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Li PJ, Shah S, Mehta N. Recent Advances in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024:10.1007/s11864-024-01247-8. [PMID: 39085572 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01247-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains an evolving field. Major challenges HCC transplant patients face today include liver organ donor shortages and the need for both better pre-transplant bridging/downstaging therapies and post-transplant HCC recurrence treatment options. The advent of immunotherapy and the demonstrated efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple solid tumors including advanced/unresectable HCC hold promise in expanding both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant HCC transplant treatment regimen, though caution is needed with these immune modulating agents leading up to and following transplant. New options for pre-transplant HCC management will expand access to this curative option as well as ensure patients have adequate control of their HCC prior to transplant to maximize the utility of a liver donor. Machine perfusion has been an active area of investigation in recent years and could expand the organ donor pool, helping address current liver donor shortages. Finally, additional HCC biomarkers such as AFP-L3 and DCP have shown promise in improving risk stratification of HCC patients. Together, these three recent advancements will likely alter HCC transplant guidelines in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Jonathan Li
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, 533 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Sachin Shah
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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2
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Martin SP, Mehta N, Emamaullee J. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver transplantation: Current practice, challenges, and opportunities. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:742-752. [PMID: 38345379 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are becoming a mainstay of cancer treatment. While first studied and approved for patients with unresectable disease, due to their efficacy, they are becoming increasingly used in the perioperative period across many cancer types. In patients with HCC, immune checkpoint inhibitors have now become the standard of care in the advanced setting and have shown promising results in the adjuvant setting after liver resection. While these drugs continue to show promise, their role in the peritransplant setting still remains a question. In this review, we explore the current use of this class of medications in patients with HCC, as well as the immunologic role of the pathways that they inhibit. We also identify potential for future research opportunities to better understand the role of these medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Martin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Juliet Emamaullee
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Mehta N, Kelley RK, Yao FY. Refining the approach to down-staging of HCC prior to liver transplantation: Patient selection, loco-regional treatments, and systemic therapies. Hepatology 2024; 80:238-253. [PMID: 37183865 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - R Katie Kelley
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Francis Y Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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4
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Pang L, Xu LB, Wu WR. Downstaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Before Liver Transplantation: Current Advances in Selection Criteria and Therapeutic Options. Transplant Proc 2024; 56:1396-1405. [PMID: 39089899 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is an ideal therapeutic option for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The selection criteria of HCC for LT have evolved in recent decades. Downstaging therapy is a promising strategy for patients with tumor burden beyond transplant criteria to increase the chance of receiving LT and improve posttransplant survival. Downstaging therapy is also a selection tool that refines the conventional selection criteria based on tumor morphology. Recently, the success of systemic treatment, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and VEGF inhibitors, in advanced HCC has prompted the discussion regarding the role of systemic therapies for HCC downstaging before transplantation. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current advances in selection criteria and therapeutic options of downstaging therapy for HCC before LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Pang
- Liver Transplantation Center & Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei-Bo Xu
- Liver Transplantation Center & Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Rui Wu
- Liver Transplantation Center & Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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5
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Xiao T, Hu S, Dong S, Cai Q, Gong W, Zhang Y, Long C, Li X. A study on combination of non-ablative local RFA with PD-1 and angiogenesis blocking to prolong survival through improvement of immune microenvironment in advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112144. [PMID: 38733820 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), an effective local treatment method for early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), combined with PD-1 blocking and anti-angiogenic therapy is being extensively explored in advanced HCC, however, the definite results and underlying mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. Therefore, whether non-ablative RFA-based combined therapy can play a synergistic anti-tumor effect through improving tumor immune microenvironment was investigated by us in HCC mouse models. Our results showed that non-ablative RFA could regulate multilayered immunity, such as inducing immunogenic death of tumor cells, upregulating the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, mainly IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10, and subsequently promoting the infiltration of CD8 + T cells. As a result, a significant synergistic anti-tumor effect was demonstrated in the combination therapy group. Similarly, in the real-world setting, non-curative RFA combined with PD-1 blocking and Lenvatinib for 12 patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C achieve promising results, with 6.9 months (95 % CI: 3.23-15.73) median progression-free survival (mPFS) and 12.7 months (95 % CI: 7.40-19.73) median overall survival (mOS). The common treatment-related adverse reactions were pneumonia and thyroiditis with low prevalence, both less than grade 3 and manageable by symptomatic treatment. Summarily, local non-ablative RFA should be a clinically preferred strategy in combination with PD-1 blocking and anti-angiogenic therapy, because this more flexible scheme abandons its historical concept of tumor eradication, but fully utilizes the immune regulatory function by inducing immunogenic tumor death and has higher-level of safety. Therefore, this is a two-pronged and highly balanced approach to achieved favorable treatment outcomes, while conclusive evidence is still pending, it can be attempted in the real world anyway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlin Xiao
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Cai
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Gong
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Cheng Long
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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6
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Martínez Burgos M, González Grande R, López Ortega S, Santaella Leiva I, de la Cruz Lombardo J, Santoyo Santoyo J, Jiménez Pérez M. Liver Transplantation for Hepatocarcinoma: Results over Two Decades of a Transplantation Programme and Analysis of Factors Associated with Recurrence. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1302. [PMID: 38927509 PMCID: PMC11200972 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061302] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, many studies have attempted to develop models to predict the recurrence of hepatocarcinoma after liver transplantation. METHOD A single-centre, retrospective cohort study analysed patients receiving transplants due to hepatocarcinoma during the 20 years of the transplant programme. We analysed patient survival, hepatocarcinoma recurrence and the influence of the different factors described in the literature as related to hepatocarcinoma recurrence. We compared the results of previous items between the first and second decades of the transplantation programme (1995-2010 and 2010-2020). RESULTS Of 265 patients, the patient survival rate was 68% at 5 years, 58% at 10 years, 45% at 15 years and 34% at 20 years. The overall recurrence rate of hepatocarcinoma was 14.5%, without differences between periods. Of these, 54% of recurrences occurred early, in the first two years after transplantation. Of the parameters analysed, an alpha-fetoprotein level of >16 ng/mL, the type of immunosuppression used and the characteristics of the pathological anatomy of the explant were significant. A trend towards statistical significance was identified for the number of nodules and the size of the largest nodule. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop a model with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 35.7% to predict recurrences in our cohort. Regarding the comparison between periods, the survival and recurrence rates of hepatocarcinoma were similar. The impact of the factors analysed in both decades was similar. CONCLUSIONS Most recurrences occur during the first two years post-transplantation, so closer follow-ups should be performed during this period, especially in those patients where the model predicts a high risk of recurrence. The detection of patients at higher risk of recurrence allows for closer follow-up and may, in the future, make them candidates for adjuvant or neoadjuvant systemic therapies to transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Martínez Burgos
- Liver Transplant Unit, Digestive System Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (R.G.G.); (S.L.O.); (I.S.L.); (J.d.l.C.L.); (M.J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomedica de Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - Rocío González Grande
- Liver Transplant Unit, Digestive System Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (R.G.G.); (S.L.O.); (I.S.L.); (J.d.l.C.L.); (M.J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomedica de Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - Susana López Ortega
- Liver Transplant Unit, Digestive System Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (R.G.G.); (S.L.O.); (I.S.L.); (J.d.l.C.L.); (M.J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomedica de Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - Inmaculada Santaella Leiva
- Liver Transplant Unit, Digestive System Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (R.G.G.); (S.L.O.); (I.S.L.); (J.d.l.C.L.); (M.J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomedica de Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - Jesús de la Cruz Lombardo
- Liver Transplant Unit, Digestive System Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (R.G.G.); (S.L.O.); (I.S.L.); (J.d.l.C.L.); (M.J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomedica de Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
| | - Julio Santoyo Santoyo
- Instituto de Investigación Biomedica de Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
- Liver Transplant Unit, General Surgery and Digestive System Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Jiménez Pérez
- Liver Transplant Unit, Digestive System Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (R.G.G.); (S.L.O.); (I.S.L.); (J.d.l.C.L.); (M.J.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomedica de Plataforma en Nanomedicina—IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29590 Malaga, Spain;
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7
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Li M, Bhoori S, Mehta N, Mazzaferro V. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: The next evolution in expanding access to liver transplantation. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00423-9. [PMID: 38848767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, several phase III trials of immunotherapy in combination with surgical or locoregional therapies for early-to intermediate-stage HCC have recently reported positive results, and other phase III trials in the same patient population are currently in progress. As the application of immunotherapy is shifting to include patients with earlier stages of HCC, one looming question now emerges: What is the role of immunotherapy in the pre-liver transplant population? Liver transplantation is a potentially curative therapy for HCC and confers the additional advantage of restoring a normal, healthy liver. In pre-transplant patients, immunotherapy may improve downstaging success and tumour control at the cost of some immunologic risks. These include immune-related toxicities, which are particularly relevant in a uniquely vulnerable population with chronic liver disease, and the possibility of acute rejection after transplantation. Ultimately, the goal of immunotherapy in this population will be to effectively expand access to liver transplantation while preserving pre- and post-transplant outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms supporting combination immunotherapy, summarise key recent clinical data from major immunotherapy trials, and explore how immunotherapy can be applied in the neoadjuvant setting prior to liver transplantation in selected high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - Sherrie Bhoori
- Division of HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University of Milan, and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA.
