Forns index predicts recurrence and death in patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection

Prognostic Significance of Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte and Platelet (HALP) Score in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

HALP score consisting of hemoglobin content, albumin content, lymphocyte count, and platelet count can comprehensively evaluate the inflammatory response and nutritional status. Many researchers have indicated that the HALP score is an effective predictor of the overall prognosis of various tumors. However, there is no relevant research to suggest whether the HALP score can predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 273 HCC patients who underwent surgical resection. Hemoglobin content, albumin content, lymphocyte count, and platelet count in peripheral blood were measured for each patient. The relationship between the HALP score and overall survival (OS) was investigated.

Results

With a mean of 56.69 ± 1.25 months follow-up, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS was 98.9%, 76.9%, and 55.3% for all patients, respectively. HALP scores (HR=1.708, 95% CI=1.192-2.448, P=0.004) were significant independent risk factors of OS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 99.3%, 84.3%, and 63.4% for patients with high HALP scores; and 98.6%, 69.8%, and 47.5% for patients with low HALP scores, respectively (P=0.018). In TNM I-II stage patients, compared with high HALP scores, low HALP scores have worse OS (P=0.039). In AFP positive patients, compared with high HALP scores, low HALP scores have worse OS (P=0.042).

Conclusion

Our research showed the preoperative HALP score is an independent predictive factor of overall prognosis, and a low HALP score indicates a worse prognosis in HCC patients who underwent surgical resection.

Prognostic Values of Inflammation-Based Scores and Fibrosis Markers in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Transarterial Chemoembolization

Background: Inflammation is a key feature shaping the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver fibrosis is associated with the prognosis of patients with HCC. In this study, we investigated whether baseline inflammation-based scores and serum fibrosis markers can help in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: A total of 605 consecutive patients with HCC treated by TACE were included. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil−lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet−lymphocyte ratio (PLR), FIB-4 index, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were analyzed regarding their associations with disease progression and survival. Results: All tested inflammation-based scores and fibrosis markers were significantly associated with tumor progression and overall survival in the univariate analyses. In the multivariate analysis, NLR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.06; p = 0.007) and FIB-4 (HR = 1.02, p = 0.008) were independent risk factors for disease progression, along with α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, maximum tumor size and number, and presence of vascular invasion. Furthermore, NLR (HR, 1.09; p < 0.001) and FIB-4 (HR, 1.02; p = 0.02) were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: High baseline NLR and FIB-4 levels might help the prediction of disease progression and death in patients with HCC after TACE.

Assessment of Prognostic Value of Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Meta-Analysis of 28 Cohort Studies

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors globally; it is valuable to predict its prognosis after treatment. Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet index (APRI), a non-invasive biomarker consists of two routine test parameters easily available in all the patients. Our study aimed to investigate whether APRI can serve as an independent prognostic marker in the patients with HCC.

Methods: We extensively searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases on June 20, 2021 to determine all relevant literature. The studies that explored the association between the APRI levels and prognosis of patients with HCC and reported risk estimate data were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results: A total of 1,097 articles were initially identified, of which 28 studies involving 11,041 patients met the eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 1.77 (95% CI: 1.53–2.05, P < 0.001) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.47–1.71, P < 0.001), respectively, suggesting a significant correlation between the increased APRI levels and poor prognosis in the patients with HCC. In the subgroup analyses, statistical significance of the correlation disappeared in the Korean and Japanese population and in the patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Of note, the current results may be overestimated due to publication bias, but the conclusion remained unchanged when the bias was adjusted.

Conclusion: High APRI levels are associated with poor OS and DFS in the patients with HCC. In most cases, pretreatment APRI can be used as an independent prognostic factor, but it is necessary to incorporate other predictive prognostic systems to ensure accuracy. Further studies are needed to determine the specific beneficiary population and the optimal cutoff value.

