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Han JW, Lee SK, Kwon JH, Nam SW, Yang H, Bae SH, Kim JH, Nam H, Kim CW, Lee HL, Kim HY, Lee SW, Lee A, Chang UI, Song DS, Kim SH, Song MJ, Sung PS, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Jang JW. A Machine Learning Algorithm Facilitates Prognosis Prediction and Treatment Selection for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2812-2821. [PMID: 38639918 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Given its heterogeneity and diverse clinical outcomes, precise subclassification of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C (BCLC-C) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is required for appropriately determining patient prognosis and selecting treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We recruited 2,626 patients with BCLC-C HCC from multiple centers, comprising training/test (n = 1,693) and validation cohorts (n = 933). The XGBoost model was chosen for maximum performance among the machine learning (ML) models. Patients were categorized into low-, intermediate-, high-, and very high-risk subgroups based on the estimated prognosis, and this subclassification was named the CLAssification via Machine learning of BCLC-C (CLAM-C). RESULTS The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the CLAM-C for predicting the 6-, 12-, and 24-month survival of patients with BCLC-C were 0.800, 0.831, and 0.715, respectively-significantly higher than those of the conventional models, which were consistent in the validation cohort. The four subgroups had significantly different median overall survivals, and this difference was maintained among various patient subgroups and treatment modalities. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors and transarterial therapies were associated with significantly better survival than tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in the low- and intermediate-risk subgroups. In cases with first-line systemic therapy, the CLAM-C identified atezolizumab-bevacizumab as the best therapy, particularly in the high-risk group. In cases with later-line systemic therapy, nivolumab had better survival than TKIs in the low-to-intermediate-risk subgroup, whereas TKIs had better survival in the high- to very high-risk subgroup. CONCLUSIONS ML modeling effectively subclassified patients with BCLC-C HCC, potentially aiding treatment allocation. Our study underscores the potential utilization of ML modeling in terms of prognostication and treatment allocation in patients with BCLC-C HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji W Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon K Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung H Kwon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon W Nam
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Yang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Si H Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji H Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang W Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae L Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Y Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung W Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahlim Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - U I Chang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Do S Song
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Hwan Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong J Song
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil S Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Y Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung K Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong W Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Stefanini B, Ielasi L, Pallotta DP, Penazza S, Marseglia M, Piscaglia F. Intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: refining substaging or shifting paradigm? JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2024; 24:23-32. [PMID: 38468499 PMCID: PMC10990660 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2024.02.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
This review explores the evolution of cancer staging, focusing on intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the challenges faced by physicians. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, introduced in 1999, was designed to address the limitations associated with providing accurate prognostic information for HCC and allocating specific treatments, to avoid overtreatment. However, criticism has emerged, particularly regarding the intermediate stage of HCC (BCLC-B) and its heterogeneous patient population. To overcome this limitation, various subclassification systems, such as the Bolondi and Kinki criteria, have been proposed. These systems are aimed at refining categorizations within the intermediate stage and have demonstrated varying degrees of success in predicting outcomes through external validation. This study discusses the shift in treatment paradigms, emphasizing the need for a more personalized approach rather than strictly adhering to cancer stages, without dismissing the relevance of staging systems. It assesses the available treatment options for intermediate-stage HCC, highlighting the importance of considering surgical and nonsurgical options alongside transarterial chemoembolization for optimal outcomes. In conclusion, the text advocates for a paradigm shift in staging systems prioritizing treatment suitability over cancer stage. This reflects the evolving landscape of HCC management, where a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for tailoring treatments to individual patients, ultimately aiming to improve overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Stefanini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ielasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, Faenza, Italy
| | - Dante Pio Pallotta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Penazza
- Divison of Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Marseglia
