70 years or older (70 +) and 1,058 patients < 70 years. Demographics, risk factors, tumor characteristics, treatments, and survival were compared. Three- and 5-year survival rates were determined, and logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of 3-year survival.

Results

Patients 70 + were more likely to have metabolic factors and less likely to have viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma found with surveillance (21.7% vs 28.4%, P = .005), and hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria (37.3% vs 43.8%, P = .019). Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was similar, but patients 70 + had higher mean creatinine and lower mean bilirubin. Patients 70 + were equally likely to undergo liver resection but less likely to undergo liver transplantation (0.4% vs 10.2%, P < .001). Three- and 5-year survival rates were significantly worse in 70 +, and predictors of 3-year survival included hepatocellular carcinoma found with surveillance, meeting Milan criteria, and normal alpha fetoprotein.

Discussion

Elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were less likely to undergo liver transplantation potentially due to metabolic factors and advanced disease. Although there is no age cutoff for liver transplantation, elderly patients should be given realistic expectations of liver transplantation candidacy. Continued surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients may allow for earlier diagnosis and improved liver transplantation candidacy.

Key Message

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who are 70 years or older can be managed with liver transplantation in select cases, but more patients will be managed with liver resection and nonoperative therapies.

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Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are older than 70 years will not undergo liver transplant.

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Older patients are more likely to have metabolic risk factors and comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

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Older patients have similar Model for End-stage Liver Disease score as younger patients; their scores are based on having more renal dysfunction and a lower bilirubin.

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Older patients are less likely to have their hepatocellular carcinoma found with surveillance and are more likely to have cancer that is beyond Milan criteria which are generally used for transplant candidacy.