Model to Predict Overall Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Hepatectomy

Background

The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains difficult to accurately predict. The purpose of this study was to establish a prognostic model for HCC based on a novel scoring system.

Methods

Five hundred and sixty patients who underwent a curative hepatectomy for treatment of HCC at our hospital between January 2007 and January 2014 were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen for prognostic risk factors. The nomogram construction was based on Cox proportional hazard regression models, and the development of the new scoring model was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and then compared with other clinical indexes. The novel scoring system was then validated with an external dataset from a different medical institution.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), invasion of adjacent tissues, microvascular invasion, and levels of fibrinogen and total bilirubin were independent prognostic factors. The new scoring model had higher area under the curve (AUC) values compared to other systems, and the C-index of the nomogram was highly consistent for evaluating the survival of HCC patients in the validation and training datasets, as well as the external validation dataset.

Conclusions

Based on serum markers and other clinical indicators, a precise model to predict the prognosis of patients with HCC was developed. This novel scoring system can be an effective tool for both surgeons and patients.

Platelets and Hepatocellular Cancer: Bridging the Bench to the Clinics

Growing interest is recently being focused on the role played by the platelets in favoring hepatocellular cancer (HCC) growth and dissemination. The present review reports in detail both the experimental and clinical evidence published on this topic. Several growth factors and angiogenic molecules specifically secreted by platelets are directly connected with tumor progression and neo-angiogenesis. Among them, we can list the platelet-derived growth factor, the vascular endothelial growth factor, the endothelial growth factor, and serotonin. Platelets are also involved in tumor spread, favoring endothelium permeabilization and tumor cells’ extravasation and survival in the bloodstream. From the bench to the clinics, all of these aspects were also investigated in clinical series, showing an evident correlation between platelet count and size of HCC, tumor biological behavior, metastatic spread, and overall survival rates. Moreover, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the platelet–tumor axis represents a paramount aspect for optimizing both current tumor treatment and development of new therapeutic strategies against HCC.

A sample model established by S-index predicting overall survival after curative resection of primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

Prognostic prediction after curative resection of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHCC) remains an arduous task. The S-index calculated from γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, albumin, and platelets is reported to predict the severity of liver fibrosis. We constructed a nomogram for predicting the survival probability of PHCC based on a new indicator, the S-index, combined with other routine clinical parameters.

Patients and methods

We selected 490 patients with PHCC postradical surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2007 and January 2014. The subjects were randomly allocated into the training cohort and the validation cohort in the ratio 7:3 by the digital method. Important variables screened by univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis to obtain independent risk factors for predicting the prognosis of PHCC. The construction of the nomogram was based on Cox proportional hazard regression models. The concordance index (C-index) was used in the nomogram for evaluating the model performance for prognosis. We drew time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves to compare our model with other staging systems.

Results

The nomogram based on six independent risk factors after multivariate analyses had good predictive power after radical surgery of PHCC. In the training and validation groups, the C-index of the nomogram was highly consistent for evaluating survival from PHCC. Compared with the traditional scoring system, the areas under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.7382, 0.7293, and 0.7520 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival, respectively. In summary, the nomogram showed excellent results in terms of prognosis of PHCC.

Conclusion

Based on the S-index and the other clinical indicators, we developed a precise nomogram that predicts the survival probability of patients with PHCC after radical surgery. This tool can provide effective information for surgeons and patients.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio predicts short-term outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing minor liver resection

