Treatment of unresectable hepatoblastoma with liver transplantation in the pediatric population

The effect of donor graft type on survival after liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma in children

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only potentially curative option for children with unresectable hepatoblastoma (HBL). Although post-transplant outcomes have improved in the contemporary era, the impact of donor graft type on survival remains unclear.

METHODS

Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database (02/2002-06/2021), demographics, clinical characteristics, and patient and graft survival were analyzed in children (<18 years) who underwent LT for HBL according to donor graft type. The Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank tests, and Cox regression modeling were used to evaluate the effect of whole, partial, and split deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) on patient and graft survival.

RESULTS

A total of 590 pediatric HBL LT recipients (344 whole graft DDLT; 62 partial graft DDLT; 139 split graft DDLT; 45 LDLT) were included. During 2012-2021 the proportion of LDLTs for HBL decreased to about 5% compared with about 11% during 2002-2011. No significant differences were identified by donor graft type in either patient survival (log-rank test, p = .45) or graft survival (log-rank test, p = .69). The results remained similar during the 2002-2011 era, while during the 2012-2021 era, split graft DDLT was associated with decreased graft loss risk versus whole graft DDLT (hazard ratio: 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.99, p = .046) without any other significant between-group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing non-whole liver grafts can increase access to LT in children with unresectable HBL while ensuring favorable outcomes. LDLT is underutilized in children with HBL in the United States, and efforts to explore LDLT options should be undertaken.

An update on diagnosis and treatment of hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma (HB) remains the most common paediatric liver tumour and survival in children with hepatoblastoma has improved considerably since the advent of sequential surgical regimens of chemotherapy based on platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents in the 1980s. With the advent of modern diagnostic imaging and pathology techniques, new preoperative chemotherapy regimens and the maturation of surgical techniques, new diagnostic and treatment options for patients with hepatoblastoma have emerged and international collaborations are investigating the latest diagnostic approaches, chemotherapy drug combinations and surgical strategies. Diagnosis of hepatoblastoma relies on imaging studies (such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and histological confirmation through biopsy. The standard treatment approach involves a multimodal strategy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. In cases where complete resection is not feasible or tumors exhibit invasive characteristics, liver transplantation is considered. The management of metastatic and recurrent hepatoblastoma poses significant challenges, and ongoing research focuses on developing targeted therapies and exploring the potential of immunotherapy. Further studies are necessary to gain a better understanding of the etiology of hepatoblastoma, develop prevention strategies, and personalize treatment approaches. We aim to review the current status of diagnosis and treatment of hepatoblastoma.

Teratoid Hepatoblastoma with Multi-Lineage Differentiation: An Uncommon Histological Variant and Review of Literature

Background

Teratoid hepatoblastoma is an uncommon but well-recognized variant of mixed hepatoblastoma.

Case report

A one-year female child presented with palpable and progressively increasing right abdominal mass for 3 months. The contrast-enhancing computed tomography (CECT) abdomen revealed a large heterogeneous hepatic mass measuring 12 × 6.6 × 6 cm. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed a mixed hepatoblastoma (epithelial and mesenchymal) with teratoid features and multi-lineage differentiation (all three germ cell layers). A focus showed embryonal rhabdomyosarcomatous element.

Conclusion

Teratoid hepatoblastoma can show a wide range of heterologous differentiation that may pose a significant diagnostic dilemma. Such a broad spectrum has not been described in the literature previously. An appropriate immunohistochemical panel may be needed to identify and delineate the various heterologous differentiation to clinch the correct diagnosis. Secondary somatic malignancy such as rhabdomyosarcoma can develop in a teratomatous element.

A single-center retrospective analysis of childhood hepatoblastoma in China

Background

This study aimed to investigate the critical factors associated with prognosis for children with hepatoblastoma (HB) in mainland China combined with the aspect of health economics and management.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed children with HB in Renji Hospital Affiliated to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2013 to December 2019. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the essential characteristics. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the survival rate and prognosis factors.

