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Zhang E, Li H, Liu C, Zhou H, Liu B, Feng C. Clinical value of circulating tumour cells in evaluating the efficacy of continuous hepatic arterial infusion among colorectal cancer patients. J Chemother 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38711365 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2024.2333650] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of HAIC using circulating tumour cells (CTCs). In this study, a total of 100 patients who received HAIC treatment and CTC detection were selected. The results showed that after HAIC treatment, the levels of CTC, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) decreased. Postoperative progression-free survival (PFS) rates between patients with positive and negative preoperative CTC results, and for CA19-9, CEA were significantly different. The positive rate of CTCs was 61% before chemotherapy and 23% after chemotherapy, and the correlation coefficient between the two was 0.385. Those whose CTC values increased after chemotherapy had shorter PFS rates. CTCs are an independent predictor of recurrence. Patients with CTC-positive results are more susceptible to recurrence. The CTC count in peripheral blood has a close bearing on the postoperative chemotherapy efficacy of patients with CRC and affects patients' PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erying Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, No. 2 Hospital of Baoding, Baoding City, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, No. 2 Hospital of Baoding, Baoding City, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyun Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, No. 2 Hospital of Baoding, Baoding City, People's Republic of China
| | - Haikun Zhou
- Department of Surgery Oncology, No. 2 Hospital of Baoding, Baoding City, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, No. 2 Hospital of Baoding, Baoding City, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengbao Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, No. 2 Hospital of Baoding, Baoding City, People's Republic of China
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2
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Lehrich BM, Zhang J, Monga SP, Dhanasekaran R. Battle of the biopsies: Role of tissue and liquid biopsy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024; 80:515-530. [PMID: 38104635 PMCID: PMC10923008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.11.030] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have improved significantly in recent years. With the introduction of immunotherapy-based combination therapy, there has been a notable expansion in treatment options for patients with unresectable HCC. Simultaneously, innovative molecular tests for early detection and management of HCC are emerging. This progress prompts a key question: as liquid biopsy techniques rise in prominence, will they replace traditional tissue biopsies, or will both techniques remain relevant? Given the ongoing challenges of early HCC detection, including issues with ultrasound sensitivity, accessibility, and patient adherence to surveillance, the evolution of diagnostic techniques is more relevant than ever. Furthermore, the accurate stratification of HCC is limited by the absence of reliable biomarkers which can predict response to therapies. While the advantages of molecular diagnostics are evident, their potential has not yet been fully harnessed, largely because tissue biopsies are not routinely performed for HCC. Liquid biopsies, analysing components such as circulating tumour cells, DNA, and extracellular vesicles, provide a promising alternative, though they are still associated with challenges related to sensitivity, cost, and accessibility. The early results from multi-analyte liquid biopsy panels are promising and suggest they could play a transformative role in HCC detection and management; however, comprehensive clinical validation is still ongoing. In this review, we explore the challenges and potential of both tissue and liquid biopsy, highlighting that these diagnostic methods, while distinct in their approaches, are set to jointly reshape the future of HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Lehrich
- Department of Pathology and Pittsburgh Liver Institute, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Josephine Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Staford, CA, 94303, USA
| | - Satdarshan P Monga
- Department of Pathology and Pittsburgh Liver Institute, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Staford, CA, 94303, USA.
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Herrero A, Toubert C, Bedoya JU, Assenat E, Guiu B, Panaro F, Bardol T, Cassese G. Management of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver surgery and thermal ablations: state of the art and future perspectives. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2024; 13:71-88. [PMID: 38322198 PMCID: PMC10839736 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-22-579] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite the improvements in surgical and medical therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), recurrence still represents a major issue. Up to 70% of patients can experience HCC recurrence after liver resection (LR), as well as 20% of them even after liver transplantation (LT). The patterns of recurrence are different according to both the time and the location. Similarly, the risk factors and the management can change not only according to these patterns, but also according to the underlying liver condition and to the first treatment performed. Deep knowledge of such correlation is fundamental, since prevention and effective management of recurrence are undoubtedly the most important strategies to improve the outcomes of HCC treatment. Without adjuvant therapy, maintaining very close monitoring during the first 2 years in order to diagnose curable recurrence and continue this monitoring beyond 5 years because late recurrences exist, remains our only possibility today. Surgery represents the cornerstone treatment for HCC, including both LT and LR. However, new interesting therapeutic opportunities are coming from immunotherapy that has shown encouraging results also in the adjuvant setting. In such a complex and evolutionary scenario, the aim of this review is to summarize current strategies for the management of HCC recurrence, focusing on the different possible scenarios, as well as on future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Herrero
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Cyprien Toubert
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Jose Ursic Bedoya
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Boris Guiu
- Department of Radiology, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabrizio Panaro
- Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Thomas Bardol
- Laboratory of rare human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Center of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gianluca Cassese
- Division of Minimally Invasive and Robotic HPB Surgery, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
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4
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Bardol T, Pageaux GP, Assenat E, Alix-Panabières C. Circulating Tumor DNA Clinical Applications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Trends and Future Perspectives. Clin Chem 2024; 70:33-48. [PMID: 37962158 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad168] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, liver cancers are the second most lethal malignancy after lung cancer (0.83 million deaths in 2020). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of primary liver cancer and is typically associated with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. HCC diagnosis relies on histologic examination of surgical specimens or conventional tissue biopsy material. However, standard tissue biopsies are invasive and often do not accurately reflect the tumor heterogeneity. On the other hand, the use of liquid biopsies, represented mainly by circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), has greatly increased in the past 2 decades. Indeed, liquid biopsies are a noninvasive, repeatable, and sensitive approach to studying tumor biology. CONTENT This review describes current clinical applications of ctDNA analysis in the management of patients with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and HCC. There is a substantial clinical potential of ctDNA, but interventional studies are still lacking for the moment. SUMMARY Detection of ctDNA in both asymptomatic individuals and high-risk patients (with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis) contributes to the early diagnosis of HCC. ctDNA analysis also offer tremendous information on the tumor burden and on the risk of early recurrence. The implementation of ctDNA analysis, in association with classical tumor markers (e.g., alpha-fetoprotein), may improve (a) HCC screening in high-risk patients, (b) stratification of the recurrence risk after surgery, and (c) prognosis evaluation of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bardol