- Divison of Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Divison of Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Ielasi L, Stefanini B, Conti F, Tonnini M, Tortora R, Magini G, Sacco R, Pressiani T, Trevisani F, Foschi FG, Piscaglia F, Granito A, Tovoli F. Comparative Analysis of Subclassification Systems in Patients with Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Barcelona Clinic Liver Classification B) Receiving Systemic Therapy. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:547-557. [PMID: 38275831 PMCID: PMC10814359 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC B HCC) occurs in a heterogeneous group of patients and can be addressed with a wide spectrum of treatments. Consequently, survival significantly varies among patients. In recent years, several subclassification systems have been proposed to stratify patients' prognosis. We analyzed and compared these systems (Bolondi, Yamakado, Kinki, Wang, Lee, and Kim criteria) in patients undergoing systemic therapy. METHODS We considered 171 patients with BCLC B HCC treated with sorafenib as first-line systemic therapy in six Italian centers from 2010 to 2021 and retrospectively applied the criteria of six different subclassification systems. RESULTS Except for the Yamakado criteria, all the subclassification systems showed a statistically significant correlation to overall survival (OS). In the postestimation analysis, the Bolondi criteria (OS of subgroups 22.5, 11.9, and 6.6 mo, respectively; C-index 0.586; AIC 1338; BIC 1344) and the Wang criteria (OS of subgroups 20.6, 11.9, and 7.0, respectively; C-index 0.607; AIC 1337; BIC 1344) presented the best accuracy. Further analyses of these two subclassification systems implemented with the prognostic factor of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 ng/mL have shown an increase in accuracy for both systems (C-index 0.599 and 0.624, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Intermediate-stage subclassification systems maintain their predictive value also in the setting of systemic therapy. The Bolondi and Wang criteria showed the highest accuracy. AFP > 400 ng/mL enhances the performance of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ielasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi di Faenza, 48018 Faenza, Italy
| | - Bernardo Stefanini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Conti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi di Faenza, 48018 Faenza, Italy
| | - Matteo Tonnini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tortora
- Liver Unit, Department of Transplantation, Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Magini
- Department of Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Foggia University Hospital, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Semeiotica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Granito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Jin S, Choi WM, Shim JH, Lee D, Kim KM, Lim YS, Lee HC, Jung J, Yoon SM, Choi J. Subclassification of advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion: combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy as an alternative first-line treatment. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:177-188. [PMID: 37384022 PMCID: PMC10202243 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.03.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background/Aim The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines recommend systemic therapy as the only first-line treatment for patients with BCLC stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) despite its heterogeneity of disease extent. We aimed to identify patients who might benefit from combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiation therapy (RT) by subclassifying BCLC stage C. Methods A total of 1,419 treatment-naïve BCLC stage C patients with macrovascular invasion (MVI) who were treated with combined TACE and RT (n=1,115) or systemic treatment (n=304) were analyzed. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Factors associated with OS were identified and assigned points by the Cox model. The patients were subclassified into three groups based on these points. Results The mean age was 55.4 years, and 87.8% were male. The median OS was 8.3 months. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of Child-Pugh B, infiltrative-type tumor or tumor size ≥10 cm, main or bilateral portal vein invasion, and extrahepatic metastasis with poor OS. The sub-classification was categorized into low (point ≤1), intermediate (point=2), and high (point ≥3) risks based on the sum of points (range, 0-4). The OS in the low, intermediate, and high-risk groups was 22.6, 8.2, and 3.8 months, respectively. In the low and intermediate-risk groups, patients treated with combined TACE and RT exhibited significantly longer OS (24.2 and 9.5 months, respectively) than those who received systemic treatment (6.4 and 5.1 months, respectively; P<0.0001). Conclusions Combined TACE and RT may be considered as a first-line treatment option for HCC patients with MVI when classified into low- and intermediate-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang Mo Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han Chu Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinhong Jung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Min Yoon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Kim BK. How to optimize the treatment strategy for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:121-123. [PMID: 37384031 PMCID: PMC10202239 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.3.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Liu X, Liao G, Luo X, Song W, Zhang H, Chen H, Cai S, Guo D. Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Different Areas of Right Retroperitoneal Space Invasion: Evaluation of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Efficacy and Blood Supply Characteristics. Front Oncol 2020; 10:539692. [PMID: 33072569 PMCID: PMC7538699 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.539692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with different areas of right retroperitoneal space (rRPS) invasion and analyze the blood supply. Methods This retrospective study enrolled 41 patients with HCC with different areas of rRPS invasion treated with TACE, including 22 HCCs with superior aspect of the right perirenal space (SARPS) invasion and 19 HCCs with right anterior pararenal space (RAPS) invasion. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were analyzed. The prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) after TACE were determined. The blood supply characteristics of HCC with different areas of rRPS invasion were analyzed with arteriograms. Results All patients underwent 2.8 ± 1.8 TACE sessions over 25.0 ± 21.9 months. The median OS was 29.0 months for patients with SARPS invasion and 12.0 months for patients with RAPS invasion (P = 0.004). Only the invaded area of the rRPS was an independent prognostic factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR), 2.833; 95% CI, 1.297–6.188; and P = 0.009). The ORR and DCR were significantly higher in the group with SARPS invasion than in the group with RAPS invasion (ORR: 63.6% vs 31.6%, P = 0.041; DCR: 77.3% vs 47.4%, P = 0.047). Initially, HCC with SARPS invasion were supplied by the hepatic artery (HA; n = 8) and both the HA and extrahepatic collateral vessels (EHCs; n = 14); HCC with RAPS invasion were supplied by the HA (n = 10) and both the HA and EHCs (n = 9); as the TACE sessions increased, the tumor-feeding vessels shifted from the HA to both the HA and EHCs, and even EHCs could be the only blood supply. Rare EHCs appeared earlier and more frequently in the RAPS group than in the SARPS group. Conclusion The efficacy of TACE differed for HCC with different areas of rRPS invasion, and the median OS, ORR and DCR were significantly better in the SARPS group than in the RAPS group. Different common EHCs supplied HCCs with different areas of rRPS invasion, while other rare EHCs appeared more frequently in the RAPS group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangsheng Liao
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenlong Song
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiping Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shangzhi Cai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dajing Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yi PS, Wang H, Li JS. Evolution and current status of the subclassification of intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Surg 2020; 12:85-92. [PMID: 32218891 PMCID: PMC7061238 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v12.i3.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The staging and treatment of intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. According to the recommendations of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, patients with intermediate HCC are candidates for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. However, not all patients with intermediate HCC benefit from transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Therefore, it is meaningful to propose a novel staging system of intermediate HCC in order to allocate different treatments for different subgroups. Bolondi et al proposed the first subclassification system of intermediate HCC. Subsequently, investigators performed studies to validate the feasibility of Bolondi’ s criteria and proposed several novel staging systems. The present study reviewed the literatures and provided a general overview of the evolution and current status of the subclassification of intermediate HCC. We propose to expand the indication of liver resection and add radical treatments as the first option of the treatment for patients with intermediate HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Sheng Yi
- Department of Hepato-biliary-pancrease, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jian-Shui Li
- Department of Hepato-biliary-pancrease, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
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Cho HJ, Kim SS, Kang SY, Yang MJ, Noh CK, Hwang JC, Lim SG, Shin SJ, Lee KM, Yoo BM, Lee KJ, Kim JH, Cho SW, Cheong JY. A Proposal for Modification of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging System Considering the Prognostic Implication of Performance Status. Gut Liver 2020; 13:557-568. [PMID: 31023007 PMCID: PMC6743810 DOI: 10.5009/gnl18444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) C stage demonstrates considerable heterogeneity because it includes patients with either symptomatic tumors (performance status [PS], 1-2) or with an invasive tumoral pattern reflected by the presence of vascular invasion (VI) or extrahepatic spread (EHS). This study aimed to derive a more relevant staging system by modification of the BCLC system considering the prognostic implication of PS. Methods A total of 7,501 subjects who were registered in the Korean multicenter hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) registry database from 2008 to 2013 were analyzed. The relative goodness-of-fit between staging systems was compared using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and integrated area under the curve (IAUC). Three modified BCLC (m-BCLC) systems (#1, #2, and #3) were devised by reducing the role of PS. Results As a result, the BCLC C stage, which includes patients with PS 1-2 without VI/EHS, was reassigned to stage 0, A, or B according to their tumor burden in the m-BCLC #2 model. This model was identified as the most explanatory and desirable model for HCC staging by demonstrating the smallest AIC (AIC=70,088.01) and the largest IAUC (IAUC=0.722), while the original BCLC showed the largest AIC (AIC=70,697.17) and the smallest IAUC (IAUC=0.705). The m-BCLC #2 stage C was further subclassified into C1, C2, C3, and C4 according to the Child-Pugh score, PS, presence of EHS, and tumor extent. The C1 to C4 subgroups showed significantly different overall survival distribution between groups (p<0.001). Conclusions An accurate and relevant staging system for patients with HCC was derived though modification of the BCLC system based on PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - So Young Kang
- Office of Biostatistics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Min Jae Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Choong Kyun Noh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jae Chul Hwang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sun Gyo Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sung Jae Shin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kee Myung Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Byung Moo Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kwang Jae Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jin Hong Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sung Won Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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9