Results

For the 87 children with HB, the average survival was 2,002.8 days (95% CI: 1,798.7-2,206.9 days), the 1- and 5-year survival rates were 87.7% and 78.9%, respectively. Undergoing surgery and sex were independent prognostic factors of childhood HB. Children with HB undergoing hepatectomy (HR: 0.039) or liver transplantation (HR: 0.142) had a better prognosis, while boys were associated with a poorer prognosis (HR: 3.614). The average medical expenses for childhood HB were 40,217.5±3,862.0 CNY and liver transplantation cost more than hepatectomy.

Conclusions

The results had a comparable survival rate with other studies globally. Surgical therapy and sex are associated with the prognosis of children with HB. The economic burden of childhood HB deserves to be further explored.

Improved contemporary outcomes of liver transplantation for pediatric hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Improvement in outcomes of LT for pediatric HB and HCC has been reported in small series. We analyzed national outcomes and changes in donor, recipient, and perioperative factors over time that may contribute to survival differences.

METHODS

The UNOS database was queried for patients age <21 years that underwent LT for a primary diagnosis of HB or HCC (1987-2017). Subjects were divided into historic (transplant before 2010) and contemporary (transplant after 2010) cohorts. Baseline characteristics were compiled and examined. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

In total, 599 children with HB received LT (320 historic vs 279 contemporary). Concurrently, 141 children with HCC received LT (92 historic vs 49 contemporary). For both tumors, waitlist time decreased (HB 56.2 days historic vs 33.2 days contemporary, P = 0.017; HCC 189.3 days historic vs 71.7 days contemporary, P = 0.012). In the historic cohorts, patients with HB had a 1-year and 5-year OS of 84.6% and 75.1%, respectively. Survival for HCC was 84.4% and 59.9%, respectively. Outcomes improved in the contemporary era to 89.1% and 82.6% for HB, and 94.7% and 80.8% for HCC, respectively (both log-rank test P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Outcomes of LT have improved significantly, with contemporary survival now equivalent between these tumors and exceeding 80% 5-year OS. Future studies are needed to explore whether offering LT in patients that are resectable is justifiable.

Pretransplant trends in α-fetoprotein levels as a predictor of recurrence after living donor liver transplantation for unresectable hepatoblastoma: A single-institution experience

LT is a practical therapeutic alternative for unresectable hepatoblastoma; however, deciding when to perform LT is difficult. The aim of this study was to optimize the timing of LT for hepatoblastoma using pretransplant trends in AFP levels. Trends in pretransplant AFP levels and their influence on post-transplant outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. All patients who underwent living donor LT for hepatoblastoma in our institution since 2002 were included. Variables analyzed included history of prior tumor resection, pretransplant AFP responses to chemotherapy, metastatic disease at diagnosis, and post-transplant chemotherapy. Eight patients (seven boys and one girl; median age, 35 months; range, 15 months-12 years) were transplanted. The overall post-transplant recurrence-free survival rate was 62.5% (5/8) with a mean follow-up of 77 months. Patients with post-transplant recurrence showed a 0.573 log increase in AFP levels after the last chemotherapy session before LT. This was significantly higher than the 0.279 log decrease observed in patients without post-transplant recurrence (P = .024). Because the AFP response cannot be accurately predicted before each cycle of chemotherapy, it may be appropriate to perform LT when AFP levels do not decrease after the last cycle and before they are found to be elevated again.

Pediatric liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma is the most common pediatric liver tumor and is usually diagnosed before five years of age. Treatment consists of a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, with the goal being attainment of complete local control by surgical resection and eradication of any extrahepatic disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is utilized and is often beneficial in rendering tumors resectable; however, prolonged chemotherapy administration attempting to render tumors resectable by conventional resection should be avoided. For patients whose tumors are too extensive to be conventionally resected, liver transplantation can be curative and remains the treatment of choice for eligible patients otherwise incurable by conventional resection.