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Division of HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University of Milan, and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan Italy.
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8
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Dajti G, Germinario G, Prosperi E, Siniscalchi A, Vasuri F, Valente S, Odaldi F, Maroni L, Serenari M, Bertuzzo V, Laurenzi A, Del Gaudio M, Cescon M, Ravaioli M. The role of cold ischemia time and hypothermic perfusion in predicting early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrences after liver transplantation. Artif Organs 2024; 48:619-625. [PMID: 38270476 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to identify predictors of early tumor recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS Retrospective cohort study in 237 consecutive liver recipients with HCC between 2016 and 2021. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify predictors of early HCC recurrences. The impact of hypothermic-oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) on outcome was analyzed after propensity score weighting. RESULTS Early recurrences were observed in 15 cases. Microvascular invasion (OR 3.737, 95% CI 1.246-11.206, p = 0.019) and cold ischemia time (OR 1.155, 95% CI 1.001-1.333, p = 0.049) were independently associated with a lower risk of HCC recurrences. After balancing for relevant variables, patients in the HOPE group had lower rates of tumor recurrence (weighted OR 0.126, 95% CI 0.016-0.989, p = 0.049) and higher recurrence free survival (weighted HR 0.132, 95% CI 0.017-0.999, p = 0.050). CONCLUSION Reducing cold ischemia time and graft perfusion with HOPE can lead to lower rates of early HCC recurrences and higher recurrence-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerti Dajti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliana Germinario
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Prosperi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Siniscalchi
- Intensive Care Unit, IRCSS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Vasuri
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Valente
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Odaldi
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maroni
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Serenari
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Bertuzzo
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Laurenzi
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Del Gaudio
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cescon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- General Surgery and Transplantation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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9
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Tabrizian P, Abdelrahim M, Schwartz M. Immunotherapy and transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024; 80:822-825. [PMID: 38253289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as the primary treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have shown promise in the neoadjuvant setting prior to resection. Liver transplantation (LT) is the preferred treatment for unresectable early HCC or locally advanced disease post locoregional therapy, but the need for immunosuppression after LT conflicts with ICIs' immune augmenting effects. Neoadjuvant ICI may benefit select LT candidates, but challenges arise in understanding response indicators and managing post-LT risks. Reports of severe rejection after LT have raised concerns, though liver-specific factors may mitigate rejection risks, prompting exploration of pre-LT ICI usage. While focus has been on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, the optimal pre-LT ICI regimen remains uncertain, and trials must emphasize careful patient selection and management. Living donor LT is advantageous because ICIs can be withheld for a predefined washout period. In the post-LT setting, use of ICIs is generally avoided, though a few reports suggest that PD-L1 expression in the transplanted liver may be a safety biomarker and that, despite the risk, ICI therapy may be better than supportive care for patients with otherwise-untreatable HCC recurrence. This expert opinion highlights the complexities in the management of HCC vis-à-vis LT. Prospective studies and biomarkers are needed to define safe and effective pre- and post-LT immunotherapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parissa Tabrizian
- Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Maen Abdelrahim
- Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Texas Medical Center, Texas, United States
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.
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10
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Piñero F, Mauro E, Casciato P, Forner A. From evidence to clinical practice: Bridging the gap of new liver cancer therapies in Latin America. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101185. [PMID: 38042481 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The most common primary liver tumors are hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. They constitute the sixth most common neoplasia and the third cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although both tumors may share etiologic factors, diagnosis, prognostic factors, and treatments, they differ substantially in determining distinctive clinical management. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the management of these neoplasms, particularly in advanced stages. In this review, we focus on the most relevant diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment aspects of both, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, underlying their applicability in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Austral University, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ezequiel Mauro
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) group. IDIBAPS. Barcelona. Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Liver Unit. Liver Oncology Unit. ICMDM. Hospital Clinic Barcelona. Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Forner
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) group. IDIBAPS. Barcelona. Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Liver Unit. Liver Oncology Unit. ICMDM. Hospital Clinic Barcelona. Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Guo Z, Liu Y, Ling Q, Xu L, Wang T, Zhu J, Lin Y, Lu X, Qu W, Zhang F, Zhu Z, Zhang J, Jia Z, Zeng P, Wang W, Sun Q, Luo Q, Hu Z, Zheng Z, Jia Y, Li J, Zheng Y, Wang M, Wang S, Han Z, Yu S, Li C, Zhang S, Xiong J, Deng F, Liu Y, Chen H, Wang Y, Li L, Liang W, Schlegel A, Björn N, Liu C, Zheng S, He X. Pre-transplant Use of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study. Am J Transplant 2024:S1600-6135(24)00278-8. [PMID: 38642712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.04.007] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as a downstaging or bridging therapy for liver transplantation (LT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is rapidly increasing. However, the evidence about the feasibility and safety of pre-LT ICIs therapy is limited and controversial. To this end, a multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted in 11 Chinese centers. The results showed that 83 recipients received pre-LT ICIs therapy during the study period. The median post-LT follow up was 8.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.3-14.6) months. During the short follow-up, 23 (27.7%) recipients developed allograft rejection, and 7 of them (30.4%) was diagnosed by liver biopsy. Multivariate logistics regression analysis showed that time interval between the last administration of ICIs therapy and LT (TLAT) ≥ 30 days was an independent protective factor for allograft rejection (OR = 0.096, 95%CI 0.026-0.357; P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that allograft rejection was an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) (HR = 9.960, 95%CI 1.006-98.610; P = 0.043). We conclude that patients who receive a pre-LT ICIs therapy with a TLAT shorter than 30 days have a much higher risk of allograft rejection than those with a TLAT longer than 30 days. The presence of rejection episodes might be associated with a higher post-LT mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Guo
- Organ Transplant Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou 510080, China; NHC key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Organ Transplant Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Leibo Xu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Tielong Wang
- Organ Transplant Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yimou Lin
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xinjun Lu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Liver Transplantation Center, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing100000, China; Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing100000, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Liver Transplantation Center, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing100000, China; Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing100000, China
| | - Zhijun Zhu
- Liver Transplantation Center, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing100000, China; Clinical Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Capital Medical University, Beijing100000, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zehua Jia
- Organ Transplant Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ping Zeng
- Organ Transplant Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Qijie Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Zemin Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Zhouying Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yingbin Jia
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yujian Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou 510010, China
| | - Mengchao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou 510010, China
| | - Shaoping Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou 510010, China
| | - Zemin Han
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chuanjiang Li
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shuhua Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Surgery, Liver transplant center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jun Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Surgery, Liver transplant center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Feiwen Deng
- Liver Surgery Department, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528010, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Liver Surgery Department, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528010, China
| | - Huanwei Chen
- Liver Surgery Department, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528010, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ling Li
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wenjin Liang
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Transplantation Center, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Department of Immunity and Inflammation, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nashan Björn
- Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| | - Xiaoshun He
- Organ Transplant Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou 510080, China.