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Hospital Center, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC, MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Transplantation, Digestive and Mini-invasive Surgery Unit, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Saint Eloi University Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Saint Eloi University Hospital Center, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Hospital Center, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC, MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Zhao H, Wang L, Fang C, Li C, Zhang L. Factors influencing the diagnostic and prognostic values of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer: a meta-analysis of 8,935 patients. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1272788. [PMID: 38090481 PMCID: PMC10711619 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1272788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could serve as a predictive biomarker in breast cancer (BC). Due to its high heterogeneity, the diagnostic and prognostic values of CTC are challenging. Methods We searched published studies from the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and MEDLINE. The detection capability and hazard ratios (HRs) of CTCs were extracted as the clinical diagnosis and prognosis evaluation. Subgroup analyses were divided according to the detection methods, continents, treatment periods, therapeutic plans, and cancer stages. Results In this study, 35 publications had been retrieved with 8,935 patients enrolled. The diagnostic efficacy of CTC detection has 74% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The positive CTC detection (CTC+ ) would predict worse OS and PFS/DFS in both mid-therapy and post-therapy (HROS, 3.09; 95% CI, 2.17–4.39; HRPFS/DFS, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.72–2.47). Moreover, CTC+ indicated poor survival irrespective of the treatment phases and sampling times (HROS, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.85–3.19; HRPFS/DFS, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.66–1.99). The CTC+ was associated with poor survival regardless of the continents of patients (HROS = 2.43; 95% CI, 1.85–3.19). Conclusion Our study suggested that CTC+ was associated with a worse OS and PFS/DFS in the Asian population. The detection method, the threshold level of CTC+ , therapeutic approaches, and sampling times would not affect its diagnostic and prognostic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Zhao
- Clinical Medicine College, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Luxuan Wang
- Department of Neurological Function Examination, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Chuan Fang
- Clinical Medicine College, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Department of Neurological Function Examination, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Glioma in Hebei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- Clinical Medicine College, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Department of Neurological Function Examination, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Glioma in Hebei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Lijian Zhang
- Clinical Medicine College, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Department of Neurological Function Examination, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Glioma in Hebei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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Choi JH, Thung SN. Advances in Histological and Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2582. [PMID: 37761023 PMCID: PMC10526317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092582] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer characterized by hepatocellular differentiation. HCC is molecularly heterogeneous with a wide spectrum of histopathology. The prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor, especially in those with advanced stages. HCC remains a diagnostic challenge for pathologists because of its morphological and phenotypic diversity. However, recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics and histological subtypes of HCC. Accurate diagnosis of HCC is important for patient management and prognosis. This review provides an update on HCC pathology, focusing on molecular genetics, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Hyuk Choi
- Department of Pathology, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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7
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Yu J, Park R, Kim R. Promising Novel Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnostic and Prognostic Insights. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1105-1127. [PMID: 37483311 PMCID: PMC10362916 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s341195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The systemic therapy landscape for hepatocellular carcinoma is rapidly evolving, as the recent approvals of checkpoint inhibitor-based regimens such as atezolizumab-bevacizumab and durvalumab-tremelimumab in advanced disease have led to an expanding therapeutic armamentarium. The development of biomarkers, however, has not kept up with the approvals of new agents. Nevertheless, biomarker research for hepatocellular carcinoma has recently been growing at a rapid pace. The most active areas of research are biomarkers for early detection and screening, accurate prognostication, and detection of minimal residual disease following curative intent therapies, and, perhaps most importantly, predictive markers to guide selection and sequencing of the individual agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. In this review, we briefly summarize the recent developments in systemic therapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma, introduce the key completed and ongoing prospective and retrospective studies evaluating diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers with high clinical relevance, highlight several potentially important areas of future research, and share our insights for each biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Yu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Robin Park
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Richard Kim
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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8
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Debnath P, Dalal K, Dalal B, Athalye S, Chandnani S, Jain S, Shukla A, Rathi P, Shankarkumar A. Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Imaging Flow Cytometry in Liver Disease Patients. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:608-617. [PMID: 37440955 PMCID: PMC10333953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.02.002] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is asymptomatic at an early stage which delays its timely diagnosis and treatment. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), derived from a primary or secondary tumor, may help in the management of HCC. Here, we evaluate and characterize CTCs in liver disease patients. Methods In total, 65 patients, categorized into liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 30) and HCC (n = 35), were enrolled. Using ImagestreamX MkII imaging flow cytometer, CTCs were detected and characterized using biomarker expression of EpCAM, CK, AFP, CD45, and DRAQ5 in LC and HCC patients. Results CTCs were detected in 33/35 (94%) HCC patients and in 28/30 (93%) LC patients. In the HCC group, the number of biomarker-positive CTCs was higher in BCLC stage D when compared with others. EpCAM + CK was the most expressed biomarker on CTCs in LC versus HCC (83.3% vs. 77.14%), followed by AFP (80% vs. 65.71%), EpCAM (30% vs. 28.57%), and CK (16.6% vs. 14.28%). The EpCAM cell area was significantly associated (P value = 0.031) with the CTC-positive status. The combination biomarker expression of CTCs cell area (EpCAM, CK, and AFP) performed well with the area under the curve of 0.92, high sensitivity, and specificity in detecting early-stage and AFP-negative HCC as well as in AFP-negative LC cases. Conclusion Enumeration and cell area of CTCs may be used as a biomarker for early detection of HCC and guiding treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Debnath
- Department of Gastroenterology, Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Ch Hospital, Dr. A.L Nair Road, Mumbai 400 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kruti Dalal
- Transfusion Transmitted Diseases Department, National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New Multi-storeyed Bldg, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Bhavik Dalal