Aberrant expression of cancer stem cell markers (CD44, CD90, and CD133) contributes to disease progression and reduced survival in hepatoblastoma patients: 4-year survival data

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is an embryonal tumor of the liver in children. Prognosis and response to treatment in HB are highly variable. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a population of cells, which contribute to the development and progression of many tumors. However, their role in HB is not well defined yet. We assessed the prognostic and predictive values of some CSC markers in HB patients. Protein and messenger RNA expressions of the CSC markers CD133, CD90, and CD44 were assessed in 43 HB patients and 20 normal hepatic tissues using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of these markers were correlated to standard prognostic factors, patients' response to treatment, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). CD44, CD90, and CD133 proteins were detected in 48.8%, 32.6%, and 48.8% compared with 46.5%, 41.7%, and 58.1% RNA, respectively (concordance, 77.8%-96%). None of the normal tissue samples was positive for any of the markers. Significant correlations were reported between α-fetoprotein and both CD44 and CD133 (P = 0.02) as well as between tumor types CD90 and CD133 (P = 0.009). Reduced OS correlated with CD44, CD90, and CD133 expressions (P < 0.001), advanced stage (P < 0.001), response to treatment (P < 0.001), and total excision of the tumor. Reduced DFS correlated with CD44 and CD133 expressions (P < 0.001) only. In conclusion, CD133, CD44, and CD90 could be used as prognostic and predictive markers in HB. High expression of these markers is significantly associated with poor response to treatment and reduced survival. Moreover, complete surgical resection and systemic chemotherapy are essential to achieve good response and prolonged survival, especially in early stage patients.

Liver transplantation for malignancy: Current treatment strategies and future perspectives

In 1967, Starzl et al performed the first successful liver transplantation for a patient diagnosed with hepatoblastoma. In the following, liver transplantation was considered ideal for complete tumor resection and potential cure from primary hepatic malignancies. Several reports of liver transplantation for primary and metastatic liver cancer however showed disappointing results and the strategy was soon dismissed. In 1996, Mazzaferro et al introduced the Milan criteria, offering liver transplantation to patients diagnosed with limited hepatocellular carcinoma. Since then, liver transplantation for malignant disease is an ongoing subject of preclinical and clinical research. In this context, several aspects must be considered: (1) Given the shortage of deceased-donor organs, long-term overall and disease free survival should be comparable with results obtained in patients transplanted for non-malignant disease; (2) In this regard, living-donor liver transplantation may in selected patients help to solve the ethical dilemma of optimal individual patient treatment vs organ allocation justice; and (3) Ongoing research focusing on perioperative therapy and anti-proliferative immunosuppressive regimens may further reduce tumor recurrence in patients transplanted for malignant disease and thus improve overall survival. The present review gives an overview of current indications and future perspectives of liver transplantation for malignant disease.

Surgical treatment of hepatoblastoma

Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of cure in hepatoblastoma (HB). Meticulous review of contrast enhanced CT/MR imaging facilitates PRETEXT and POST-TEXT grouping to determine optimal timing and desired extent of liver resection. Excellent knowledge of liver anatomy is essential and the dissection must ensure protection of the vascular inflow and outflow to the remaining liver at all times. Referral to a liver specialty center in advanced cases may facilitate resectability. Potential surgical complications include bleeding, vascular injury, cardiac arrest, liver failure, and bile leak. The risk of complications can be minimized with preoperative planning, appropriate referral, and precise surgical technique.

Current concepts in pediatric liver tumors

Liver tumors in children can be classified into benign or malignant; some of the benign lesions can have the potential of malignant transformation, and therefore the therapeutic approach may change. These neoplasms account for nearly 1-2% of all pediatric tumors and they have gained significant attention in the last decades due to data suggesting that the incidence may be increasing 5% annually. We know that with new and improved imaging modalities some of these lesions may be detected more often than before. Recent studies showed that liver cancer represented 2% of malignancies in infants by 1980s and this was doubled in incidence to 4% in the following 10 yr. In this review our aim is to discuss all primary liver tumors in children with attention to their clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features followed by the current standard of care.

Successful treatment of unresectable advanced hepatoblastoma: living liver transplantation after surgical removal of lung metastasis

Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the liver in children. Intensive combination chemotherapy has increased the number of surgically resectable cases and improved prognosis markedly. However, unresectable cases and cases with residual metastasis, including lung metastases, have a poor prognosis. In these refractory cases, treatment strategy has not been established. On the other hand, living liver transplantation has been shown to be effective in cases of advanced hepatoblastoma, but its effectiveness in cases with residual distant metastases after chemotherapy remains unclear. We report one successful case of advanced unresectable hepatoblastoma with multiple lung metastases. Intensive chemotherapy consisting of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was not effective. We performed living liver transplantation after surgical resection of residual lung metastases, which were histologically viable. After liver transplantation, the level of tumor marker decreased gradually. The patient experienced no severe complications. This case suggested that living liver transplantation could be effective in cases of advanced refractory hepatoblastoma after control of distant metastases.