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12
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Wagle NS, Park S, Washburn D, Ohsfeldt R, Kum HC, Singal AG. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Receipt in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024; 33:463-470. [PMID: 38252039 PMCID: PMC10990826 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-1236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis exist, partly related to differential failures along the cancer care continuum. We characterized racial and ethnic disparities in treatment receipt among patients with HCC in the United States. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases to identify studies published between January 2012 and March 2022 reporting HCC treatment receipt among adult patients with HCC, stratified by race or ethnicity. We calculated pooled odds ratios for HCC treatment using random effects models. RESULTS We identified 15 studies with 320,686 patients (65.8% White, 13.9% Black, 10.4% Asian, and 8.5% Hispanic). Overall, 33.2% of HCC patients underwent any treatment, and 22.7% underwent curative treatment. Compared with White patients, Black patients had lower odds of any treatment (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55-0.81) and curative treatment (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.71-0.78). Similarly, Hispanic patients had lower pooled odds of curative treatment (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.73-0.84). CONCLUSIONS There were significant racial and ethnic disparities in HCC treatment receipt, with Black patients having lower odds of receiving any and curative treatment while Hispanic patients having lower odds of curative treatment. IMPACT Racial and ethnic differences in treatment receipt serve as an intervention target to reduce disparities in HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sandeep Wagle
- Population Informatics Lab, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Texas A&M, Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Sulki Park
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Texas A&M, Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College, Station, Texas
| | - David Washburn
- Population Informatics Lab, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Texas A&M, Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Robert Ohsfeldt
- Population Informatics Lab, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Texas A&M, Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Hye-Chung Kum
- Population Informatics Lab, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Texas A&M, Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College, Station, Texas
| | - Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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13
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Sha M, Cao J, Xia Q. Incorporating AFP-L3 and DCP in selecting patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for liver transplantation: What are the optimal criteria? J Hepatol 2024; 80:e171-e172. [PMID: 37821020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Sha
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
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14
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Kim DS, Yoon YI, Kim BK, Choudhury A, Kulkarni A, Park JY, Kim J, Sinn DH, Joo DJ, Choi Y, Lee JH, Choi HJ, Yoon KT, Yim SY, Park CS, Kim DG, Lee HW, Choi WM, Chon YE, Kang WH, Rhu J, Lee JG, Cho Y, Sung PS, Lee HA, Kim JH, Bae SH, Yang JM, Suh KS, Al Mahtab M, Tan SS, Abbas Z, Shresta A, Alam S, Arora A, Kumar A, Rathi P, Bhavani R, Panackel C, Lee KC, Li J, Yu ML, George J, Tanwandee T, Hsieh SY, Yong CC, Rela M, Lin HC, Omata M, Sarin SK. Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines on liver transplantation. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:299-383. [PMID: 38416312 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10629-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is a highly complex and challenging field of clinical practice. Although it was originally developed in western countries, it has been further advanced in Asian countries through the use of living donor liver transplantation. This method of transplantation is the only available option in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region due to the lack of deceased organ donation. As a result of this clinical situation, there is a growing need for guidelines that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region. These guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for evidence-based management throughout the entire process of liver transplantation, covering both deceased and living donor liver transplantation. In addition, the development of these guidelines has been a collaborative effort between medical professionals from various countries in the region. This has allowed for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to a more comprehensive and effective set of guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sik Kim
- Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-In Yoon
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongman Kim
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sinn
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - YoungRok Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Joong Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Yim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheon-Soo Park
- Department of Surgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok-Gie Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Won Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Eun Chon
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Hyoung Kang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsoo Rhu
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Geun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuri Cho
- Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, National Cancer Center, Ilsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Ah Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Mo Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Soek Siam Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Selayang, Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ananta Shresta
- Department of Hepatology, Alka Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Shahinul Alam
- Crescent Gastroliver and General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Pravin Rathi
- TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Ruveena Bhavani
- University of Malaya Medical Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Kuei Chuan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun Li
- College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - H C Lin
- Endoscopy Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Yamanashi, Japan
- University of Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Japan
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15
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Llovet JM, Pinyol R, Yarchoan M, Singal AG, Marron TU, Schwartz M, Pikarsky E, Kudo M, Finn RS. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:294-311. [PMID: 38424197 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00868-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The development of effective systemic therapies, particularly those involving immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has substantially improved the outcomes of patients with advanced-stage HCC. Approximately 30% of patients are diagnosed with early stage disease and currently receive potentially curative therapies, such as resection, liver transplantation or local ablation, which result in median overall survival durations beyond 60 months. Nonetheless, up to 70% of these patients will have disease recurrence within 5 years of resection or local ablation. To date, the results of randomized clinical trials testing adjuvant therapy in patients with HCC have been negative. This major unmet need has been addressed with the IMbrave 050 trial, demonstrating a recurrence-free survival benefit in patients with a high risk of relapse after resection or local ablation who received adjuvant atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In parallel, studies testing neoadjuvant ICIs alone or in combination in patients with early stage disease have also reported efficacy. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current approaches to manage patients with early stage HCC. We also describe the tumour immune microenvironment and the mechanisms of action of ICIs and cancer vaccines in this setting. Finally, we summarize the available evidence from phase II/III trials of neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches and discuss emerging clinical trials, identification of biomarkers and clinical trial design considerations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Pinyol
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas U Marron
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Department of Liver Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eli Pikarsky
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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16
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Kinsey E, Lee HM. Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 2024: The Multidisciplinary Paradigm in an Evolving Treatment Landscape. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:666. [PMID: 38339417 PMCID: PMC10854554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030666] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) makes up the majority of liver cancer cases. Despite the stabilization of incidence rates in recent years due to effective viral hepatitis treatments, as well as improved outcomes from early detection and treatment advances, the burden of HCC is anticipated to rise again due to increasing rates of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease. The treatment landscape is evolving and requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving multi-modal treatments that include surgical resection, transplantation, local regional therapies, and systemic treatments. The optimal approach to the care of the HCC patient requires a multidisciplinary team involving hepatology, medical oncology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, radiation oncology, and surgery. In order to determine which approach is best, an individualized treatment plan should consider the patient's liver function, functional status, comorbidities, cancer stage, and preferences. In this review, we provide an overview of the current treatment options and key trials that have revolutionized the management of HCC. We also discuss evolving treatment paradigms for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kinsey
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Hannah M. Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Hume-Lee Transplant Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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17
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Jones-Pauley M, Victor DW, Kodali S. Pushing the limits of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2024; 29:3-9. [PMID: 38032256 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review existing and newer strategies for treatment and surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both pre and postliver transplantation. SUMMARY HCC is rising in incidence and patients are often diagnosed at later stages. Consequently, there is a need for treatment strategies which include collaboration of multiple specialties. Combinations of locoregional, systemic, and surgical therapies are yielding better postliver transplantation (post-LT) outcomes for patients with HCC than previously seen. Tumor biology (tumor size, number, location, serum markers, response to therapy) can help identify patients who are at high risk for HCC recurrence posttransplantation and may expand transplant eligibility for some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David W Victor
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sudha Kodali
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Krendl FJ, Bellotti R, Sapisochin G, Schaefer B, Tilg H, Scheidl S, Margreiter C, Schneeberger S, Oberhuber R, Maglione M. Transplant oncology - Current indications and strategies to advance the field. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100965. [PMID: 38304238 PMCID: PMC10832300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) was originally described by Starzl as a promising strategy to treat primary malignancies of the liver. Confronted with high recurrence rates, indications drifted towards non-oncologic liver diseases with LT finally evolving from a high-risk surgery to an almost routine surgical procedure. Continuously improving outcomes following LT and evolving oncological treatment strategies have driven renewed interest in transplant oncology. This is not only reflected by constant refinements to the criteria for LT in patients with HCC, but especially by efforts to expand indications to other primary and secondary liver malignancies. With new patient-centred oncological treatments on the rise and new technologies to expand the donor pool, the field has the chance to come full circle. In this review, we focus on the concept of transplant oncology, current indications, as well as technical and ethical aspects in the context of donor organs as precious resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J. Krendl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ruben Bellotti
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benedikt Schaefer
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Scheidl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Margreiter
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rupert Oberhuber
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Maglione
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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19
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Liu H, Sethi V, Li X, Xiao Y, Humar A. Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Narrative Review and A Glimpse into The Future. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:79-98. [PMID: 38211621 DOI: 10.1055/a-2242-7543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a highly effective treatment for carefully selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we explored the development of LT selection criteria and organ allocation policies, comparing original data to underscore their historical progression into the intricate task of quantitatively estimating pre- and post-LT survivals. We emphasized the role of biomarkers such as serum alpha-fetoprotein, Des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin, circulating tumor cells, and circulating tumor DNA in predicting patient outcomes. Additionally, we examined the transplant-associated survival benefits and the difficulties in accurately calculating these benefits. We also reviewed recent advancements in targeted therapy and checkpoint inhibitors for advanced, inoperable HCC and projected their integration into LT for HCC. We further discussed the growing use of living donor liver transplants in the United States and compared its outcomes with those of deceased donor liver transplants. Furthermore, we examined the progress in machine perfusion techniques, which have shown potential in improving patient outcomes and enlarging the donor pool. These advancements present opportunities to enhance LT patient survivals, refine selection criteria, establish new priority metrics, develop innovative bridging and downstaging strategies, and formulate redesigned LT strategies for HCC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Department of Surgery, Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Vrishketan Sethi
