1
|
Di Sandro S, Centonze L, Catellani B, Odorizzi R, Caracciolo D, Guidetti C, Magistri P, Esposito G, Guerrini GP, Di Benedetto F. Current role and perspectives of living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: systematic review of the past 20 years. Updates Surg 2024:10.1007/s13304-024-01862-y. [PMID: 38704462 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-024-01862-y] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health challenge, and liver transplantation (LT) remains the best curative option. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) emerged as a potential solution to organ scarcity, reducing waitlist times. This comprehensive review explores LDLT practices, focusing on patient selection criteria and oncologic outcomes. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines included 50 studies (2004-2023) with 8062 patients. Data encompassed baseline characteristics, HCC features, and oncologic outcomes. Further analysis categorized results by geography and publication year. Heterogeneity in patient demographics, tumor burden, and transplant characteristics was observed. Recent LDLT series demonstrated a shift towards refined selection criteria, increased neoadjuvant treatment, and improved oncologic outcomes. Geographic disparities revealed unique challenges in Eastern and Western practices. LDLT proves effective for HCC, addressing donor shortages. Evolving practices highlight the importance of refining inclusion criteria and optimizing tumor management. While geographic differences exist, LDLT, when judiciously applied, offers promising outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Sandro
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Centonze
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Barbara Catellani
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Odorizzi
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Caracciolo
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristiano Guidetti
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Magistri
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gian Piero Guerrini
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Di Benedetto
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhatti ABH, Sheikh AAE, Mahmud US, Zeeshan S, Khan NY, Zia HH, Dar FS, Rana A. Clinical Profile and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience. South Asian J Cancer 2021; 10:76-80. [PMID: 34568219 PMCID: PMC8460341 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Very few centers in Pakistan have all established treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) available under one roof. With a dedicated hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and liver transplant unit, we have gathered one of the largest data on HCC in our population.
Aims
The objective of the current study was to assess the clinical spectrum of HCC in Pakistani patients.
Settings and Design
This retrospective review of patients diagnosed with HCC was conducted between 2011 and 2016.
Materials and Methods
Patients were allocated to treatment groups based on the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging algorithm and our local guidelines. The treatment options were grouped as curative (radiofrequency ablation [RFA], percutaneous ethanol injection [PEI], liver resection, and liver transplantation), palliative (transarterial chemoembolization [TACE]/sorafenib), and the best supportive care (BSC).
Statistical Analysis
Kaplan–Meier curves were used for the statistical analysis.
Results
The mean age was 57.9 ± 10.1 years (range: 18–90 years). The male-to-female ratio was (1,099/391) 2.8:1. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C were the most common underlying etiological factor in 1,350 of 1,490 (90.6%) patients. Macrovascular invasion (MVI) was seen in 492 of 1,490 (33%) patients. Out of the total, 191 (12.8%) additional patients were offered potentially curative treatments when compared with BCLC recommendations. The actuarial 5-year overall survival for patients who underwent liver transplant, RFA/PEI, TACE, sorafenib, and BSC was 87, 64, 18, 5, and 0%, respectively. Alpha fetoprotein cut-off of 400 ng/mL had a significant impact on survival irrespective of treatment received (41 vs. 11%,
p
< 0.0001).
Conclusion
MVI is the most frequent poor prognostic marker in our patients with HCC. Local treatment guidelines are effective in yielding comparable outcomes to BCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu B H Bhatti
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul A E Sheikh
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Umair S Mahmud
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shagufta Zeeshan
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nusrat Y Khan
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb H Zia
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Faisal S Dar
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Atif Rana
- Department of Radiology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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
|
4
|
Bhatti ABH, Waheed A, Khan NA. Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Appraisal of the United Network for Organ Sharing Modified TNM Staging. Front Surg 2021; 7:622170. [PMID: 33553240 PMCID: PMC7859519 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.622170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), transplant eligibility for T3–T4 HCC requires successful downstaging (DS). Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can be considered selectively in these patients without DS, but its role is not defined. The objective of the current study was to assess outcomes of LDLT for HCC based on UNOS staging with no prior DS. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent LDLT for HCC (n = 262) were staged based on modified UNOS TNM staging. High-risk factors were identified and 5-year recurrence free survival was compared in patients with T2–T4 HCC. Results: Median follow-up was 30.2 (16.4–46.3) months. Recurrence rate in T1, T2, T3, T4a, and T4b HCC was 0, 10.1, 16.1, 5.9, and 37.5% (P = 0.02), respectively. On multivariate analysis, AFP > 600 ng/mL [HR:11.7, P < 0.001] and T4b HCC (macrovascular invasion) [HR = 5.6, P = 0.03] were predictors of recurrence. After exclusion of AFP > 600 ng/mL, 5-year RFS for T2, T3, and T4a HCC was 94, 86, and 92% (P = 0.3). Rate of microvascular invasion between T2 and T3 HCC was 24.3 vs. 53.6% (P = 0.005), and between T2 and T4a HCC was 24.3 vs. 36.7% (P = 0.2). Overall, 26 (19.4%) patients were overstaged and 23 (17.1%) were understaged on preoperative imaging. The 5-year RFS in patients with identical preoperative and histopathological staging was 94, 87, and 94% (P = 0.6). Conclusion: LDLT without prior DS leads to comparable survival for UNOS T2, T3, and T4a HCC as long as AFP is < 600 ng/mL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anum Waheed