Critical review of controversial issues in the management of advanced pediatric liver tumors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma (HB) are the most common primary tumors of liver in children. The management of patients with locally advanced, unresectable disease or those with extra-hepatic distant metastases provides substantial challenges to pediatric oncologists, hepatologists, and surgeons. Herein, we critically debate the two sides of three specific controversies: (1) the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced pediatric HCC; (2) the indications for liver transplantation in children with HCC, specifically, the appropriateness of using adult Milan criteria; and (3) the role of liver trasplantation in children with unresectable HB that present with metastatic disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1013-1018. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Progress in the surgical treatment of malignant liver tumors in children

During the last decade, important progress has been made in the surgical treatment of malignant liver tumors in children. For hepatoblastoma, there is a general consensus for combining surgical resection with neoadjuvant (and adjuvant) chemotherapy. Long-term disease-free survival of around 85-90% can be achieved for resectable HB involving no more than three sections of the liver (PRETEXT I-III). For unresectable HB without extrahepatic invasion (PRETEXT IV with involvement of all four sections and some cases of PRETEXT III with invasion of, or close contact with major venous structures), similar results can be obtained with total hepatectomy and liver transplantation. For hepatocellular carcinoma, most often without underlying liver disease in children of the western world, results of resection with partial hepatectomy remain dismal, due to a high rate of recurrence. In contrast, remarkable survival rates have been obtained during the last decade with liver transplantation. There is no argument, either biological or based on evidence, that the selection of pediatric candidates for transplantation should be based on the same criteria as in adult patients (the Milan criteria). Optimization of results require to concentrate children with a malignant liver tumors in specialized, multidisciplinary pediatric centers with expertise in chemotherapy and in both major liver resections and transplantation. Enrolling these children in prospective trials should be encouraged, as well as prospective registration of transplanted patients in PLUTO (Pediatric Liver Unresectable Tumor Observatory-http://Pluto.cineca.org) in order to clarify issues unresolved by retrospective studies.

Defining hepatoblastoma responsiveness to induction therapy as measured by tumor volume and serum alpha-fetoprotein kinetics

PURPOSE

Hepatoblastoma is commonly unresectable at presentation, necessitating induction chemotherapy before definitive resection. To refine the paradigm for timing of resection, we questioned whether a plateau in hepatoblastoma responsiveness to neoadjuvant therapy could be detected by calculating tumor volume (TV) and serum alpha-fetoprotein (sAFP) kinetics.

METHODS

To calculate TV and sAFP as measures of treatment responsiveness over time, infants having initially unresectable epithelial-type hepatoblastomas were identified at a single institution (1996-2008). Effects of therapy type, therapy duration, and lobe of liver involvement on TV, sAFP, margin status, and toxicity were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 24 infants treated for epithelial-type hepatoblastoma during this interval, 5 were resected primarily, and 15 had complete digital films for kinetics analysis. Both TV and sAFP decreased dramatically over time (P < .0001). No statistically significant difference in mean TV or sAFP was detected after chemotherapy cycle 2. Left lobe tumors had greater presenting levels of and significantly slower decay in sAFP compared with right lobe tumors (P = .005), although no statistically significant differences in TV existed between liver lobes. Resection margins did not change with therapy duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring TV and sAFP kinetics accurately reflects hepatoblastoma responsiveness to induction therapy. Treatment toxicities may be reduced by earlier resection and tailoring of chemotherapeutic regimens.

Liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma

From October 1993 to February 2007, 25 liver transplantations were performed for hepatoblastoma. Of these 25, 18 children received cadaveric grafts, and 7 received left lateral segments from living donors. Fifteen patients were at level IV in the pretreatment extent of disease staging system for hepatoblastoma (PRETEXT IV; 11 received cadaveric grafts and 4 underwent living related liver transplantation [LRLT]) and 10 were level III (PRETEXT III; 7 received cadaveric grafts and 3 underwent LRLT). Preoperative chemotherapy was given according to the risk stratification system for children with hepatoblastoma protocols of the International Childhood Liver Tumour Strategy Group of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOPEL): SIOPEL I in the first 3 patients, SIOPEL II in 6, SIOPEL III in 10, and SIOPEL IV in 3 patients. Patient and graft survival after cadaveric transplantation was 91%, 77.6%, and 77.6%, at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively, with no retransplantations. Patient and graft survival for children undergoing LRLT was 100%, 83.3%, and 83.3%, at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. All surviving children but 1 remain disease-free, with a median follow up of 6.8 years (range, 0.9-14.9). There were 5 deaths at a median of 13 months post-transplantation, secondary to tumor recurrence (4) and respiratory failure (1). Liver transplantation is an established treatment for unresectable hepatoblastoma confined to the liver following chemotherapy. LRLT is a therapeutic option given that the outcome is similar to that of resection and cadaveric transplantation.

Liver transplantation for non-hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy

Liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma is effective for selected patients. LT for other malignancies like cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatoblastoma (HB), hepatic epithelioid hemangioepithelioma (HEHE), angiosarcoma (AS), and neuroendocrine tumors (NET) is being defined. For CCA, series that did not emphasize highly selected early stage disease and neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemoradiation had an average 5-year survival of 10%. However, emphasizing neoadjuvant radiation and chemosensitization in operatively confirmed stage I or II hilar CCA has led to improved 5-year survival, up to 82%. LT is indicated under strict research protocols at selected centers, for patients with early stage CCA and anatomically unresectable (Bismuth type IV) lesions. HB is typically sensitive to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. LT plays a role as primary surgical therapy for those individuals in whom tumors remain unresectable after chemotherapy or as rescue therapy for those who are incompletely resected, recur after resection, or develop hepatic insufficiency after chemotherapy and/or resection. Long-term survival is reported at 58-88%. HEHE is a multifocal tumor that lies somewhere between benign hemangiomas and malignant AS. The extensive multifocal nature makes resection difficult and LT an attractive option. Series on LT for HEHE report overall survival of 71-78% at 5 years. However, AS is an aggressive tumor and LT is contraindicated. For NET, resection of the primary tumor and all gross metastatic disease is reported to provide 5-year survival of 70-85%. LT has been employed for some patients for unresectable tumors or for palliation of medically uncontrollable symptoms with 5-year survival reported between 36% and 80%.

Features predicting unresectability in hepatoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of patients who have hepatoblastoma (HB) still have unresectable disease after preoperative chemotherapy (POC). In these circumstances, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) should be performed 1 month after POC. The authors sought to identify presenting features that would predict unresectability in patients with HB and to provide suggestions for early referral and listing for OLT.

METHODS

Notes, radiology films, and histology from patients who were treated over the previous 20 years were reviewed. Unfeasible resection was defined by bilobar involvement, vascular extension, and metastatic disease after POC. Failed conservative treatment (FCT) was used to categorize patients who were not disease-free with their native liver > or =1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Of 28 patients who were studied, 14 patients underwent resection, and 10 patients required OLT. Four patients did not undergo any type of surgery because of tumor progression. Overall, the 5-year survival rate was 76% (95% confidence interval, 54.8-89%). Predictors of FCT were multifocality (P = .006), a high pretreatment extent of tumor (PRETEXT) score (III or IV; P = .006), portal vein involvement (P = .02), hepatic vein involvement (P = .02), or vena cava involvement (P = .05). Patients who achieved a curative resection presented at a younger age (median, 0.7 years vs 4.2 years, P = .02). Patients who had multifocal lesions and those who had an alpha-fetoprotein (alphaFP) level <100 ng/mL survived only if they underwent transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HB who were managed by combined chemotherapy and surgery has a high survival rate. Older patients who had multifocal tumors, high PRETEXT scores, involvement of major liver vessels, and alphaFP levels <100 ng/mL were less likely to achieve curative resection. These findings at presentation should lead the clinicians to liaise early with a transplantation center.