- Department of Surgery, Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xingjie Li
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Yao Xiao
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Abhinav Humar
- Department of Surgery, Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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20
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Wu X, Kwong A, Heller M, Lokken RP, Fidelman N, Mehta N. Cost-effectiveness analysis of interventional liver-directed therapies for downstaging of HCC before liver transplant. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:151-159. [PMID: 37639286 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) are the 2 most used modalities for patients with HCC while awaiting liver transplant. The purpose of this study is to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing TACE and TARE for downstaging (DS) patients with HCC. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed comparing TACE and TARE in DS HCC over a 5-year time horizon from a payer's perspective. The clinical course, including those who achieved successful DS leading to liver transplant and those who failed DS with possible disease progression, was obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing. Costs and effectiveness were measured in US dollars and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. TARE achieved a higher effectiveness of 2.51 QALY (TACE: 2.29 QALY) at a higher cost of $172,162 (TACE: $159,706), with the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $55,964/QALY, making TARE the more cost-effective strategy. The difference in outcome was equivalent to 104 days (nearly 3.5 months) in compensated cirrhosis state. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that TARE was more cost-effective in 91.69% of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. TARE was more effective if greater than 48.2% of patients who received TACE or TARE were successfully downstaged (base case: 74.6% from the pooled analysis of multiple published cohorts). TARE became more cost-effective when the cost of TACE exceeded $4,831 (base case: $12,722) or when the cost of TARE was lower than $43,542 (base case: $30,609). Subgroup analyses identified TARE to be the more cost-effective strategy if the TARE cohort required 1 fewer locoregional therapy than the TACE cohort. TARE is the more cost-effective DS strategy for patients with HCC exceeding Milan criteria compared to TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Allison Kwong
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michael Heller
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - R Peter Lokken
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Fidelman
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of General Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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21
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Yilma M, Mehta N. Optimal Liver Transplantation Criteria for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:133-142. [PMID: 37945139 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation continues to be the optimal treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given the limited organ supply, patient selection for liver transplant must carefully balance tumor progression with risk of recurrence posttransplant. There are several pretransplant selection criteria that incorporate biomarkers as well as imaging modality to risk-stratify patients as we continue to look for the optimal transplant cutoff for patients with HCC, which should be transplant-center specific, and account for organ availability and dynamic response to locoregional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mignote Yilma
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-321, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-321, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. https://twitter.com/mignoteyilmaMD
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Connie Frank Transplant Center, 400 Parnassus Avenue 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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22
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Mehta N. Updates in liver transplantation policy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0157. [PMID: 38681512 PMCID: PMC11049753 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
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23
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Hund HC, Du L, Matsuoka L, Sze DY, Kennedy AS, Golzarian J, Gandhi RT, Collins ZS, Brown DB. Effect of Previous Transarterial Chemoembolization on Survival and Toxicity after Yttrium-90 Transarterial Radioembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Radiation-Emitting SIR-Spheres in Nonresectable Liver Tumor Registry. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2023; 34:2147-2154.e2. [PMID: 37657500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2023.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine overall survival (OS), best response, and toxicities in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with chemoembolization (TACE+) or yttrium-90 resin transarterial radioembolization (TARE) compared with those of TACE-naïve (T-N) participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective, observational study, 262 adult participants with HCC were divided into TACE+ (n = 93, 35%) or T-N (n = 169, 65%) groups, included from 36 centers in the United States. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis from the date of TARE. Best response at 6 months was evaluated using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Six-month toxicities were reported using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5. RESULTS Median OS for patients in the TACE+ and T-N groups was 22.3 months (95% CI: 17.2 to not reachable) and 21.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.9-29.9), respectively (P = .6). Imaging at 6 months ± 2 weeks was available in 156 of 262 (60%) participants. Partial or complete response was seen in 27 of 55 patients (49%) in the TACE+ group and 65 of 101 patients (64%) in the T-N group (P = .2). Six-month toxicities were available in 69 of 93 patients (74%) in the TACE+ group and 135 of 167 patients (81%) in the T-N group. Attributable Grade 3 or greater liver function toxicities were similar between the study groups (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS OS and imaging response at 6 months in the TACE+ group was similar to that in the T-N group with similar toxicities. Radioembolization is an acceptable treatment option for patients with HCC previously treated with TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Hund
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Liping Du
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lea Matsuoka
- Transplant Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Daniel Y Sze
- Interventional Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Andrew S Kennedy
- Radiation Oncology, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jafar Golzarian
- Interventional Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ripal T Gandhi
- Interventional Radiology, Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Daniel B Brown
- Interventional Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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24
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Singal AG, Llovet JM, Yarchoan M, Mehta N, Heimbach JK, Dawson LA, Jou JH, Kulik LM, Agopian VG, Marrero JA, Mendiratta-Lala M, Brown DB, Rilling WS, Goyal L, Wei AC, Taddei TH. AASLD Practice Guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023; 78:1922-1965. [PMID: 37199193 PMCID: PMC10663390 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 283.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amit G. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Laura A. Dawson
- Radiation Medicine Program/University Health Network, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Janice H. Jou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Laura M. Kulik
- Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vatche G. Agopian
- The Dumont–University of California, Los Angeles, Transplant Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jorge A. Marrero
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mishal Mendiratta-Lala
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel B. Brown
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William S. Rilling
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lipika Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Alice C. Wei
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Tamar H. Taddei
- Department of Medicine (Digestive Diseases), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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25
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Singal AG, Kanwal F, Llovet JM. Global trends in hepatocellular carcinoma epidemiology: implications for screening, prevention and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:864-884. [PMID: 37884736 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00825-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality rates are increasing globally, and particularly in the Western world. Cirrhosis remains the predominant risk factor for HCC. However, epidemiological shifts in the incidence of HCC from patients with virus-related liver disease to those with non-viral aetiologies, including alcohol-associated and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, have important implications for prevention, surveillance and treatment. Hepatitis B vaccination and antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C are effective for primary prevention of virus-related HCCs, but chemoprevention strategies for non-viral liver disease remain an unmet need. Emerging data suggest associations between aspirin, statins, metformin and coffee and reduced HCC incidence, although none has been proved to be causally related. Secondary prevention of HCC via semi-annual surveillance is associated with improvements in early detection and thus reduced mortality; however, current tools, including abdominal ultrasonography, have suboptimal sensitivity for the detection of early stage HCC, particularly in patients with obesity and/or non-viral liver disease. Promising blood-based or imaging-based surveillance strategies are emerging, although these approaches require further validation before adoption in clinical practice. In the interim, efforts should be focused on maximizing use of the existing surveillance tools given their prevalent underuse globally. Remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of HCC, including expanded eligibility for surgical therapies, improved patient selection for locoregional treatments and increased systemic treatment options, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we discuss trends in the epidemiology of HCC and their implications for screening, prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt), Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Huo H, Wang X, Xu S, Niu X, Cheng L, Yuan Z, Huo S, Fang P. Transarterial chemoembolization plus camrelizumab is an effective and tolerable bridging therapy for patients with intermediate‑stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A pilot study. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:465. [PMID: 37780547 PMCID: PMC10534277 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14052] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been reported to synergize with camrelizumab in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aimed to explore the potential of TACE and camrelizumab as a bridging therapy prior to surgery for patients with HCC. For this purpose, 11 patients with HCC with intermediate stage disease [classified by China Liver Cancer (CNLC) staging] who received TACE combined with camrelizumab as a bridging therapy prior to surgery were enrolled in this study. The treatment response was evaluated at 2 weeks following TACE therapy and following camrelizumab treatment. The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of the patients were calculated. The objective response and disease control rates were 72.7 and 100.0% following TACE treatment, and were 100.0 and 100.0% following camrelizumab treatment, respectively. The α-fetoprotein levels gradually decreased following TACE, camrelizumab treatment and surgical resection (all P<0.05). Of note, the CNLC stage decreased following treatment (P=0.007) and the downstaging success rate was 63.6%. In terms of survival profiles, the mean RFS (95% CI) was 14.1 (11.7-16.5) months and the 1-year RFS rate was 77.9±14.1%. Furthermore, the mean OS (95% CI) was 15.0 (13.2-16.8) months and the 1-year OS rate was 80.0±17.9%. Successful downstaging was associated with RFS (P=0.041), but not OS (P=0.221). With regard to safety, 6 (54.5%) patients experienced reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation, 5 (45.5%) patients reported pain and 4 (36.4%) patients had a fever. On the whole, the present study demonstrated that TACE plus camrelizumab may be an effective and safe strategy that has potential for use as a bridging strategy prior to surgery in patients with intermediate-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Huo
- Department of General Surgery, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Shan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaotong Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Limin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Zengjiang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Huo
- Department of General Surgery, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Pingping Fang
- Department of Neurology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
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27