- Transfusion Transmitted Diseases Department, National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New Multi-storeyed Bldg, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shreyasi Athalye
- Transfusion Transmitted Diseases Department, National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New Multi-storeyed Bldg, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanjay Chandnani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Ch Hospital, Dr. A.L Nair Road, Mumbai 400 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shubham Jain
- Department of Gastroenterology, Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Ch Hospital, Dr. A.L Nair Road, Mumbai 400 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Akash Shukla
- Department of Gastroenterology, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel East, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012, India
| | - Pravin Rathi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Ch Hospital, Dr. A.L Nair Road, Mumbai 400 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aruna Shankarkumar
- Transfusion Transmitted Diseases Department, National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New Multi-storeyed Bldg, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, Maharashtra, India
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9
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Lee YT, Fujiwara N, Yang JD, Hoshida Y. Risk stratification and early detection biomarkers for precision HCC screening. Hepatology 2023; 78:319-362. [PMID: 36082510 PMCID: PMC9995677 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality remains high primarily due to late diagnosis as a consequence of failed early detection. Professional societies recommend semi-annual HCC screening in at-risk patients with chronic liver disease to increase the likelihood of curative treatment receipt and improve survival. However, recent dynamic shift of HCC etiologies from viral to metabolic liver diseases has significantly increased the potential target population for the screening, whereas annual incidence rate has become substantially lower. Thus, with the contemporary HCC etiologies, the traditional screening approach might not be practical and cost-effective. HCC screening consists of (i) definition of rational at-risk population, and subsequent (ii) repeated application of early detection tests to the population at regular intervals. The suboptimal performance of the currently available HCC screening tests highlights an urgent need for new modalities and strategies to improve early HCC detection. In this review, we overview recent developments of clinical, molecular, and imaging-based tools to address the current challenge, and discuss conceptual framework and approaches of their clinical translation and implementation. These encouraging progresses are expected to transform the current "one-size-fits-all" HCC screening into individualized precision approaches to early HCC detection and ultimately improve the poor HCC prognosis in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Te Lee
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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10
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Shaik MR, Sagar PR, Shaik NA, Randhawa N. Liquid Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Significance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment Monitoring. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10644. [PMID: 37445822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310644] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor outcomes when diagnosed at an advanced stage. Current curative treatments are most effective in early-stage HCC, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. However, existing diagnostic methods, such as radiological imaging, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing, and biopsy, have limitations that hinder early diagnosis. AFP elevation is absent in a significant portion of tumors, and imaging may have low sensitivity for smaller tumors or in the presence of cirrhosis. Additionally, as our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC grows, there is an increasing need for molecular information about the tumors. Biopsy, although informative, is invasive and may not always be feasible depending on tumor location. In this context, liquid biopsy technology has emerged as a promising approach for early diagnosis, enabling molecular characterization and genetic profiling of tumors. This technique involves analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), or tumor-derived exosomes. CTCs are cancer cells shed from the primary tumor or metastatic sites and circulate in the bloodstream. Their presence not only allows for early detection but also provides insights into tumor metastasis and recurrence. By detecting CTCs in peripheral blood, real-time tumor-related information at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels can be obtained. This article provides an overview of CTCs and explores their clinical significance for early detection, prognosis, treatment selection, and monitoring treatment response in HCC, citing relevant literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Rifat Shaik
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Prem Raj Sagar
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nishat Anjum Shaik
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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11
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Manzi J, Hoff CO, Ferreira R, Glehn-Ponsirenas R, Selvaggi G, Tekin A, O'Brien CB, Feun L, Vianna R, Abreu P. Cell-Free DNA as a Surveillance Tool for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Liver Transplant. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3165. [PMID: 37370775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123165] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the world's sixth most common primary tumor site, responsible for approximately 5% of all cancers and over 8% of cancer-related deaths. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of liver cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all primary liver tumors. A major therapeutic tool for this disease is liver transplantation. Two of the most significant issues in treating HCC are tumor recurrence and graft rejection. Currently, the detection and monitoring of HCC recurrence and graft rejection mainly consist of imaging methods, tissue biopsies, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) follow-up. However, they have limited accuracy and precision. One of the many possible components of cfDNA is circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is cfDNA derived from tumor cells. Another important component in transplantation is donor-derived cfDNA (dd-cfDNA), derived from donor tissue. All the components of cfDNA can be analyzed in blood samples as liquid biopsies. These can play a role in determining prognosis, tumor recurrence, and graft rejection, assisting in an overall manner in clinical decision-making in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Manzi
- School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Camilla O Hoff
- School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Raphaella Ferreira
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | - Gennaro Selvaggi
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Akin Tekin
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Christopher B O'Brien
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lynn Feun
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Rodrigo Vianna
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Phillipe Abreu
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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12
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Jiang S, Yu D, He H, Sun H, Sun Y, Zhou L, Wu Z, Gu Q. Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Laparoscopic Versus Open Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2023; 33:321-334. [PMID: 36716177 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2022.0524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) is considered a safe and feasible treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent studies. However, in elderly patients, application of LH still remains controversial, and the outcomes of LH versus open hepatectomy (OH) have not been fully evaluated. Our objective is to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of LH with OH in elderly patients with HCC. Materials and Methods: All studies comparing LH and OH in elderly patients with HCC were systematically searched in the databases of PubMed, EmBase, and Web of Science. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). The last search was performed on March 20, 2022. Short-term outcomes include blood loss, operation time, blood transfusion, overall and major postoperative complications, mortality, hospital stay, tumor size, and surgical margin. Long-term outcomes include 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS); 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS); and 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: Fourteen studies involving 1596 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The short-term outcomes of LH were a shorter postoperative hospital stay and fewer overall and major postoperative complications (all P < .00001). However, there were no significant differences in operation time, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, surgical margin, tumor size, and mortality. For the long-term outcomes, LH is comparable with OH in terms of 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS; 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS; and 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS. Conclusions: Compared with OH, LH is a safe and feasible treatment for elderly patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijian Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Longxiang Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongxin Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyun Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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13