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Chen RX, Gan YH, Ge NL, Chen Y, Ma M, Zhang BH, Wang YH, Ye SL, Luo JF, Ren ZG. A new prediction model for prognosis of patients with intermediate-stage HCC after conventional transarterial chemoembolization: an internally validated study. J Cancer 2019; 10:6535-6542. [PMID: 31777583 PMCID: PMC6856887 DOI: 10.7150/jca.34064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The prognosis of patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by conventional TACE (cTACE) is greatly heterogeneous. This study aimed to develop a new survival prediction model to help select patients who would benefit better from cTACE treatment. Methods: We collected data of 848 treatment-naïve patients with BCLC B HCC who received cTACE as first-line therapy. The prognostic model's variables were derived from univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The concordance index (C-statistic) calculated through cross-validation and bootstrap resampling was used for the model selection. The calibration of our final prediction model was also assessed. Results: The model showed a better discrimination ability than Bolondi's BCLC B1-B4 subclassification to predict the prognosis of BCLC B patients (C-statistic, 0.66 vs. 0.60; difference, 0.05, 95% CI, 0.03-0.07). In cross-validation, bootstrap resampling demonstrated that the model maintained sufficiently discriminant (an average of C-statistic, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.65-0.68). The model calibration was accurate in predicting survival of patients matched well with the observed outcomes. On the basis of the improved survival of 18 months or more as the responding patient, the observations of patients in each response category (responder and non-responder) were fair-moderately matched with those predicted by the model (κ=0.40, P<0.001). Conclusions: Based on clinically available features of patient, tumor and liver function, we developed an alternative prediction model with better performance than the Bolondi's substaging system for intermediate HCC patients after cTACE, which could help define the distinct subgroup of BCLC B patients who are suitable for cTACE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Xin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Hong Gan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Ling Ge
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ma
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo-Heng Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Long Ye
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Feng Luo
- Department of Health Statistics and Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Gang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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10
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Kim YJ, Jung J, Joo JH, Kim SY, Kim JH, Lim YS, Lee HC, Kim JH, Yoon SM. Combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy as a first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic vascular invasion: Necessity to subclassify Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C. Radiother Oncol 2019; 141:95-100. [PMID: 31506181 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Systemic therapy such as sorafenib is the standard for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the survival benefits are modest especially for HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI). Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus external beam radiotherapy (RT) is an alternative treatment to sorafenib, with favorable clinical results. We evaluated the outcomes of respiratory-gated RT and TACE in treatment-naïve BCLC stage C HCC patients with MVI and proposed a subclassification model. METHODS In this study, 639 patients received TACE plus RT for HCC with MVI as a first-line treatment between January 2010 and December 2015. RESULTS Main/bilateral portal vein and/or inferior vena cava tumor thrombus was observed in 353 (55.2%) patients. The median radiation dose was 39 Gy (range 24-50) with a 2.5-Gy (2-5) median fraction size. The median overall survival was 10.7 months, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 46.5% and 23.9%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh classification B, tumor size >10 cm, infiltrative/diffuse type, presence of extrahepatic metastasis, alpha-fetoprotein >150,000 ng/mL, and radiation dose ≤40 Gy were significant predictors for poor overall survival. Subclassification of patients into very low, low, intermediate, and high-risk groups showed median survivals of 84.8, 14.7, 10.3, and 5.7 months, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION TACE plus RT is an effective and safe treatment for HCC with MVI and could be considered a first-line treatment option. The subclassification scheme accurately predicted the prognosis of these patients and may be useful for tailored treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Joo Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhong Jung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hyeon Joo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyoung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Chu Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Min Yoon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
The complete resection offers the best long-term survival for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients. ALPPS as a choice of resection, how is its outcome compared to one-stage resection, liver transplantation and TACE? This retrospective study included 20 ALPPS patients. To minimize the effect of confounding influences of measured covariates, PSM was performed. The overall survival (OS), morbidity, mortality and the increasing rate, KGR were analyzed. The OS in ALPPS group is 27.4 (±3.8 months) moths and the TACE group is 13.5(±1.2 months) (P < .001), LT group is 41.3 (±3.2 months) (P = .048), Resection group is 31.8 (±2.6 months) (P = .368). And the medium increasing volume is 209.5 cm (±61.5 cm) with the increasing ratio 52.4% (+26.9%). The ALPPS is a feasible treatment for HCC patients and it provides a better long-term survival than TACE and it is similar to Resection, less than LT.