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Natarajan B, Tabrizian P, Hoteit M, Frenette C, Parikh N, Ghaziani T, Dhanasekaran R, Guy J, Shui A, Florman S, Yao FY, Mehta N. Downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation: A multicenter analysis of the "all-comers" protocol in the Multicenter Evaluation of Reduction in Tumor Size before Liver Transplantation (MERITS-LT) consortium. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1771-1780. [PMID: 37532179 PMCID: PMC10998692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma meeting united network for organ sharing (UNOS)-downstaging (DS) criteria have excellent liver transplantation (LT) outcomes after DS. However, outcomes for "all-comers" (AC) patients with tumors initially exceeding UNOS-DS are poorly understood. Patients meeting AC (n = 82) or UNOS-DS (n = 229) at 7 LT centers in 4 UNOS regions were prospectively followed from 2015-2020. AC patients had a lower probability of successful DS (67% vs 83% within 12 months; P < .001). The 3-year survival was 69% for UNOS-DS vs 58% for AC (P = .05) and reduced to 30% in patients with Child-Pugh B/C cirrhosis or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 500. Five-year LT probability was 42% for AC vs 74% in UNOS-DS (P = .10). Thirty-eight percent were understaged on explant, with the increasing sum of the largest tumor diameter plus the number of lesions before LT (odds ratio 1.3; P = .01) and AFP ≥ 20 (odds ratio 5.9; P = .005) associated with understaging. Post-LT 3-year survival was 91% for AC vs 81% for UNOS-DS (P = .67). In this first prospective multiregional study of AC patients from the multicenter evaluation of reduction in tumor size before liver transplantation (MERITS-LT) consortium, we observed a 65% probability of successful DS. Three-year survival in AC was nearly 60%, though AC with Child-Pugh B/C or AFP ≥ 500 had poor survival. Explant pathology and 3-year post-LT outcomes were similar between cohorts, suggesting that LT is a reasonable goal in selected AC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahma Natarajan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Parissa Tabrizian
- Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maarouf Hoteit
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine Frenette
- Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation, Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Neehar Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tara Ghaziani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Renu Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Guy
- Department of Transplantation, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy Shui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sander Florman
- Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Francis Y Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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28
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Mehta N, Kotwani P, Norman J, Shui A, Saxena V, Chan W, Yao FY. AFP-L3 and DCP are superior to AFP in predicting waitlist dropout in HCC patients: Results of a prospective study. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:1041-1049. [PMID: 37159217 PMCID: PMC10523909 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In patients with HCC awaiting liver transplantation (LT), there is a need to identify biomarkers that are superior to AFP in predicting prognosis. AFP-L3 and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) play a role in HCC detection, but their ability to predict waitlist dropout is unknown. In this prospective single-center study commenced in July 2017, 267 HCC patients had all 3 biomarkers obtained at LT listing. Among them, 96.2% received local-regional therapy, and 18.8% had an initial tumor stage beyond Milan criteria requiring tumor downstaging. At listing, median AFP was 7.0 ng/mL (IQR 3.4-21.5), median AFP-L3 was 7.1% (IQR 0.5-12.5), and median DCP was 1.0 ng/mL (IQR 0.2-3.8). After a median follow-up of 19.3 months, 63 (23.6%) experienced waitlist dropout, while 145 (54.3%) received LT, and 59 (22.1%) were still awaiting LT. Using Cox proportional hazards analysis, AFP-L3≥35% and DCP≥7.5 ng/mL were associated with increased waitlist dropout, whereas AFP at all tested cutoffs, including ≥20,≥ 100, and≥250 ng/mL was not. In a multivariable model, AFP-L3≥35% (HR 2.25, p =0.04) and DCP≥7.5 ng/mL (HR 2.20, p =0.02) remained associated with waitlist dropout as did time from HCC diagnosis to listing ≥ 1 year and increasing MELD-Na score. Kaplan-Meier probability of waitlist dropout within 2 years was 21.8% in those with AFP-L3<35% and DCP<7.5 ng/mL, 59.9% with either AFP-L3 or DCP elevated, and 100% for those with both elevated ( p <0.001). In this prospective study, listing AFP-L3% and DCP were superior to AFP in predicting waitlist dropout with the combination of AFP-L3≥35% and DCP≥7.5 ng/mL associated with a 100% risk of waitlist dropout, thus clearly adding prognostic value to AFP alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Prashant Kotwani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Joshua Norman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Amy Shui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Varun Saxena
- Department of Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco
| | - Wesley Chan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Francis Y. Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
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29
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Claasen MPAW, Sneiders D, Rakké YS, Adam R, Bhoori S, Cillo U, Fondevila C, Reig M, Sapisochin G, Tabrizian P, Toso C. European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Consensus Report on Downstaging, Bridging and Immunotherapy in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transpl Int 2023; 36:11648. [PMID: 37779513 PMCID: PMC10533675 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation offers the best chance of cure for most patients with non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although not all patients with HCC are eligible for liver transplantation at diagnosis, some can be downstaged using locoregional treatments such as ablation and transarterial chemoembolization. These aforementioned treatments are being applied as bridging therapies to keep patients within transplant criteria and to avoid them from dropping out of the waiting list while awaiting a liver transplant. Moreover, immunotherapy might have great potential to support downstaging and bridging therapies. To address the contemporary status of downstaging, bridging, and immunotherapy in liver transplantation for HCC, European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) convened a dedicated working group comprised of experts in the treatment of HCC to review literature and to develop guidelines pertaining to this cause that were subsequently discussed and voted during the Transplant Learning Journey (TLJ) 3.0 Consensus Conference that took place in person in Prague. The findings and recommendations of the working group on Downstaging, Bridging and Immunotherapy in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma are presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Petrus Adrianus Wilhelmus Claasen
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dimitri Sneiders
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yannick Sebastiaan Rakké
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - René Adam
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, APHP Hôpital Universitaire Paul Brousse, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Sherrie Bhoori
- Hepatology, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Chirurgia Generale 2, Epato-Bilio-Pancreatica e Centro Trapianto di Fegato, Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Maria Reig
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Digestive Disease Institute, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Parissa Tabrizian
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christian Toso
- Division of Abdominal Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Wang SY, Sun K, Jin S, Wang KY, Jiang N, Shan SQ, Lu Q, Lv GY, Dong JH. Predicting the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma downstaging with the use of clinical and radiomics features. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:858. [PMID: 37700255 PMCID: PMC10496191 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11386-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Downstaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) makes it possible for patients beyond the criteria to have the chance of liver transplantation (LT) and improved outcomes. Thus, a procedure to predict the prognosis of the treatment is an urgent requisite. The present study aimed to construct a comprehensive framework with clinical information and radiomics features to accurately predict the prognosis of downstaging treatment. METHODS Specifically, three-dimensional (3D) tumor segmentation from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is employed to extract spatial information of the lesions. Then, the radiomics features within the segmented region are calculated. Combining radiomics features and clinical data prompts the development of feature selection to enhance the robustness and generalizability of the model. Finally, we adopt the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to establish a classification model for predicting HCC downstaging outcomes. RESULTS Herein, a comparative study was conducted on three different models: a radiomics features-based model (R model), a clinical features-based model (C model), and a joint radiomics clinical features-based model (R-C model). The average accuracy of the three models was 0.712, 0.792, and 0.844, and the average area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) of the three models was 0.775, 0.804, and 0.877, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The novel and practical R-C model accurately predicted the downstaging outcomes, which could be utilized to guide the HCC downstaging toward LT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yuan Wang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Jin
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Yu Wang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Qiao Shan
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Yue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jia-Hong Dong
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Research Unit of Precision hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Selim M, Hohenwalter EJ, Rilling WS, Hong JC. Risk of Hepatic Artery Complications After Liver Transplantation in Patients Who Received Pretransplant Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy: A Single-Center Experience. Transplant Proc 2023; 55:1631-1637. [PMID: 37391331 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pretransplant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been associated with an increased risk of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after liver transplantation (LT). Innovative surgical LT and interventional vascular radiology TACE techniques may mitigate the risk of HAT. We sought to investigate the incidence of HAT after LT in patients who received pre-transplant TACE at our center. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective review of all LT patients, >18 years of age, from October 1, 2012, to May 31, 2018. Outcomes were compared between patients who received pre-LT TACE and those who did not. Median follow-up was 26 months. RESULTS Among the 162 LT recipients, 110 (67%) patients did not receive pre-LT TACE (Group I), while 52 (32%) received pre-LT TACE (Group II). The <30-day incidence rates of post-LT HAT were as follows: Group I = 1.8% and Group II = 1.9% (P = .9). Most hepatic arterial complications occurred >30 days after LT. Based on competing risks regression analysis, TACE was not associated with an increased risk of HAT. Patient or graft survivals were comparable between the 2 groups (P = .1 and .2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a similar incidence of hepatic artery complications post-LT in patients who received TACE before LT compared with those who did not. In addition, we suggest that the surgical technique of early vascular control of the common hepatic artery during LT, in combination with a super-selective vascular intervention radiology approach, has clinical utility in reducing the risk of HAT in patients requiring pre-transplant TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motaz Selim
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Eric J Hohenwalter
- Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - William S Rilling
- Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Johnny C Hong
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
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Masior Ł, Krasnodębski M, Kuncewicz M, Karaban K, Jaszczyszyn I, Kruk E, Małecka-Giełdowska M, Korzeniowski K, Figiel W, Krawczyk M, Wróblewski T, Grąt M. Alpha-Fetoprotein Response after First Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Complete Pathologic Response in Patients with Hepatocellular Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3962. [PMID: 37568778 PMCID: PMC10417598 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153962] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is used as a bridging treatment in liver transplant candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the main tumor marker used for HCC surveillance. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of using the AFP change after the first TACE in the prediction of complete tumor necrosis. The study comprised 101 patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation (LT) after TACE in the period between January 2011 and December 2020. The ΔAFP was defined as the difference between the AFP value before the first TACE and AFP either before the second TACE or the LT. The receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were used to identify an optimal cut-off value. Complete tumor necrosis was found in 26.1% (18 of 69) and 6.3% (2 of 32) of patients with an initial AFP level under and over 100 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.020). The optimal cut-off value of ΔAFP for the prediction of complete necrosis was a decline of ≥10.2 ng/mL and ≥340.5 ng/mL in the corresponding subgroups. Complete tumor necrosis rates were: 62.5% (5 of 8) in patients with an initial AFP < 100 ng/mL and decline of ≥10.2 ng/mL; 21.3% (13 of 61) in patients with an initial AFP < 100 ng/mL and decline of <10.2 ng/mL; 16.7% (2 of 12) in patients with an initial AFP > 100 ng/mL and decline of ≥340.5 ng/mL; and null in 20 patients with an initial AFP > 100 ng/mL and decline of <340.5 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.003). The simple scoring system, based on the initial AFP and AFP decline after the first treatment, distinguished between a high, intermediate and low probability of complete necrosis, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.699 (95% confidence intervals 0.577 to 0.821, p = 0.001). Combining the initial AFP with its change after the first treatment enables early identification of the efficacy of TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Masior
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Maciej Krasnodębski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Mikołaj Kuncewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Kacper Karaban
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Igor Jaszczyszyn
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Emilia Kruk
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | | | | | - Wojciech Figiel
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Marek Krawczyk
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Tadeusz Wróblewski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
| | - Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (M.K.); (K.K.); (I.J.); (E.K.); (W.F.); (M.K.); (T.W.); (M.G.)