BACKGROUND

There is a strong correlation between liver fibrosis and postoperative morbidity after hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate which noninvasive fibrosis index (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio [GPR], aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4 index, or Forns index) was best able to predict complications in patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis included 275 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC from January 2008 to December 2012. Postoperative mortality was defined as death within 90 d after surgery. Complications were grouped into seven grades on the basis of the modified Clavien classification, and major postoperative complications were defined as grade 3 or above. The influence of noninvasive fibrosis indices on postoperative outcomes was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The primary outcomes were overall complications and major complications, estimated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with HCC undergoing anatomical liver resection in the authors' department were evaluated for this study. Finally, 275 patients who underwent minor liver resection (≤2 liver segments) were included. Of these, 231 (84%) were male. The multivariate analysis indicated that the GPR index was not only independently associated with overall complications (hazard ratio, 2.692; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.626-4.250; P < 0.001) but also independently predictive of major complications (hazard ratio, 1.143; 95% CI, 1.046-1.249; P = 0.03). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting overall complications and major complications for the GPR index were 0.704 (95% CI, 0.643-0.765; P < 0.001) and 0.752 (95% CI, 0.638-0.865; P < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggested that the GPR index could be a promising predictor of overall postoperative complications and major complications after minor hepatectomy for HCC.

Fibrosis-4 Model Influences Results of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hepatectomy

Background

Several noninvasive models based on routine laboratory index have been developed to predict liver fibrosis. Our aim is to discuss whether these indexes could predict prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 788 consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing liver resection in the cohort. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the risk factors of complications, survival, and disease-free survival.

Results

Fibrosis-4 index had the best prediction ability for cirrhosis among other noninvasive models. Both the univariate and multivariate analyses showed that fibrosis-4 was independent risk factor for survival and disease-free survival. With the optimal cutoff value of 3.15, patients with fibrosis-4 ⩾3.15 had higher postoperative hepatic insufficiency (P=0.006) and worse survival than the fibrosis-4<3.15 group. The corresponding 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival were 80.9%, 56.3%, and 44.6% in the High fibrosis-4 group and were 86.5%, 69.9%, and 63.2% in the Low fibrosis-4 group, respectively (P<0.001). Worse disease-free survival was also observed in the fibrosis-4 ⩾3.15 group; the corresponding 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year disease-free survival were 74.9%, 45.3%, and 24.6% for the fibrosis-4 ⩾3.15 group and were 81.8%, 54.9%, and 34.4% for the fibrosis-4<3.15 group (P=0.009).

Conclusions

Fibrosis-4 is useful for assessing the short-term and long-term results for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with liver resection.

Prognostic factors in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatic resection

Background

To analyze prognostic factors following hepatic resection in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 217 patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatic resection at our hospital between January 2006 and December 2015. Disease-free survival and overall survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test. The association between recurrence and survival and various clinicopathological factors, including serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, platelet count, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, antiplatelet therapy, antiviral therapy, hepatitis C virus infection, and tumor-related characteristics, were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 91, 84, and 79%, respectively, and the recurrence-free survival rates were 72, 51, and 44%, respectively. High post-operative AFP level (hazard ratio [HR] 1.112, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.21, P = 0.007), multiple tumors (HR 1.991, 95% CI: 1.11–3.56, P = 0.021), and no antiviral treatment (HR 1.823, 95% CI: 1.07–3.09, P = 0.026) were independent risk factors for recurrence. High post-operative AFP level (HR 1.222, 95% CI: 1.09–1.36, P < 0.001), multiple tumors (HR 2.715, 95% CI: 1.05–7.02, P = 0.039), and recurrence (HR 12.824, 95% CI: 1.68–97.86, P = 0.014) were independent risk factors for mortality. No other factors analyzed were associated with outcomes in this patient cohort.

Conclusions

High post-operative serum alpha-fetoprotein level and multiple tumors, but not inflammatory factors, were risk factors for poor prognosis in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after resection.

Prognostic role of noninvasive liver reserve markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization

Background

Various noninvasive liver reserve markers were proposed to indicate the severity of liver damage. However, the role and feasibility of these markers to predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unknown. We aimed to identify the prognostic role of the 8 currently used hepatic reserve markers in patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

Between 2002 and 2013, a total of 881 patients with HCC undergoing TACE were prospectively identified and retrospectively analyzed. The baseline characteristics, tumor status and noninvasive markers were collected. Homogeneity and corrected Akaike information criteria (AICc) were compared between these markers. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of survival.