Unresectable multifocal hepatoblastoma with cardiac extension: excellent response with HB-94 chemotherapy protocol

A 10-month-old white infant presented with abdominal distention and bilateral scrotal hernia. Imaging studies of the abdomen and thorax showed a huge liver with multiple tumor masses and calcification involving all the segments. There was thrombosis in the inferior vena cava and right atrium. alpha-Fetoprotein was 246,000 IU/mL. HB-94 chemotherapy protocol was started at once due to rapid deterioration of the patient. Surgical biopsy performed after the first IPA (ifosfamide, cisplatin, doxorubicin) course showed hepatoblastoma with macrotrabecular variant. After a second IPA course and 2 courses of carboplatin and etoposide, the boy's clinical condition was excellent with normal alpha-fetoprotein but minimal regression and increased calcification in the tumor mass. Hepatic tumor was unresectable and no surgical intervention was performed. Transplantation could not be performed because of high morbidity and mortality. Despite general agreement that complete surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with hepatoblastoma, the patient is in remission with 100% Karnofsky score in the 43 months of diagnosis.

Living and deceased donor liver transplantation for unresectable hepatoblastoma at a single center

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. The application of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the management of unresectable HB may add new therapeutic opportunities. We evaluated the outcomes of patients who underwent liver transplantation for treatment of unresectable HB in the period between August 1985 and June 2003. Ten children had a diagnosis of unresectable HB. Mean age at transplantation was 5.8 yr. Eight patients were transplanted with deceased donor grafts. Two patients underwent LDLT. Pre-transplant chemotherapy was used in 90% of cases. Post-transplant survival ranges from 3.7 to 18.6 yr. Three patients died of recurrent disease at 4, 14 and 38 months. The two LDLT recipients were able to get pre-transplant chemotherapy with a rapid decision towards transplantation; both are alive and well at 5.5 and 11 yr post-transplant. Our experience supports the role of LDLT and deceased donor liver transplantation in the management of unresectable HB when waiting times can be detrimental to the patient's survival.

Liver transplantation for childhood hepatic malignancy: a review of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only treatment option for unresectable hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in children. Aggregated outcomes of OLT for these hepatic malignancies have not been evaluated in the United Network for Organ Sharing national database.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate graft and patient survival in pediatric OLT recipients with HB and HCC.

METHODS

Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant and Research Files were analyzed and included pediatric (<18 years) OLT recipients with HB or HCC from 1987 to 2004. The effects of diagnosis on pretransplant variables were evaluated using analysis of variance methods or chi2 tests, as appropriate. Actuarial survival and effect of diagnosis on survival were determined using Kaplan-Meier methods and log-rank tests.

RESULTS

Since 1987, 152 OLTs have been performed in 135 pediatric patients for HB and 43 OLTs in 41 pediatric patients for HCC. Respective 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival after OLT was 79%, 69%, and 66% for HB and 86%, 63%, and 58% for HCC (P = .73). The primary cause of death for both groups was metastatic or recurrent disease, accounting for 54% of deaths in the HB group and 86% in the HCC group (P = .338). Patients with hepatoblastoma were younger (mean age, 2.9 +/- 2.5 vs 10.4 +/- 4.8 years for the HCC group; P < .001) and more likely to receive a living donor organ (16% vs 4%, P = .03). A greater proportion of the patients with HB had previous abdominal surgery than patients with HCC (63% HB vs 37% HCC, P = .04). Pretransplant medical condition and transplant era were associated with graft and patient survival on univariate and multivariate analysis (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic liver transplantation remains a viable option for pediatric patients with unresectable primary hepatic malignancies and results in good long-term survival. Pretransplant medical condition is an important predictor of outcome. Thus, in conjunction with better chemotherapy regimens, earlier evaluation for OLT in patients with unresectable HB and HCC may result in yet further improved long-term survival.