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Cesario S, Genovesi V, Salani F, Vasile E, Fornaro L, Vivaldi C, Masi G. Evolving Landscape in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Stage Migration to Immunotherapy Revolution. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1562. [PMID: 37511937 PMCID: PMC10382048 DOI: 10.3390/life13071562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) represents the primary curative option for HCC. Despite the extension of transplantation criteria and conversion with down-staging loco-regional treatments, transplantation is not always possible. The introduction of new standards of care in advanced HCC including a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapies led to an improvement in response rates and could represent a promising strategy for down-staging the tumor burden. In this review, we identify reports and series, comprising a total of 43 patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors as bridging or down-staging therapies prior to LT. Overall, treated patients registered an objective response rate of 21%, and 14 patients were reduced within the Milan criteria. Graft rejection was reported in seven patients, resulting in the death of four patients; in the remaining cases, LT was performed safely after immunotherapy. Further investigations are required to define the duration of immune checkpoint inhibitors, their minimum washout period and the LT long-term safety of this strategy. Some randomized clinical trials including immunotherapy combinations, loco-regional treatment and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitors are ongoing and will likely determine the appropriateness of immune checkpoint inhibitors' administration before LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cesario
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Genovesi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Salani
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research "Health Science", Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Vasile
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fornaro
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Vivaldi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Masi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Singal AG, Kudo M, Bruix J. Breakthroughs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapies. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2135-2149. [PMID: 36813012 PMCID: PMC10293061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Several breakthroughs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy across tumor stages provide hope to improve its dismal prognosis. Although surgical and local ablative therapies have few significant changes in technique, an improved understanding of tumor biology has facilitated increase numbers of patients who are now eligible to undergo curative-intent procedures. Most notably, acceptable post-transplant outcomes can be achieved in well selected patients whose tumors are downstaged into Milan Criteria. Adjuvant therapy in patients at high risk of recurrence also significantly improves recurrence-free survival after resection or ablation. For patients with liver-localized disease who are not eligible for curative-intent procedures, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was historically the treatment modality of choice, regardless of tumor burden; however, there is now increased recognition of patients who are "TACE unsuitable" and may be better treated with systemic therapy. The greatest evolution in HCC treatment options has occurred with systemic therapy, where several new agents are now available in the first- and second-line setting, including immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations. Objective responses are observed in approximately 30% of patients and median survival is approaching 2 years. The availability of immune checkpoint inhibitors has renewed interest in combination therapies for earlier tumor stages, with several phase III trials ongoing. Considering increasing complexities of HCC care, requiring decisions between therapies delivered by different providers, multidisciplinary care is critical and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. In this review, we detail major breakthroughs in HCC therapy, how these breakthroughs can be applied in clinical practice, and remaining areas in need of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Japan.
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Chouik Y, Erard D, Demian H, Schulz T, Mazard T, Hartig-Lavie K, Antonini T, Mabrut JY, Mohkam K, Rode A, Merle P. Case Report: Successful liver transplantation after achieving complete clinical remission of advanced HCC with Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab combination therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1205997. [PMID: 37377975 PMCID: PMC10291060 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1205997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab combination therapy has recently emerged as the new standard of care for unresectable HCC. Significant tumor burden reduction can be observed under that treatment, raising the question of liver transplantation (LT). The safety of another immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), nivolumab, is unclear in the pre-transplant setting. Method We report the case of a 57-y old man, with initial unresectable multinodular HCC contraindicated to LT and locoregional therapies, who achieves complete tumor response after Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab, and subsequently underwent LT for liver failure. Results Explant analysis revealed complete pathological response with no tumor remnant. The patient suffered from several post-operative complications but no HCC recurrence or biopsy-proven acute rejection occurred 10 months after LT. Conclusions Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab therapy may enable complete pathological response of advanced HCC. Safety of prolonged treatment need to be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Chouik
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5286, Lyon, France
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Domitille Erard
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5286, Lyon, France
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Hassan Demian
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Schulz
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Tessa Mazard
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Kerstin Hartig-Lavie
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5286, Lyon, France
| | - Teresa Antonini
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5286, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Mabrut
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Kayvan Mohkam
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Agnès Rode
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Merle
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5286, Lyon, France
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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36
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Lopez-Lopez V, Miura K, Kuemmerli C, Capel A, Eshmuminov D, Ferreras D, Baroja-Mazo A, Cascales-Campos P, Jiménez-Mascuñán MI, Pons JA, Castellon MI, Sánchez-Bueno F, Robles-Campos R, Ramírez P. Selecting the Appropriate Downstaging and Bridging Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: What Is the Role of Transarterial Radioembolization? A Pooled Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072122. [PMID: 37046783 PMCID: PMC10093460 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Transarterial radioembolization in HCC for LT as downstaging/bridging has been increasing in recent years but some indication criteria are still unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of primary research publications conducted in PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases until November 2022. Relevant data about patient selection, HCC features and oncological outcomes after TARE for downstaging or bridging in LT were analyzed. Results: A total of 14 studies were included (7 downstaging, 3 bridging and 4 mixed downstaging and bridging). The proportion of whole liver TARE was between 0 and 1.6%. Multiple TARE interventions were necessary for 16.7% up to 28% of the patients. A total of 55 of 204 patients across all included studies undergoing TARE for downstaging were finally transplanted. The only RCT included presents a higher tumor response with the downstaging rate for LT of TARE than TACE (9/32 vs. 4/34, respectively). Grade 3 or 4 adverse effects rate were detected between 15 and 30% of patients. Conclusions: TARE is a safe therapeutic option with potential advantages in its capacity to necrotize and reduce the size of the HCC for downstaging or bridging in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Lopez-Lopez
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca. Ctra., Madrid-Cartagena, s/n, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Kohei Miura
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
| | - Christoph Kuemmerli
- Department of Surgery, Clarunis—University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Capel
- Department of Vascular Intervenional Radiololy, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Dilmurodjon Eshmuminov
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Ferreras
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Cascales-Campos
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Isabel Jiménez-Mascuñán
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pons
- Department of Hepatology, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Castellon
- Department of Nuclear Medicines, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Sánchez-Bueno
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Robles-Campos
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramírez
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Digestive and Endocrine Surgery and Transplantation of Abdominal Organs Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