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Toubert C, Guiu B, Al Taweel B, Assenat E, Panaro F, Souche FR, Ursic-Bedoya J, Navarro F, Herrero A. Prolonged Survival after Recurrence in HCC Resected Patients Using Repeated Curative Therapies: Never Give Up! Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:232. [PMID: 36612227 PMCID: PMC9818493 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection is the optimal treatment for HCC, despite a high risk of recurrence. Few data are available on patient’s survival after resection. This is a retrospective study of tumor recurrence occurring after hepatectomy for HCC from 2000 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors of survival after recurrence (SAR). Among 387 patients, 226 recurred (58.4%) with a median SAR of 26 months. Curative treatments (liver transplantation, repeat hepatectomy, thermal ablation) were performed for 44.7% of patients. Independent prognostic factors for SAR were micro-vascular invasion on the primary surgical specimen, size of the initial tumor >5 cm, preoperative AFP, albumin and platelet levels, male gender, number, size and localization of tumors at recurrence, time to recurrence, Child−Pugh score and treatment at recurrence. In subgroup analysis, early recurrence (46%) was associated with a decrease in SAR, by contrast with late recurrence. However, the overall survival (OS) of patients with early recurrence and curative treatment did not significantly differ from that of non-recurring patients. For late recurrence, OS did not significantly differ from that of non-recurring patients, regardless of the proposed treatment. Aggressive and repeat treatments are therefore key to improve prognosis of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyprien Toubert
- Department of HBP Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Boris Guiu
- Department of Digestive Imaging, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Bader Al Taweel
- Department of HBP Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Fabrizio Panaro
- Department of HBP Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - François-Regis Souche
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Oncologic Surgery, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Jose Ursic-Bedoya
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Hepatology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Francis Navarro
- Department of HBP Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Astrid Herrero
- Department of HBP Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
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14
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Niu ZS, Wang WH, Niu XJ. Recent progress in molecular mechanisms of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6433-6477. [PMID: 36569275 PMCID: PMC9782839 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i46.6433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatectomy is currently considered the most effective option for treating patients with early and intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, the postoperative prognosis of patients with HCC remains unsatisfactory, predominantly because of high postoperative metastasis and recurrence rates. Therefore, research on the molecular mechanisms of postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence will help develop effective intervention measures to prevent or delay HCC metastasis and recurrence and to improve the long-term survival of HCC patients. Herein, we review the latest research progress on the molecular mechanisms underlying postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence to lay a foundation for improving the understanding of HCC metastasis and recurrence and for developing more precise prevention and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Shan Niu
- Laboratory of Micromorphology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wen-Hong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Niu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Qingdao Shibei District People's Hospital, Qingdao 266033, Shandong Province, China
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15
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Schlosser S, Tümen D, Volz B, Neumeyer K, Egler N, Kunst C, Tews HC, Schmid S, Kandulski A, Müller M, Gülow K. HCC biomarkers - state of the old and outlook to future promising biomarkers and their potential in everyday clinical practice. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1016952. [PMID: 36518320 PMCID: PMC9742592 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1016952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly tumors worldwide. Management of HCC depends on reliable biomarkers for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of the disease, as well as predicting response towards therapy and safety. To date, imaging has been the established standard technique in the diagnosis and follow-up of HCC. However, imaging techniques have their limitations, especially in the early detection of HCC. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable, non/minimal invasive biomarkers. To date, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only serum biomarker used in clinical practice for the management of HCC. However, AFP is of relatively rather low quality in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Liquid biopsies as a source for biomarkers have become the focus of clinical research. Our review highlights alternative biomarkers derived from liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor cells, proteins, circulating nucleic acids, and exosomes, and their potential for clinical application. Using defined combinations of different biomarkers will open new perspectives for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karsten Gülow
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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16
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Roa-Colomo A, López Garrido MÁ, Molina-Vallejo P, Rojas A, Sanchez MG, Aranda-García V, Salmeron J, Romero-Gomez M, Muntane J, Padillo J, Alamo JM, Lorente JA, Serrano MJ, Garrido-Navas MC. Hepatocellular carcinoma risk-stratification based on ASGR1 in circulating epithelial cells for cancer interception. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1074277. [PMID: 36518850 PMCID: PMC9742249 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1074277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Lack of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma impedes stratifying patients based on their risk of developing cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of circulating epithelial cells (CECs) based on asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) and miR-122-5p expression as potential diagnostic and prognostic tools in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC). Methods: Peripheral blood samples were extracted from LC and HCC patients at different disease stages. CECs were isolated using positive immunomagnetic selection. Genetic and phenotypic characterization was validated by double immunocytochemistry for cytokeratin (CK) and ASGR1 or by in situ hybridization with miR-122-5p and CECs were visualized by confocal microscopy. Results: The presence of CECs increased HCC risk by 2.58-fold, however, this was only significant for patients with previous LC (p = 0.028) and not for those without prior LC (p = 0.23). Furthermore, the number of CECs lacking ASGR1 expression correlated significantly with HCC incidence and absence of miR-122-5p expression (p = 0.014; r = 0.23). Finally, overall survival was significantly greater for patients at earlier cancer stages (p = 0.018), but this difference was only maintained in the group with the presence of CECs (p = 0.021) whereas progression-free survival was influenced by the absence of ASGR1 expression. Conclusion: Identification and characterization of CECs by ASGR1 and/or miR-122-5p expression may be used as a risk-stratification tool in LC patients, as it was shown to be an independent prognostic and risk-stratification marker in LC and early disease stage HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Roa-Colomo