Living-donor liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. Recently, liver transplantation has been indicated for unresectable hepatoblastoma. We retrospectively reviewed 14 children with a diagnosis of hepatoblastoma who had undergone living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at Kyoto University Hospital. During the period from June 1990 to December 2004, 607 children underwent LDLT. Of these interventions, 2.3% were performed for hepatoblastoma. Based on radiological findings, the pre-treatment extent of disease (PRETEXT) grouping was used for pre-treatment staging of the tumor. There were grade III in seven patients and grade IV in seven patients. Thirteen patients received chemotherapy, and seven underwent hepatectomy 11 times. Immunosuppressive treatment consisted of tacrolimus monotherapy in 11 patients. Actuarial 1- and 5-year graft and patient survival rates were 78.6% and 65.5%. The poor prognostic factors were macroscopic venous invasion and extrahepatic involvement with 1-year and 5-year survival rates of 33.0% and 0%. Pediatric patients without these factors showed an acceptable 5-year survival rate of 90.9%. LDLT provides a valuable alternative with excellent results in children with hepatoblastoma because it allows optimal timing of the liver transplantation, given the absence of delay between the completion of chemotherapy and planned liver transplantation.

Transplantation and palliative care: the convergence of two seemingly opposite realities

One of the authors once asked a great transplant surgeon what came to his mind when asked about palliative care. He had two answers: the first,was somewhat simplistic; the second was profound. He said that this type of service was helpful in the ICU when there was not much more to be done surgically for a patient who was dying; the second, was a story about an individual whom he had transplanted three times (who survived!) because he and his team did not want the patient and family to give up hope. The second answer is fundamentally more in keeping with the philosophy of palliative care, despite the extraordinary specific circumstances. The surgeon demonstrated ongoing presence and non abandonment. This patient was palliated, although few surgeons could have accomplished this by doing two retransplantations! Fortunately, for the less gifted and lucky, there are many ways in which to continue a meaningful presence to an ailing or dying patient on a transplant service that do not require a transplantation procedure. One wonders why palliative care and transplantation have not been more formally acquainted in the past given the extensive overlap of the populations served, the nature of the day-to-day problems, and the intensity of the commitment to the patient. The time is ripe for a formal mutual acquaintance between palliative care specialists and transplant teams,perhaps in the format of a work group that is similar to the work groups that promoted excellence in palliative care, such as the End Stage Renal Disease Workgroup, that were grant funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The fields of transplantation and palliative care have a treasure trove of experience that is lacking in the other that could be exchanged profitably with a great sense of satisfaction for all.

Association between surgical margins and long-term outcome in advanced hepatoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Many patients with hepatoblastoma present with unresectable disease. Neoadjuvant therapy has improved resectability rates to as high as 70% to 90%. Despite this improvement, many patients will be left with tumors that are of borderline resectability. The authors hypothesize that favorable outcomes may be achieved even with resection margins less than 1 cm thus sparing the need for liver transplantation.

METHODS

Between January 1981 and March 2003, 23 patients age less than 16 years with a diagnosis of hepatoblastoma undergoing surgical resection were identified. The clinical characteristics, pathologic resection margins, and survival status were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eighteen (78%) of the patients were alive with no evidence of recurrence at last follow-up. Thirteen (56.5%) had > or =1 cm resection margins, whereas 10 (43.5%) had resection margins less than 1 cm. Eleven (47.8%) presented with PRETEXT III tumors. There was no significant difference in survival rate between resection margins less than 1 cm and > or =1 cm (P =.13; 95% CI 0.91 to 2.61). Thirteen patients (56.5%) presented with synchronous pulmonary metastatic disease, where survival was significantly worse (P =.04; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.50). Subgroup analysis confirmed that margins less than 1 cm did not significantly affect survival after controlling for pulmonary metastatic disease (P =.56; 95% CI 0.71 to 3.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection with margins less than 1 cm are associated with survival that is equivalent to resection with margins > or =1 cm. Our findings suggest it is preferable to preserve key structures with a small resection margin and therefore spare the need for liver transplantation in patients with advanced hepatoblastoma.