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Olumba FC, Zhou F, Park Y, Chapman WC. Normothermic Machine Perfusion for Declined Livers: A Strategy to Rescue Marginal Livers for Transplantation. J Am Coll Surg 2023; 236:614-625. [PMID: 36728302 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organ waste is a major cause of the donor liver shortage. Roughly 67% of recovered organ donors have liver utilization annually. A new technology called normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) offers a way to recover marginal and declined livers for transplant. We report interim results of the RESTORE trial (FDA investigational drug exemption trial NCT04483102) that aims to transplant NMP-treated livers that would otherwise be discarded. STUDY DESIGN Declined livers were screened for NMP eligibility (eg donation after circulatory death [DCD] grafts with warm ischemic time <40 minutes, donation after brain death [DBD] grafts with cold ischemic time <8 hours). Livers meeting pre-NMP eligibility criteria received NMP using the OrganOx metra device for a minimum of 4 hours. All NMP-treated livers meeting the viability criteria were transplanted to consented recipients. RESULTS Over 22 months, 60 declined livers from three organ procurement organizations (OPOs; 40 DCD and 20 DBD donor livers) were offered, and 22 livers (10 DCD and 12 DBD livers) met the pre-NMP eligibility. After NMP, 16 of 22 livers passed viability testing and were transplanted into needy recipients (median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] score of 8, range 6 to 24), resulting in a 72.7% rescue rate (50% DCD, 91.7% DBD). The rate of early allograft dysfunction was 31.3%, but there were no graft-related deaths, primary nonfunction, or instances of nonanastomotic biliary strictures. CONCLUSIONS Interim results of the RESTORE trial suggest that a sizable number of declined livers can be reclaimed. They are safe for transplantation and can enable lower MELD patients at high risk of morbidity and mortality to receive lifesaving grafts while offering OPOs a way to allocate more livers and reduce organ waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin C Olumba
- From the Department of Abdominal Organ Transplantation Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO (Olumba, Zhou, Chapman)
| | - Fangyu Zhou
- From the Department of Abdominal Organ Transplantation Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO (Olumba, Zhou, Chapman)
| | - Yikyung Park
- the Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO (Park)
| | - William C Chapman
- From the Department of Abdominal Organ Transplantation Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO (Olumba, Zhou, Chapman)
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Wong JK, Lim HJ, Tam VC, Burak KW, Dawson LA, Chaudhury P, Abraham RJ, Meyers BM, Sapisochin G, Valenti D, Samimi S, Ramjeesingh R, Mujoomdar A, Martins I, Dixon E, Segedi M, Liu DM. Clinical consensus statement: Establishing the roles of locoregional and systemic therapies for the treatment of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma in Canada. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 115:102526. [PMID: 36924644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102526] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and approximately one-third of patients present with intermediate-stage disease. The treatment landscape of intermediate-stage HCC is rapidly evolving due to developments in local, locoregional and systemic therapies. Treatment recommendations focused on this heterogenous disease stage and that take into account the Canadian reality are lacking. To address this gap, a pan-Canadian group of experts in hepatology, transplant, surgery, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, and medical oncology came together to develop consensus recommendations on management of intermediate-stage HCC relevant to the Canadian context. METHODS A modified Delphi framework was used to develop consensus statements with strengths of recommendation and supporting levels of evidence graded using the AHA/ACC classification system. Tentative consensus statements were drafted based on a systematic search and expert input in a series of iterative feedback cycles and were then circulated via online survey to assess the level of agreement. RESULTS & CONCLUSION The pre-defined ratification threshold of 80 % agreement was reached for all statements in the areas of multidisciplinary treatment (n = 4), intra-arterial therapy (n = 14), biologics (n = 5), radiation therapy (n = 3), surgical resection and transplantation (n = 7), and percutaneous ablative therapy (n = 4). These generally reflected an expansion in treatment options due to developments in previously established or emergent techniques, introduction of new and more active therapies and increased therapeutic flexibility. These developments have allowed for greater treatment tailoring and personalization as well as a paradigm shift toward strategies with curative intent in a wider range of disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason K Wong
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Howard J Lim
- BC Cancer Agency, 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada.
| | - Vincent C Tam
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada.
| | - Kelly W Burak
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Laura A Dawson
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada.
| | | | - Robert J Abraham
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Brandon M Meyers
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, 699 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2, Canada.
| | | | - David Valenti
- McGill University, 845 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Setareh Samimi
- Hopital Sacre-Coeur de Montreal, University of Montreal, 5400 Boul Gouin O, Montréal, QC H4J 1C5, Canada.
| | - Ravi Ramjeesingh
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Amol Mujoomdar
- Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada.
| | - Ilidio Martins
- Kaleidoscope Strategic, Inc. 1 King Street W, Suite 4800 - 117, Toronto, ON M5H 1A1, Canada.
| | - Elijah Dixon
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Maja Segedi
- Department of Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, Jim Pattison Pavilion, 899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - David M Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:1-120. [PMID: 37384024 PMCID: PMC10202234 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2022.11.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korean Liver Cancer Association (KLCA) and National Cancer Center (NCC) Korea
- Corresponding author: KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee (KPGRC) (Committee Chair: Joong-Won Park) Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10408, Korea Tel. +82-31-920-1605, Fax: +82-31-920-1520, E-mail:
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40
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Shaheen MF, Alomar A, Alrasheed M, Aldokhel F, Alsaleh A, Alghamdi H, O'hali W, Bin Saad K. Would a 6-Month Wait Time for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Improve Organ Allocation in Centers With Active Living Related Liver Transplant Activity? EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2023; 21:132-138. [PMID: 36919721 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2022.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score is used to prioritize patients awaiting liver transplant. Since hepatocellular carcinoma does not affect the score, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are given exception points to promote fairness. In the United States,this practice has resulted in overcorrection; hence, a 6-month delay to grant exceptions was implemented. A similar flaw may exist in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data for 214 adults listed for liver transplant from January 2016 to July 2020 at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh. Data included diagnoses, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, wait times, and outcomes. Comparative analyses were performed to contrast patients with hepatocellular carcinoma versus patients without hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS Mean age was 55.2 ± 11.6 years, and 61% were male patients. Outcomes were that the patient received a transplant(77%; n = 165/214), dropped out (18%; n = 38/214), or remained on the wait (5%; n = 11/214). Of the hepatocellular carcinoma group, 84% (n = 56/68) received transplant versus 74% (n = 108/146) in the control group (P = .11). There was no significant difference in dropout rates (P = .33). Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma constituted 32% (n = 68/214) ofthe waitlist, yetthey received 40% of deceased organ offers (P = .015). Most patients in the hepatocellular carcinoma group received pretransplant bridging therapy for a median of 166 days (101-329.5 days). Median time from listing to transplant was shorter for the control group, 57 days versus 148 days (P < .001). Long-term outcomes were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that implementation of the 6-month wait time for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before granting exception points may not be necessary for active living related liver transplant programs. Nevertheless, this remains a sound strategy to follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed F Shaheen
- From the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,From the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,From the Organ Transplant Center and Hepatobiliary Sciences Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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41
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Abstract
This is a review of current practices and upcoming developments regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This includes a contemporary review of the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of HCC. Furthermore, the authors provide a review of certain ongoing trials and future directions of various treatment modalities for HCC.
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42
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Fung J, DiSabato D, Liao CY, Ahmed O, Pillai A. Perspective: Advances in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma - A prototype for transplant oncology. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2023; 22:4-6. [PMID: 36163102 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John Fung
- Liver Tumor Center, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago 60637, IL, USA.