- Clinical Medicine and Public Health Doctoral Program, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Molina-Vallejo
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
| | - Angela Rojas
- Seliver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/ Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad De Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes González Sanchez
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Virgen De Las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Violeta Aranda-García
- Statistician at Fundación para la Investigación Biosanitaria Andalucía Oriental Alejandro Otero (FIBAO), Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Salmeron
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- Seliver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/ Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad De Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Muntane
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Padillo
- General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jose María Alamo
- General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jose A. Lorente
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
- Legal Medicine Department, Medicine School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Serrano
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
- Comprehensive Oncology Division, Clinical University Hospital, Virgen de las Nieves-IBS, Granada, Spain
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Garrido-Navas
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
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17
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Choi EJ, Kim YJ. Liquid biopsy for early detection and therapeutic monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2022; 22:103-114. [PMID: 37383403 PMCID: PMC10035729 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2022.09.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Advances in our knowledge of the molecular characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have enabled significant progress in the detection and therapeutic prediction of HCC. As a non-invasive alternative to tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy examines circulating cellular components such as exosomes, nucleic acids, and cell-free DNA found in body fluids (e.g., urine, saliva, ascites, and pleural effusions) and provides information about tumor characteristics. Technical advances in liquid biopsy have led to the increasing adoption of diagnostic and monitoring applications for HCC. This review summarizes the various analytes, ongoing clinical trials, and case studies of United States Food and Drug Administrationapproved in vitro diagnostic applications for liquid biopsy, and provides insight into its implementation in managing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- LepiDyne Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Hua Y, Dong J, Hong J, Wang B, Yan Y, Li Z. Clinical applications of circulating tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968591. [PMID: 36091119 PMCID: PMC9448983 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor and ranked as the fourth cause of cancer-related mortality. The poor clinical prognosis is due to an advanced stage and resistance to systemic treatment. There are no obvious clinical symptoms in the early stage and the early diagnosis rate remains low. Novel effective biomarkers are important for early diagnosis and tumor surveillance to improve the survival of HCC patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells shed from primary or metastatic tumor and extravasate into the blood system. The number of CTCs is closely related to the metastasis of various solid tumors. CTCs escape from blood vessels and settle in target organs, then form micro-metastasis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) plays a crucial role in distant metastasis, which confers strong invasiveness to CTCs. The fact that CTCs can provide complete cellular biological information, which allows CTCs to be one of the most promising liquid biopsy targets. Recent studies have shown that CTCs are good candidates for early diagnosis, prognosis evaluation of metastasis or recurrence, and even a potential therapeutic target in patients with HCC. It is a new indicator for clinical application in the future. In this review, we introduce the enrichment methods and mechanisms of CTCs, and focus on clinical application in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinggang Hua
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingqing Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsong Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bailin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiming Li, ; Yong Yan,
| | - Zhiming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiming Li, ; Yong Yan,
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19
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Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma: An Update on Pathology and Diagnostic Approach. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081826. [PMID: 36009374 PMCID: PMC9405224 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver carcinoma displaying both hepatocytic and cholangiocytic differentiation within the same tumor. Relative to classic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cHCC-CCA has more aggressive behavior and a poorer prognosis. Though recent advances have improved our understanding of the biology underlying cHCC-CCAs, they remain diagnostically challenging for pathologists because of their morphologic and phenotypic diversity. Accurate diagnosis of cHCC-CCA is important for patient management and prognostication. Herein, we review recent updates on cHCC-CCA, focusing on tumor classification, pathology, and diagnostic approach.
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20
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Clinical Implication of Circulating Tumor Cells Expressing Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Markers and Their Perspective in HCC: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143373. [PMID: 35884432 PMCID: PMC9322939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary One of the major problems regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the development of metastasis and recurrence, even in patients with an early stage. Recently, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enumeration has been intensively studied as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC. Nevertheless, increasing evidence suggests the role of metastasis-associated CTC phenotypes, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-CTCs and circulating cancer stem cells (CCSCs). We performed a systematic review to investigate the correlation of different CTC subtypes with HCC characteristics and their prognostic relevance to clinical outcomes. A preliminary meta-analysis found that CTC subtypes had prognostic power for predicting the probability of early recurrence. This study highlights the potential of CTC subtyping analysis as a biomarker for HCC management and provides information on metastasis-associated CTCs for a deeper molecular characterization of specific CTC subtypes. Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a key role in hematogenous metastasis and post-surgery recurrence. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), CTCs have emerged as a valuable source of therapeutically relevant information. Certain subsets or phenotypes of CTCs can survive in the bloodstream and induce metastasis. Here, we performed a systematic review on the importance of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-CTCs and circulating cancer stem cells (CCSCs) in metastatic processes and their prognostic power in HCC management. PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched for relevant publications. PRISMA criteria were used to review all studies. Twenty publications were eligible, of which 14, 5, and 1 study reported EMT-CTCs, CCSCs, and both phenotypes, respectively. Most studies evaluated that mesenchymal CTCs and CCSCs positivity were statistically associated with extensive clinicopathological features, including larger size and multiple numbers of tumors, advanced stages, micro/macrovascular invasion, and metastatic/recurrent disease. A preliminary meta-analysis showed that the presence of mesenchymal CTCs in pre- and postoperative blood significantly increased the risk of early recurrence. Mesenchymal-CTCs positivity was the most reported association with inferior outcomes based on the prognosis of HCC recurrence. Our finding could be a step forward, conveying additional prognostic values of CTC subtypes as promising biomarkers in HCC management.