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nasir Ayub Khan
- Division of Anesthesiology, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Risk Score Model for Liver Transplant Outcomes after Preoperative Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 53:84-90. [PMID: 33184772 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of preoperative locoregional therapy (LRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation (LT) remains unclear. Moreover, LRT in the setting of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) merits further exploration. The objective of the current study was to determine risk factors for poor outcomes after LDLT in patients who received locoregional therapy (LRT). METHODS We reviewed patients (n = 46) who underwent LDLT after LRT. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of recurrence-free survival (RFS). Risk scores were developed to define prognostic groups. RESULTS Median tumor size was 3.7 (1.2-12) cm and tumor number was 1 (1-6). Macrovascular invasion was seen in 10/46 (21.7%) patients. There was a significant difference in 5-year RFS with > 3 tumor nodules (P = 0.005), tumors outside University of California San Francisco criteria (P = 0.03), bilobar disease (P = 0.002), AFP > 600 ng/ml (P = 0.006), and poor response to LRT (P = 0.007). On multivariate analysis, bilobar disease (HR = 2.9, P = 0.01), AFP > 600 ng/ml (HR = 2.3 P = 0.008), and poor response to LRT (HR = 2, P = 0.02) were predictors of 5-year RFS. The 5-year RFS in low risk (score = 0), intermediate risk (score = 1-3), and high risk (score = 4-7) groups was 86%, 76%, and 9% (P < 0.0001). There was no recurrence seen in 4/4 (100%) patients with macrovascular invasion in the low-intermediate risk group. The 5-year RFS in the low-intermediate risk group within and outside Milan criteria was 100% and 74% (P = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS LDLT can provide excellent long-term RFS in patients after preoperative LRT in the low and intermediate risk groups.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhatti ABH, Qureshi AI, Tahir R, Dar FS, Khan NY, Zia HH, Riyaz S, Rana A. When to call it off: defining transplant candidacy limits in liver donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:754. [PMID: 32787864 PMCID: PMC7425141 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07238-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an acceptable treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Traditional transplant criteria aim at best utilization of donor organs with low risk of post transplant recurrence. In LDLT, long term recurrence free survival (RFS) of 50% is considered acceptable. The objective of the current study was to determine preoperative factors associated with high recurrence rates in LDLT. Methods Between April 2012 and December 2019, 898 LDLTs were performed at our center. Out of these, 242 were confirmed to have HCC on explant histopathology. We looked at preoperative factors associated with ≤ 50%RFS at 4 years. For survival analysis, Kaplan Meier curves were used and Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of recurrence. Results Median AFP was 14.4(0.7–11,326.7) ng/ml. Median tumor size was 2.8(range = 0.1–11) cm and tumor number was 2(range = 1–15). On multivariate analysis, AFP > 600 ng/ml [HR:6, CI: 1.9–18.4, P = 0.002] and microvascular invasion (MVI) [HR:5.8, CI: 2.5–13.4, P < 0.001] were independent predictors of 4 year RFS ≤ 50%. When AFP was > 600 ng/ml, MVI was seen in 88.9% tumors with poor grade and 75% of tumors outside University of California San Francisco criteria. Estimated 4 year RFS was 78% for the entire cohort. When AFP was < 600 ng/ml, 4 year RFS for well-moderate and poor grade tumors was 88 and 73%. With AFP > 600 ng/ml, RFS was 53% and 0 with well-moderate and poor grade tumors respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with AFP < 600 ng/ml have acceptable outcomes after LDLT. In patients with AFP > 600 ng/ml, a preoperative biopsy to rule out poor differentiation should be considered for patient selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Ammal Imran Qureshi
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rizmi Tahir
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Saud Dar
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nusrat Yar Khan
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb Haider Zia
- Division of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Riyaz
- Division of Transplant Hepatology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Atif Rana
- Division of Radiology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hafeez Bhatti AB, Tahir R, Qureshi NR, Mamoon N, Khan NY, Zia HH. Living donor liver transplantation for intra hepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2020; 57:82-84. [PMID: 32728435 PMCID: PMC7381427 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rizmi Tahir
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Najla Rahman Qureshi
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nadira Mamoon
- Department of Pathology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nusrat Yar Khan
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb Haider Zia
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|