| | - Diego DiSabato
- Liver Tumor Center, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago 60637, IL, USA
| | - Chih-Yi Liao
- Liver Tumor Center, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago 60637, IL, USA
| | - Osmanuddin Ahmed
- Liver Tumor Center, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago 60637, IL, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Liver Tumor Center, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago 60637, IL, USA
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43
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Yan H, Xiang Z, Zhao C, Zou S, Huang M. Long-term Outcomes of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Underwent Microwave Ablation after Downstaging with Transarterial Chemoembolization to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2022; 34:768-776. [PMID: 36581194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.12.466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the clinical results of microwave ablation (MWA) between patients downstaged to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage A with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and those initially classified as BCLC Stage A. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 2012 to May 2017, 1,087 patients were reviewed retrospectively using propensity score matching (1:1): 86 patients underwent MWA as a curative treatment after downstaging to BCLC Stage A by TACE (downstaging group) and 86 patients initially classified as BCLC Stage A underwent MWA (control group). The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 95.3%, 79.1%, and 58.1%, respectively, in the downstaging group and 93.0%, 81.4%, and 61.6%, respectively, in the control group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.50-1.13; P = .162). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates were 80.2%, 50.0%, and 24.4%, respectively, in the downstaging group and 77.9%, 52.3%, and 27.9%, respectively, in the control group (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.76-1.53; P = .678). No significant differences were found in OS and DFS. CONCLUSIONS The long-term prognosis in patients with HCC who underwent MWA after downstaging to BCLC Stage A using TACE was similar to that in patients with initial BCLC Stage A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huzheng Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Minimally Invasive & Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanwang Xiang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sibin Zou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingsheng Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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44
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Wong RJ, Jayasekera C, Jones P, Kanwal F, Singal AG, Ahmed A, Taglienti R, Younossi Z, Kulik L, Mehta N. An Open-Access, Interactive Decision-Support Tool to Facilitate Guideline-Driven Care for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterology Res 2022; 15:297-307. [PMID: 36660470 PMCID: PMC9822660 DOI: 10.14740/gr1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in incidence and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Adherence to HCC surveillance guidelines and appropriate treatment triage of liver lesions may improve receipt of curative-intent treatment and improved survival. Late-stage HCC diagnosis reflects sub-optimal implementation of effective HCC surveillance, whereas inappropriate treatment triage or linkage to care accounts for the non-receipt of curative-intent in close to half of early-stage HCC in the USA. A free, open-access decision-support tool for liver lesions that incorporates current guideline recommendations in a user-friendly interface could improve appropriate and timely triage of patients to appropriate care. This review provides a summary of gaps and disparities in linkage to HCC care and introduces a free, internet-based, interactive decision-support tool for managing liver lesions. This tool has been developed by the HCC Steering Committee of the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation and is targeted toward clinicians across specialties who may encounter liver lesions during routine care or as part of dedicated HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Wong
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA,Corresponding Author: Robert J. Wong, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | | | | | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amit G. Singal
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Neil Mehta
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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45
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2022 KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Korean J Radiol 2022; 23:1126-1240. [PMID: 36447411 PMCID: PMC9747269 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2022.0822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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46
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Dave S, Esteban J. Beyond Milan. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 21:84-88. [PMID: 37095775 PMCID: PMC10121437 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Dave
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James Esteban
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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47
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Kim MJ, Kang WH, Hwang S, Ahn CS, Moon DB, Ha TY, Song GW, Jung DH, Park GC. Expression Patterns of Tumor Markers in Liver Transplant Recipients Showing Complete Pathological Response of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195897. [PMID: 36233764 PMCID: PMC9573247 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195897] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete pathological response (CPR) is achieved with various pretransplant locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate pretransplant expression of HCC tumor markers in liver transplantation (LT) recipients showing CPR. For the CPR group, 166 patients were selected from a single-institution LT database. Two control groups of 332 patients without HCC and 184 patients with partial pathological response (PPR) were also selected. The model for end-stage liver disease score in the CPR group was 11.5 ± 7.7. The number of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization sessions before LT was one in 68 patients (14.0%), two in 38 patients (22.9%), and three or more in 60 patients (36.1%). A solitary non-viable tumor was identified in 120 (86.4%) of the explant livers and the largest tumor size was 2.4 ± 1.3 cm. Living-donor and deceased-donor LTs were performed in 152 (91.6%) and 14 (8.4%) patients, respectively. The median levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by Vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) measured within two weeks before LT were 4.2 ng/mL and 20 mAU/mL, respectively. These tumor marker levels were comparable to those in the no-HCC control group, but much lower than those in the PPR group (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of AFP and PIVKA-II showed no definite cutoff values for CPR in the cohort of CPR and no-HCC patients, but significant cutoffs of 6.5 ng/mL for AFP and 29 mAU/mL for PIVKA-II were obtained in the cohort of CPR and PPR patients. The 1-, 3- and 5-year HCC recurrence and overall patient survival rates of the CPR group were 5.1% and 93.3%, 7.6% and 89.6%, and 7.6% and 89.6%, respectively. These tumor recurrence rates were much lower than those in the PPR group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the present study results suggest that normalizing AFP and PIVKA-II after locoregional treatment is indicative of CPR. However, some CPR patients showed high expression of tumor markers; thus, pretransplant values of HCC tumor markers should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shin Hwang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-3010-3930; Fax: +82-2-3010-6701
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48
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Tran NH, Muñoz S, Thompson S, Hallemeier CL, Bruix J. Hepatocellular carcinoma downstaging for liver transplantation in the era of systemic combined therapy with anti-VEGF/TKI and immunotherapy. Hepatology 2022; 76:1203-1218. [PMID: 35765265 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a global health challenge affecting close to 1 million cases yearly. Liver transplantation provides the best long-term outcomes for those meeting strict criteria. Efforts have been made to expand these criteria, whereas others have attempted downstaging approaches. Although locoregional approaches to downstaging are appealing and have demonstrated efficacy, limitations and challenges exists including poor imaging modality to assess response and appropriate endpoints along the process. Recent advances in systemic treatments including immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors have prompted the discussion regarding their role for downstaging disease prior to transplantation. Here, we provide a review of prior locoregional approaches for downstaging, new systemic agents and their role for downstaging, and finally, key and critical considerations of the assessment, endpoints, and optimal designs in clinical trials to address this key question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen H Tran
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sergio Muñoz
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Scott Thompson
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christopher L Hallemeier
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jordi Bruix
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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49
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2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:583-705. [PMID: 36263666 PMCID: PMC9597235 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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50
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Tabrizian P, Holzner ML, Mehta N, Halazun K, Agopian VG, Yao F, Busuttil RW, Roberts J, Emond JC, Samstein B, Brown RS, Najjar M, Chapman WC, Doyle MM, Florman SS, Schwartz ME, Llovet JM. Ten-Year Outcomes of Liver Transplant and Downstaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JAMA Surg 2022; 157:779-788. [PMID: 35857294 PMCID: PMC9301590 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2022.2800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance National guidelines on transplant selection have adopted successful downstaging to within Milan criteria (MC) as a viable option for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplant (LT). Recurrence of HCC after LT carries a poor prognosis, and treatment modalities remain challenging. Objective To establish the 10-year outcomes of patients with HCC after LT in a large, multicenter US study based on individual data; provide robust data on the long-term role of downstaging; and evaluate the association of treatment modalities with postrecurrence survival. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study, a retrospective, multicenter analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted for 2645 adults who had undergone LT for HCC at 5 US academic centers between January 2001 and December 2015. The analysis was performed from May 2019 through June 2021. Outcomes of 341 patients whose disease was downstaged to within MC were compared with those in 2122 patients whose disease was always within MC and 182 patients whose disease was not downstaged. The associations of tumor and treatment factors on postrecurrence survival were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression and multivariable logistic regression models. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was overall survival for the whole cohort and according to downstaging status. Secondary outcomes were time to recurrence, recurrence-free survival, and recurrence after specific post-LT therapies. Results Of the 2645 patients studied, the median age was 59.9 years (IQR, 54.7-64.7 years). The majority of the patients were men (2028 [76.7%] vs 617 [23.3%] women). The 10-year post-LT survival and recurrence rates were, respectively, 52.1% and 20.6% among those whose disease was downstaged; 61.5% and 13.3% in those always within MC; and 43.3% and 41.1% in those whose disease was not downstaged. Independent variables associated with downstaging failure were tumor size greater than 7 cm at diagnosis (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.20-5.75; P = .02), more than 3 tumors at diagnosis (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.22-4.50; P = .01), and α-fetoprotein response of at least 20 ng/mL with less than 50% improvement from maximum α-fetoprotein before LT (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.14-3.46; P = .02). Surgically treated patients with recurrent HCC differed in clinicopathologic characteristics and had improved 5-year postrecurrence survival rates (31.6% vs 7.3%; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In a large, multicenter cohort of patients with HCC successfully downstaged to within MC, 10-year post-LT outcomes were excellent, validating national downstaging policies and showing a clear utility benefit for LT prioritization decision making. Surgical management of HCC recurrence after LT was associated with improved survival in well-selected patients and should be pursued, if feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parissa Tabrizian
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Matthew L. Holzner
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Karim Halazun
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Vatche G. Agopian
- Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Francis Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Ronald W. Busuttil
- Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - John Roberts
- Division of Transplant Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Jean C. Emond
- Liver and Abdominal Transplant Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin Samstein
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Robert S. Brown
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Marc Najjar
- Liver and Abdominal Transplant Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - William C. Chapman
- Section of Transplant Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri
| | - Majella Mb. Doyle
- Section of Transplant Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri
| | - Sander S. Florman
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Myron E. Schwartz
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedica Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institució Catalana d’Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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