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12
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Lee DW, Yim HJ, Seo YS, Na SK, Kim SY, Suh SJ, Hyun JJ, Jung SW, Jung YK, Koo JS, Kim JH, Yeon JE, Lee SW, Byun KS, Um SH. Prognostic assessment using a new substaging system for Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage C hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide study. Liver Int 2019; 39:1109-1119. [PMID: 30972935 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM & BACKGROUND Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Barcelona clinic liver cancer [BCLC] stage C) needs subclassification to more accurately predict survival. This study aims to establish a substaging system of BCLC stage C HCC patients for accurate prognosis. METHODS Data from 564 patients with newly diagnosed BCLC stage C HCC from three tertiary-care hospitals affiliated with the Korea University (training set) were assessed retrospectively. Variables affecting overall survival (OS) were analysed, and patients were substaged according to the number of prognostic factors they fulfilled. The substaging system was validated using a nationwide database from the Korean Liver Cancer Association (validation set; n = 742). RESULTS In the training set, tumour factors such as tumour burden ≥10 cm, major portal vein invasion and distant metastasis, as well as underlying liver function, were independently associated with OS. BCLC stage C was classified into four substages (C1-4) according to the number of prognostic factors. Substages C1, C2, C3 and C4 showed a median OS of 17.50 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.57-26.43), 10.13 months (95% CI, 8.17-12.09), 4.20 months (95% CI, 3.42-4.98), and 2.90 months (95% CI, 2.34-3.46) respectively (P < 0.05). This substaging system also had good discriminative ability in predicting survival in the validation set. In addition, it was considered that the BCLC substaging is better than Hong Kong liver cancer substaging in predicting the OS for patients with advanced HCC. CONCLUSION Our substaging for BCLC stage C might help predict patients' prognosis better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Won Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Yim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Yeon Seok Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Kyun Na
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Seung Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Sang Jun Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Jong Jin Hyun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Ja Seol Koo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Eun Yeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Woo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Byun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon Ho Um
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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13
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Ikeda K. Recent advances in medical management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:14-32. [PMID: 30308081 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcatheter arterial therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have developed during the last decade. A fine powder formulation of cisplatin and the new platinum agent miriplatin became standard medicines in addition to anthracyclines in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in Japan. Recent prospective and retrospective studies supported the usefulness of platinum agents as a chemotherapeutic at the time of varied TACE therapy. Although balloon-occluded TACE is an effective therapy for localized HCC and drug-eluting microspheres seemed to show a higher response rate in certain HCCs, the definite advantages of those procedures still remain uncertain. Intermediate stage HCC, or Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B, is regarded as a heterogeneous category with a wide spectrum of tumors and patients, and several subclassifications of the stage have been proposed to show different prognoses; there are also different recommended therapies in each subgroup. Authors have subclassified patients based on combinations of tumor size, tumor number, and liver function, with or without performance status. Because of differences of available medical resources and techniques in treatment procedures between countries, the most ideal and useful subgrouping remains inconclusive at present. Recently, a few systemic chemotherapies proved to be effective for advanced stage HCC in phase III studies: lenvatinib as the first line of therapy, and regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab as second-line therapy. Other molecular-targeted and immune-oncological medicines are expected to follow in the near future. Some studies have suggested an advantage of early introduction of molecular-targeted therapy for TACE-resistant HCC in the intermediate stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Kim DY, Han KH. Staging for hepatocellular carcinoma in light of tumor heterogeneity: Time to change or update? Hepatology 2018; 67:2076-2078. [PMID: 29266394 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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15