Emerging Role of Transplantation for Primary Liver Cancers

Liver transplantation (LT) has been utilized in the treatment of primary hepatic malignancy for decades. Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) remains the most common malignant condition treated with LT, with almost 400 such transplants performed annually in the US. Refinement in the selection criteria for LT in patients with HCC has led to survival rates similar to those for LT in nonmalignant conditions. Excellent results have also been reported following LT for select patients with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and hepatoblastoma. Patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated with LT have generally faired poorly, with survival rates far below that of LT for nonmalignant conditions. Improved survival has recently been reported following LT for cholangiocarcinoma in highly select patients treated with aggressive neoadjuvant therapy. The future utility of LT in the treatment of malignancy will be influenced by several factors, including a profound organ donor shortage faced worldwide; increasing prevalence of hepatitis C, HCC and cirrhosis; and the evolution of live donor liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma: results from the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) study SIOPEL-1 and review of the world experience

BACKGROUND

For hepatoblastoma (HB) that remains unresectable by partial hepatectomy after chemotherapy, total hepatectomy with orthotopic liver transplantation (LTX) has been advocated as the best treatment option. The role of LTX in the overall management of HB is still, however, unclear.

PROCEDURE

The results of LTX from the first study of HB by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, SIOPEL-1, were analyzed. In addition, the world experience of LTX for HB was extensively reviewed. Twelve patients in the SIOPEL-1 study underwent a LTX. Median (range) follow-up at Dec. 31, 2001 was 117 months (52-125) since LTX.

RESULTS

Overall survival at 10 years post-LTX was 85% for the seven children who received a "primary LTX" and 40% for the 5 children who underwent a "rescue LTX" after previous partial hepatectomy. In the world experience (147 cases), the overall survival rate at 6 year post-LTX was 82% for 106 patients who received a "primary LTX" and 30% for 41 patients who underwent a "rescue LTX." Multivariate analysis of patients undergoing primary LTX showed that only macroscopic venous invasion had a significant impact (P-value: 0.045 with a hazard ratio of 2.96) on overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic LTX has added a new dimension to the treatment of HB unresectable by partial hepatectomy. Because of the rarity of the disease and to optimize results, children with extensive HB should be treated in centers with surgical expertise in pediatric major liver resection and LTX, in close collaboration with pediatric oncologists, radiologists, and histopathologists.

Current status of liver transplantation in children

There are two critical issues on opposite ends of the timeline for patients who are eligible for liver transplantation. On the one hand, the crisis in the cadaveric organ supply makes surviving to transplant ever more risky. On the other hand, patients who receive successful transplants face the consequences of long-term immunosuppression and its potentially life-threatening complications. The donor shortage is forcing difficult decisions that affect all patients who await liver transplantation. It is important to scrutinize carefully the results of all policies that govern allocation and the ethics of the solutions we advocate to ensure that no patient subgroup is being at a disadvantage. Current immunosuppression practices are being challenged by an increasing understanding of the immunologic events triggered by the allograft and the goal to free patients from consequences of a lifetime of immunosuppression. Clinicians can expect, and perhaps require, that new immunosuppressive protocols will address how the planned intervention might be expected to advance the understanding of tolerance mechanisms. As knowledge increases, clinicians can anticipate innovative new immunosuppressive proposals. Calcineurin and steroid-free induction, the use of donor-derived bone marrow infusion, recipient pretreatment, costimulatory blockade, and new antibody induction approaches are all being proposed--often in combination--for clinical trials. Researchers face additional challenges in defining endpoints if the goal is not just the short-term reduction in rejection but the minimization, and eventual discontinuation, of immunosuppressive drugs while maintaining excellent long-term graft function. How much "failure" will be accepted and how will it be defined? How will clinicians interpret liver biopsies if they begin to accept that some lymphocytic infiltrates may be beneficial mediators of the ongoing immune activation necessary for the maintenance of tolerance? How will they adjust immunosuppression practices to the dynamic processes in the immune response that maintain tolerance? Remarkable short-term successes in providing transplants for thousands of children with liver failure have brought these challenges into sharp focus. Clinicians must seek to move the life-giving science of transplantation toward a new goal: providing long lifetimes of excellent graft function with minimal toxicity from immunosuppressive drugs and the hope of freedom from immunosuppression altogether. Pediatric liver recipients, whose grafts have inherent tolerogenic potential and for whom we can anticipate decades of life after transplant, may prove to be an ideal study population to further these goals.