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21
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Tang HD, Wang Y, Xie P, Tan SY, Li HF, Shen H, Zhang Z, Lei ZQ, Zhou JH. The Crosstalk Between Immune Infiltration, Circulating Tumor Cells, and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer: Identification of HMGB3 From a Multiple Omics Analysis. Front Genet 2022; 13:892177. [PMID: 35754798 PMCID: PMC9213737 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.892177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play an important role in the development of metastasis. However, few studies have uncovered the metastasis mechanism of PDAC based on CTCs. In this study, the existing bulk RNA-sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) and single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) data for CTCs in pancreatic cancer were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) by CIBERSORT showed that the CTCs enriched from the peripheral blood of metastatic PDAC were found to contain a high proportion of T cell regulators (Tregs) and macrophages, while the proportion of dendritic cells (DCs) was lower than that enriched from localized PDAC. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the result of scRNA-seq, we identified the hub module (265 genes) and 87 marker genes, respectively, which were highly associated with metastasis. The results of functional enrichment analysis indicated that the two gene sets mentioned above are mainly involved in cell adhesion and cytoskeleton and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, we found that HMGB3 was the hub gene according to the Venn diagram. The expression of HMGB3 in PDAC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (protein and mRNA levels). HMGB3 expression was significantly positively correlated with both EMT-related molecules and CTC cluster–related markers. Furthermore, it was also found that HMGB3 mutations were favorably related to tumor-associated immune cells through the TIMER2.0 online tool. We further demonstrated that PDAC patients with higher HMGB3 expression had significantly worse overall survival (OS) in multiple datasets. In summary, our study suggests that HMGB3 is a hub gene associated with EMT in CTCs, the formation of CTC clusters, and infiltration patterns of immune cells favorable for tumor progression and metastasis to distant organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Dong Tang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Si-Yuan Tan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Feng Li
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Shen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng-Qing Lei
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia-Hua Zhou
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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22
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Melendez-Torres J, Singal AG. Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: roadmap for improvement. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:621-632. [PMID: 35514249 PMCID: PMC9845108 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2074404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis, related, in part, to frequent late-stage diagnosis. Improved implementation of effective HCC surveillance is critical to reduce HCC mortality. AREAS COVERED We performed a targeted literature review to identify intervention targets for improving HCC surveillance effectiveness, including enriched risk stratification tools, improved surveillance tools with higher accuracy for early HCC detection, and increasing surveillance adherence. EXPERT OPINION HCC surveillance has been demonstrated to be efficacious in several cohort studies but has lower surveillance effectiveness in clinical practice. HCC surveillance is currently recommended in all patients with cirrhosis, and improved risk stratification using clinical risk scores, genetic scores, and novel biomarkers are important to move from a 'one-size-fits-all' strategy to one more aligned with values of precision medicine. Current surveillance modalities, ultrasound, and AFP, miss over one-third of HCC at an early stage and are associated with potential surveillance harms, underscoring a need for alternative surveillance strategies with higher accuracy. MRI- and biomarker-based surveillance strategies have promising early data in phase II studies but require validation in phase III cohorts before routine use in practice. Finally, surveillance is underused in clinical practice, highlighting a need for intervention strategies to increase utilization.
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23
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Grinspan LT, Villanueva A. Biomarker Development Using Liquid Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:188-201. [PMID: 35738257 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1748924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer incidence rate continues to increase and currently ranks third in the total number of annual deaths, behind only lung and colorectal cancer. Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed at advanced stages, and they live for less than 2 years after diagnosis on average. This contrasts with those diagnosed at an early stage, who can be cured with surgery. However, even after curative resection, there remains a risk of up to 70% of postoperative HCC recurrence. There have been major changes in the management of HCC in the past 5 years, particularly for patients at advanced stages. Despite this multitude of new therapies, there is a lack of clear biomarkers to guide providers on the best approach to sequence therapies, which would maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity. There are several areas in clinical management of HCC that are particularly challenging, and would benefit from development and implementation of new biomarkers to improve patient overall survival. Here, we review the major advances in liquid biopsy biomarkers for early detection of HCC, minimum residual disease, and predicting response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Tal Grinspan
- Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Division of Liver Diseases, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Wang Y, Yuan Z, Zhu S, Bao X, Fu Z, Zhen T, Xing K, Zhang Y, Li X, Sun J, Li Q, Wu L. The longitudinal change of circulating tumor cell during chemotherapy and its correlation with disease features, treatment response and survival profile of advanced gallbladder carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:13590-13598. [PMID: 35035699 PMCID: PMC8748159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the relation of circulating tumor cell (CTC) with clinicopathological features. In addition, its longitudinal change during chemotherapy and its correlation with prognosis in advanced gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) patients were explored. Totally 45 unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic GBC patients who underwent chemotherapy were enrolled in this prospective study. The CTC in 7.5 ml blood was detected at pre-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. CTC was almost detectable in all advanced GBC patients before treatment, whose count was positively correlated with metastatic disease (vs. local advanced disease) (P=0.002), number of organs with metastases (P=0.006), and CA199 level (P=0.002). After treatment, CTC count declined from 4.0 (range: 0.0-83.0) at pre-treatment to 2.0 (range: 0.0-36.0) at post-treatment (P=0.003). Interestingly, pre-treatment CTC count (P=0.270) was of no difference, while post-treatment CTC count was lower (P=0.038) in objective-response patients compared to that in non-objective-response patients; meanwhile, both pre-treatment CTC count (P=0.017) and post-treatment CTC count (P<0.001) were lower in disease-control patients compared with those in non-disease-control patients. Importantly, pre-treatment CTC count ≥2 (versus <2) was only correlated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.014) but not overall survival (OS) (P=0.057); while pre-treatment CTC count ≥5 (versus <5), post-treatment CTC count ≥2 (versus <2), post-treatment CTC count ≥5 (versus <5), CTC count up (versus equal/down) were all correlated with poor PFS and OS (all P<0.050). In conclusion, higher CTC count during chemotherapy correlates with worse treatment response, PFS and OS in advanced GBC patients, which implies that CTC measurement may optimize the prognostication and individualized treatment in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinping Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 201112, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhiqing Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 201112, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 200127, China
| | - Sibo Zhu
- Cinoasia InstituteShanghai 200438, China
| | - Xunxia Bao
- Cinoasia InstituteShanghai 200438, China
| | | | | | | | - Yijue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, South Campus, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 200127, China
| | - Xinxing Li
- Department of General Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai 200003, China
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghai 200065, China