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Giannini EG, Bucci L, Garuti F, Brunacci M, Lenzi B, Valente M, Caturelli E, Cabibbo G, Piscaglia F, Virdone R, Felder M, Ciccarese F, Foschi FG, Sacco R, Svegliati Baroni G, Farinati F, Rapaccini GL, Olivani A, Gasbarrini A, Di Marco M, Morisco F, Zoli M, Masotto A, Borzio F, Benvegnù L, Marra F, Colecchia A, Nardone G, Bernardi M, Trevisani F. Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma need a personalized management: A lesson from clinical practice. Hepatology 2018; 67:1784-1796. [PMID: 29159910 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) advanced stage (BCLC C) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) includes a heterogeneous population, where sorafenib alone is the recommended treatment. In this study, our aim was to assess treatment and overall survival (OS) of BCLC C patients subclassified according to clinical features (performance status [PS], macrovascular invasion [MVI], extrahepatic spread [EHS] or MVI + EHS) determining their allocation to this stage. From the Italian Liver Cancer database, we analyzed 835 consecutive BCLC C patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2014. Patients were subclassified as: PS1 alone (n = 385; 46.1%), PS2 alone (n = 146; 17.5%), MVI (n = 224; 26.8%), EHS (n = 51; 6.1%), and MVI + EHS (n = 29; 3.5%). MVI, EHS, and MVI + EHS patients had larger and multifocal/massive HCCs and higher alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels than PS1 and PS2 patients. Median OS significantly declined from PS1 (38.6 months) to PS2 (22.3 months), EHS (11.2 months), MVI (8.2 months), and MVI + EHS (3.1 months; P < 0.001). Among MVI patients, OS was longer in those with peripheral than with central (portal trunk) MVI (11.2 vs. 7.1 months; P = 0.005). The most frequent treatments were: curative approaches in PS1 (39.7%), supportive therapy in PS2 (41.8%), sorafenib in MVI (39.3%) and EHS (37.3%), and best supportive care in MVI + EHS patients (51.7%). Independent prognostic factors were: Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, Child-Pugh class, ascites, platelet count, albumin, tumor size, MVI, EHS, AFP levels, and treatment type. CONCLUSION BCLC C stage does not identify patients homogeneous enough to be allocated to a single stage. PS1 alone is not sufficient to include a patient into this stage. The remaining patients should be subclassified according to PS and tumor features, and new patient-tailored therapeutic indications are needed. (Hepatology 2018;67:1784-1796).
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Giovanni Giannini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, San Martino Polyclinic, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Bucci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Semeiotica Medica Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Garuti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Semeiotica Medica Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunacci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, San Martino Polyclinic, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Lenzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Semeiotica Medica Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Valente
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Semeiotica Medica Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eugenio Caturelli
- Operative Unit of Gastroenterology, Belcolle Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Biomedical Department of Internal and Specialistic Medicine, Gastroenterology, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Internal Medicine Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Virdone
- Biomedical Department of Internal and Specialistic Medicine, Internal Medicin 2 Unit, Villa Sofia Hospital Agency Riuniti Hospitals-Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martina Felder
- Gastroenterology, Physiopathology and Digestive Endoscopy, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Hospital-University Agency of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgical and Gastroenterological Sciences, Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Olivani
- Department of Oncohematology and Internal Medicine, Infection diseases and Hepatology Unit, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit-Gemelli, Department of Internal Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Di Marco
- Medicine Division, Bolognini Hospital Agency, Seriate, Italy
| | - Filomena Morisco
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical and Sperimental Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Zoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Zoli Internal Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Masotto
- Gastroenterology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Franco Borzio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Benvegnù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Sperimental and Clinical Medicine, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nardone
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Medicine-Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Semeiotica Medica Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Semeiotica Medica Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Conditional survival estimate in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B/C hepatocellular carcinoma treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with/without concurrent radiotherapy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:79914-79926. [PMID: 29108373 PMCID: PMC5668106 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conditional survival (CS) provides a prognosis of patients who have already survived several years after treatment. We investigated CS in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B/C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with or without concurrent radiotherapy (CRT). A total of 181 patients diagnosed with HCC who were treated with HAIC with or without CRT between 2011 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall survival (OS) and CS were calculated and a subgroup analysis was performed. The 1- and 5-year survival rates of all patients were 57.0% and 24.3%. OS was significantly higher in patients with BCLC stage B than BCLC stage C patients. Patients who achieved disease control after treatment also showed longer OS than who did not respond to treatment. Provided that the patient had already survived for 0, 1, 2, and 3 years, the CS estimates of surviving an additional 2 years were 35.6%, 55.1%, 82.0%, and 77.4%, respectively. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare BCLC stage B and C patients and revealed that CS has a tendency to increase and the difference in CS between two groups decreased over time. CS reflects the change of prognosis over time and may provide a more accurate prognosis and hopeful message to patients who have already survived with treatment.
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Abstract
There is great geographical variation in the distribution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the majority of all cases worldwide found in the Asia–Pacific region, where HCC is one of the leading public health problems. Since the “Toward Revision of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) HCC Guidelines” meeting held at the 25th annual conference of the APASL in Tokyo, the newest guidelines for the treatment of HCC published by the APASL has been discussed. This latest guidelines recommend evidence-based management of HCC and are considered suitable for universal use in the Asia–Pacific region, which has a diversity of medical environments.
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18
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NIACE score for hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated by surgery or transarterial chemoembolization. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 29:706-715. [PMID: 28195873 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognostic scores could be useful in addition to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system to clarify patient prognosis and guide treatment decision. The NIACE (tumor Nodularity, Infiltrative nature of the tumor, serum Alpha-fetoprotein level, Child-Pugh stage, ECOG performance status) score distinguishes different prognosis groups among BCLC A, B, and C HCC patients. Our aims are to evaluate the NIACE score and its additive value in two HCC cohorts treated either by surgery or by chemoembolization, and then according to the BCLC recommendations. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective multicenter study with two BCLC A, B, and C HCC cohorts treated either by surgery (n=207) or by chemoembolization (n=168) carried out between 2008 and 2013. We studied survival time according to the baseline NIACE score and compared it with the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program score and the BCLC system. RESULTS The NIACE score differentiates between subgroups of patients with different prognosis within each BCLC class. Among BCLC A patients treated by surgery and BCLC B patients treated by chemoembolization, the NIACE score differentiates between two subgroups with a significant difference in survival time: 68 (55-81) months versus 35 (21-56) months (P=0.0004) and 20 (17-24) months versus 13 (7-17) months (P=0.0008), respectively. Among those subgroups, the NIACE score has a significantly better prognostic value than the BCLC system or the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program score. CONCLUSION In this study, among HCC patients treated according to the BCLC recommendations, the NIACE score predicts more accurately than any other system the survival time.
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Adhoute X, Pénaranda G, Raoul JL, Edeline J, Blanc JF, Pol B, Campanile M, Perrier H, Bayle O, Monnet O, Beaurain P, Muller C, Castellani P, Le Treut YP, Bronowicki JP, Bourlière M. Barcelona clinic liver cancer nomogram and others staging/scoring systems in a French hepatocellular carcinoma cohort. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:2545-2555. [PMID: 28465639 PMCID: PMC5394518 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i14.2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To compare the performances of the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) nomogram and others systems (BCLC, HKLC, CLIP, NIACE) for survival prediction in a large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) French cohort.
METHODS Data were collected retrospectively from 01/2007 to 12/2013 in five French centers. Newly diagnosed HCC patients were analyzed. The discriminatory ability, homogeneity ability, prognostic stratification ability Akaike information criterion (AIC) and C-index were compared among scoring systems.