| | - Jianhua Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 201112, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 200127, China
| | - Qiwei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 201112, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 200127, China
| | - Linshi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 201112, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai 200127, China
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Zhao X, Zhao J, Tao L, Pan Y, Yang L, Zhang X, Yuan J, Zhu H. Significance of circulating tumor cells in the portal vein regarding metastases and vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:3050-3060. [PMID: 35070429 PMCID: PMC8748049 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular invasion is an important risk factor of poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood is direct evidence of tumor presence. There are few reports on CTCs and metastasis and vascular invasion of HCC. The purpose of this study was to analyze the significance of CTCs in the portal vein regarding metastases and vascular invasion in HCC patients. METHODS A total of 104 HCC patients diagnosed and treated in Zhengzhou University People's Hospital were enrolled. Surgery was performed in 60 individuals. Portal vein blood samples were collected before treatment for CTCs detection. We used the isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells (ISET) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to enrich and classify CTCs from blood samples. The patients were divided into metastasis and nonmetastasis groups according to the metastasis status before treatment. Differences in clinical indicators such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, tumor size, CTCs count, and macrovascular tumor thrombus between the two groups were analyzed as well as the associations of CTCs count with the above indicators. For individuals with postoperative pathology, the relationship between CTCs counts and microvascular invasion (MVI) was analyzed. RESULTS The amounts of portal vein CTCs were higher in patients with metastases compared with the nonmetastases group (20 vs. 7; z=3.795; P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the CTC count was a risk factor for HCC metastasis [odds ratio (OR) =1.044; 95% CI: 1.011-1.079]. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC count in predicting HCC metastasis were 82.93% and 52.38%, respectively. CTC count was significantly correlated with tumor size (rs=0.308; P=0.001), vascular invasion (z=4.211; P<0.001), and MVI (z=12.763; P=0.002). A threshold CTC count of seven showed the most significant power for predicting metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Vascular invasion positivity was closely related to HCC metastasis. Portal vein CTC count before treatment was correlated with vascular invasion and could be considered one of the factors affecting HCC metastasis. However, the ability of CTC count was limited in predicting HCC metastasis due to insufficient specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingge Zhao
- Clinical Research Center, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lianyuan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yujin Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Long Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xijun Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haohui Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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26
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Karimi A, Shobeiri P, Kulasinghe A, Rezaei N. Novel Systemic Inflammation Markers to Predict COVID-19 Prognosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:741061. [PMID: 34745112 PMCID: PMC8569430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.741061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic, challenging both the medical and scientific community for the development of novel vaccines and a greater understanding of the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 has been associated with a pronounced and out-of-control inflammatory response. Studies have sought to understand the effects of inflammatory response markers to prognosticate the disease. Herein, we aimed to review the evidence of 11 groups of systemic inflammatory markers for risk-stratifying patients and prognosticating outcomes related to COVID-19. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prognosticating patient outcomes, including but not limited to severe disease, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, intubation, and death. A few markers outperformed NLR in predicting outcomes, including 1) systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), 2) prognostic nutritional index (PNI), 3) C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) and high-sensitivity CAR (hsCAR), and 4) CRP to prealbumin ratio (CPAR) and high-sensitivity CPAR (hsCPAR). However, there are a limited number of studies comparing NLR with these markers, and such conclusions require larger validation studies. Overall, the evidence suggests that most of the studied markers are able to predict COVID-19 prognosis, however NLR seems to be the most robust marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Karimi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnian Shobeiri
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Q6 Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QL, Australia
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Adeniji N, Dhanasekaran R. Current and Emerging Tools for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1972-1986. [PMID: 34533885 PMCID: PMC8631096 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Early detection of HCC enables patients to avail curative therapies that can improve patient survival. Current international guidelines advocate for the enrollment of patients at high risk for HCC, like those with cirrhosis, in surveillance programs that perform ultrasound every 6 months. In recent years, many studies have further characterized the utility of established screening strategies and have introduced new promising tools for HCC surveillance. In this review, we provide an overview of the most promising new imaging modalities and biomarkers for the detection of HCC. We discuss the role of imaging tools like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early detection of HCC, and describe recent innovations which can potentially enhance their applicability, including contrast enhanced ultrasound, low‐dose CT scans, and abbreviated MRI. Next, we outline the data supporting the use of three circulating biomarkers (i.e., alpha‐fetoprotein [AFP], AFP lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction, and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin) in HCC surveillance, and expand on multiple emerging liquid biopsy biomarkers, including methylated cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), cfDNA mutations, extracellular vesicles, and circulating tumor cells. These promising new imaging modalities and biomarkers have the potential to improve early detection, and thus improve survival, in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nia Adeniji
- Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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28
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Fu J, Tang J, Luo H, Wu W. The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in predicting postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25984. [PMID: 34087841 PMCID: PMC8183765 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the key factors, postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) influences the therapeutic effects and survival period of patients. Therefore, the early diagnosis of postoperative recurrence of HCC plays an important role in improving the therapeutic effects and prognosis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) plays an important role in the early diagnosis of postoperative recurrence of HCC. However, the accuracy of CEUS in predicting postoperative recurrence of HCC is still controversial. Therefore, in this study, a meta-analysis was carried out to further evaluate the accuracy of CEUS in predicting postoperative recurrence of HCC, thus providing evidence support for the early diagnosis of HCC. METHODS The literatures on the CEUS diagnosis of postoperative recurrence of HCC were collected by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science on computer. The retrieval time is set from the start of the database until April 2021. The meta-analysis of the literatures that meet the quality standards was conducted by Stata 16.0 software. RESULTS The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSION This study will provide evidence support for the accuracy of CEUS in the diagnosis of postoperative recurrence of HCC. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also should not damage participants' rights. Ethical approval is not available. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/HB46W.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieying Fu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province
| | - Jia Tang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing
| | - Wencui Wu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Haikou Hospital of the Maternal and Child Health, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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29
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Moldogazieva NT, Zavadskiy SP, Terentiev AA. Genomic Landscape of Liquid Biopsy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Personalized Medicine. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2021; 18:369-383. [PMID: 33994362 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Advanced-stage HCC patients have poor survival rates and this requires the discovery of novel clear biomarkers for HCC early diagnosis and prognosis, identifying risk factors, distinguishing HCC from non-HCC liver diseases, and assessment of treatment response. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a novel minimally invasive approach to enable monitoring tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Since the liquid biopsy analysis has relatively high specificity and low sensitivity in cancer early detection, there is a risk of bias. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies provide accurate and comprehensive gene expression and mutational profiling of liquid biopsies including cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and genomic components of extracellular vesicles (EVs) including micro-RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Since HCC is a highly heterogeneous cancer, HCC patients can display various genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic patterns and exhibit varying sensitivity to treatment options. Identification of individual variabilities in genomic signatures in liquid biopsy has the potential to greatly enhance precision oncology capabilities. In this review, we highlight and critically discuss the latest progress in characterizing the genomic landscape of liquid biopsy, which can advance HCC personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurbubu T Moldogazieva
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey P Zavadskiy
- A.P. Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Terentiev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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30
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Pelizzaro F, Cardin R, Penzo B, Pinto E, Vitale A, Cillo U, Russo FP, Farinati F. Liquid Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Are We Now? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2274. [PMID: 34068786 PMCID: PMC8126224 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related death worldwide. Diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers are urgently needed in order to improve patient survival. Indeed, the most widely used biomarkers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), have limited accuracy as both diagnostic and prognostic tests. Liver biopsy provides an insight on the biology of the tumor, but it is an invasive procedure, not routinely used, and not representative of the whole neoplasia due to the demonstrated intra-tumoral heterogeneity. In recent years, liquid biopsy, defined as the molecular analysis of cancer by-products, released by the tumor in the bloodstream, emerged as an appealing source of new biomarkers. Several studies focused on evaluating extracellular vesicles, circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA and non-coding RNA as novel reliable biomarkers. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the most relevant available evidence on novel circulating biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic monitoring. Liquid biopsy seems to be a very promising instrument and, in the near future, some of these new non-invasive tools will probably change the clinical management of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Romilda Cardin
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Barbara Penzo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Elisa Pinto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
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31
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Beaufrère A, Calderaro J, Paradis V. Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: An update. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1212-1224. [PMID: 33545267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a tumour that exhibits both hepatocytic and biliary differentiation. Classical risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) seem to also predispose patients to the development of cHCC-CCA. The pathological definition of cHCC-CCA has significantly evolved over time. The last 2019 WHO classification highlighted that the diagnosis of cHCC-CCA should be primarily based on morphology using routine stainings, with additional immunostaining used to refine the identification of subtypes. Among them, "intermediate cell carcinoma" is recognised as a specific subtype, while "cholangiolocellular carcinoma" is now considered a subtype of iCCA. Increasing molecular evidence supports the clonal nature of cHCC-CCA and parallels its biphenotypic histological appearance, with genetic alterations that are classically observed in HCC and/or iCCA. That said, the morphological diagnosis of cHCC-CCA is still challenging for radiologists and pathologists, especially on biopsy specimens. Identification of cHCC-CCA's cell of origin remains an area of active research. Its prognosis is generally worse than that of HCC, and similar to that of iCCA. Resection with lymph node dissection is unfortunately the only curative option for patients with cHCC-CCA. Thus, there remains an urgent need to develop specific therapeutic strategies for this unique clinical entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Beaufrère
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1149, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France; Pathology Department, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France
| | | | - Valérie Paradis
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1149, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France; Pathology Department, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France.
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32
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Labgaa I, Villanueva A, Dormond O, Demartines N, Melloul E. The Role of Liquid Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognostication. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040659. [PMID: 33562173 PMCID: PMC7914891 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancer. Clinical guidelines for the management of HCC endorse algorithms deriving from clinical variables whose performances to prognosticate HCC is limited. Liquid biopsy is the molecular analysis of tumor by-products released into the bloodstream. It offers minimally-invasive access to circulating analytes like DNA, RNA, exosomes and cells. This technology demonstrated promising results for various applications in cancers, including prognostication. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the contribution of liquid biopsy in HCC prognostication. The results suggested that liquid biopsy may be a polyvalent and valuable tool to prognosticate HCC. Abstract Showing a steadily increasing cancer-related mortality, the epidemiological evolution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is concerning. Numerous strategies have attempted to prognosticate HCC but their performance is modest; this is partially due to the heterogeneous biology of this cancer. Current clinical guidelines endorse classifications and scores that use clinical variables, such as the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification. These algorithms are unlikely to fully recapitulate the genomic complexity of HCC. Integrating molecular readouts on a patient-basis, following a precision-medicine perspective, might be an option to refine prognostic systems. The limited access to HCC tissue samples is an important limitation to these approaches but it could be partially circumvented by using liquid biopsy. This concept consists of the molecular analysis of products derived from a solid tumor and released into biological fluids, mostly into the bloodstream. It offers an easy and minimally-invasive access to DNA, RNA, extracellular vesicles and cells that can be analyzed with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. This review aims to investigate the potential contributions of liquid biopsy in HCC prognostication. The results identified prognostic values for each of the components of liquid biopsy, suggesting that this technology may help refine HCC prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Labgaa
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (I.L.); (O.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Division of Liver Diseases, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Olivier Dormond
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (I.L.); (O.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Nicolas Demartines
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (I.L.); (O.D.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Emmanuel Melloul
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (I.L.); (O.D.); (E.M.)
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