RESULTS The cohort included 1102 patients, mostly men, median age 68 [60-74] years with cirrhosis (81%), child-Pugh A (73%), alcohol-related (41%), HCV-related (27%). HCC were multinodular (59%) and vascular invasion was present in 41% of cases. At time of HCC diagnosis BCLC stages were A (17%), B (16%), C (60%) and D (7%). First line HCC treatment was curative in 23.5%, palliative in 59.5%, BSC in 17% of our population. Median OS was 10.8 mo [4.9-28.0]. Each system distinguished different survival prognosis groups (P < 0.0001). The nomogram had the highest discriminatory ability, the highest C-index value. NIACE score had the lowest AIC value. The nomogram distinguished sixteen different prognosis groups. By classifying unifocal large HCC into tumor burden 1, the nomogram was less powerful.
CONCLUSION In this French cohort, the BCLC nomogram and the NIACE score provided the best prognostic information, but the NIACE could even help treatment strategies.
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Huang C, Zhu XD, Ji Y, Ding GY, Shi GM, Shen YH, Zhou J, Fan J, Sun HC. Microvascular invasion has limited clinical values in hepatocellular carcinoma patients at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0 or B. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:58. [PMID: 28095820 PMCID: PMC5240309 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microvascular invasion (MVI) is recognized as a prognostic factor associated with poor outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative resection. It remains unclear, however, whether MVI can provide prognostic information for patients at a specific tumor stage. Methods Consecutive HCC patients who underwent curative resection in years of 2007 and 2008 (discovery cohort) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were stratified by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. The prognostic significance of MVI for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was studied in each subgroup. The clinical significance of MVI was validated in another cohort of patients underwent curative surgery in the year of 2006 (validation cohort). Results Of the 1540 patients in the discovery cohort, 389 (25.3%) patients had detectable MVI. Occurrence rates of MVI in the BCLC stage 0, A, and B subgroups were 12.4, 26.2, and 34.4%, respectively. In univariate analysis, MVI was associated with poor OS and RFS (P < 0.001 for both) in HCC patients at stage A, with poor OS in patients at stage 0 (P = 0.028), and with poor RFS at stage B (P = 0.039). In multivariate analysis, MVI was an independent risk factor for OS (HR = 1.431, 95% CI, 1.163–1.761, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR = 1.400, 95% CI, 1.150–1.705, P = 0.001) in patients at stage A; and an independent risk factor for RFS (P = 0.043) in patients at stage B. A similar clinical significance of MVI was found in the validation cohort. Conclusions MVI has limited prognostic value for HCC patients at BCLC stages 0 and B. For those at stage A, MVI was associated with patient survival and may help to select patients with high risk of disease recurrence. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3050-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Huang
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhu
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guang-Yu Ding
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guo-Ming Shi
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Hao Shen
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui-Chuan Sun
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, the Chinese Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Transarterial chemoembolization versus transarterial radioembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: optimization of selecting treatment modality. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:883-892. [PMID: 27126821 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of intermediate stage consists of diverse tumor and patient factors in terms of tumor number, size and liver function resulting in various outcomes given by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using radioactive isotope, β-ray emitting Yttrium-90 with a short half-life and penetration depth, is an emerging intra-arterial brachytherapy characterized by potent anti-cancer effect given by radiation but minimal embolic effect. Although there is lack of study directly comparing the efficacy and safety between TACE and TARE in patients with unresectable HCC, several retrospective or small-scaled studies suggest that overall efficacy indicated by overall survival and time to progression is similar between two modalities and TARE has a superiority in the safety including postembolization syndrome, hospitalization days and outpatient-based therapy. In advanced HCC with portal vein (PV) invasion, TACE is not consistently recommended due to risk of hepatic decompensation or failure after procedure. On the contrary, available data suggest that TARE might be a promising treatment option in HCC with PV thrombosis if patient's liver function is preserved and the level of PV invasion is less than main trunk. Ongoing trials comparing TARE and sorafenib in advanced HCC would elucidate the role of this locoregional therapy. The need of a multidisciplinary team, complex steps of procedure and high cost of TARE are the hurdles to widespread recommendation of this therapy in intermediate or advanced HCC. The optimization of selection between TACE and TARE might be dependent on availability, experience, tumor factors and patient factors.
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