Results

Significant differences in survival distribution were found for albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class, Lok index, fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), Göteborg University cirrhosis index (GUCI), cirrhosis discriminant index (CDI) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (all p values <0.05). Among these markers, the ALBI grade showed the highest homogeneity and lowest AICc value, indicating a better prognostic performance. Cox multivariate analysis confirmed that ALBI grade 2, ascites, serum alkaline phosphatase and α-fetoprotein level, tumor diameter, vascular invasion and performance status were significant independent prognostic predictors. The distribution of the ALBI score well correlated with baseline CTP and MLED scores.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that among the currently used liver reserve markers, ALBI grade may serve as an objective and feasible surrogate to predict the prognosis of HCC patients undergoing TACE.

Fibrosis assessment in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver morbidity and mortality worldwide. While a proportion of the 250 million individuals chronically infected with HBV will not come to significant harm or require therapy, many others risk developing complications of the end-stage liver disease such as decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), without intervention. Due to the complex natural history of HBV infection, patients require an expert assessment to interpret biochemistry, viral serology and appropriately stage the disease, and to initiate monitoring and/or therapy where indicated. The detection and quantification of liver fibrosis is a key factor for disease management and prognostication for an individual with HBV. The reliance on invasive liver biopsy to stage disease is diminishing with the advent of robust non-invasive blood- and imaging-based algorithms which can reliably stage disease in many cases. These tests are now incorporated into International guidelines for HBV management and relied upon daily to inform clinical judgement. Both blood- and imaging-based approaches have advantages over liver biopsy, including minimal risks, lower cost, better patient acceptance and speed of results, while disadvantages include lower diagnostic accuracy in intermediate disease stages and variability with co-existing hepatic inflammation or steatosis. This review outlines the methods of fibrosis assessment in chronic HBV infection and focuses on the most commonly used blood- and imaging-based non-invasive tests, reviewing their diagnostic performance and applicability to patient care.

Simple models based on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and platelets for predicting survival in hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Several hepatic cirrhosis-derived noninvasive models have been developed to predict the incidence and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the two novel established cirrhosis-associated models based on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and platelets in hepatitis B-associated HCC.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 182 HCC patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen who received radical therapy at a single institution between 2002 and 2012. Laboratory data prior to operation were collected to calculate the GGT to platelets ratio (GPR) and the S-index. Predictive factors associated with overall survival and recurrence-free survival were assessed using log-rank test and multivariate Cox analysis. Additional analyses were performed after patients were stratified based on cirrhosis status, tumor size, therapy methods, and so forth, to investigate the prognostic significance in different subgroups.

Results

During a median follow-up time of 45.0 months, a total of 88 (48.4%) patients died and 79 (43.4%) patients recurred. The cut-off points for GPR and S-index in predicting death were determined to be 0.76 and 0.56, respectively. Compared with patients with a lower GPR, those with GPR ≥0.76 had a higher probability of cirrhosis and a larger tumor (both P<0.05). GPR and S-index were both found to be significantly associated with survival by univariate log-rank test. Multivariate analysis identified tumor size ≥5 and high level of GPR, but not high Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage or S-index, as independent factors for predicting poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival.

Conclusion

The GPR is an effective preoperative predictor for outcomes in hepatitis B-associated HCC.

Value of Forns index for noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients

AIM: To assess the value of Forns index for noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS: The severity of liver fibrosis in 361 CHB patients was assessed by liver biopsy, and routine laboratory indicators were examined to calculate the Forns index. The diagnostic value of Forns index in significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was assessed using the area under the receive operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS: With the increase in the severity of liver fibrosis, the mean age and mean levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), globulin (GLB), aspartate transaminase (AST) and Forns index gradually increased in patients with chronic HBV infection, and the mean levels of albumin (ALB), HBV DNA, cholesterol and platelet (PLT) gradually decreased, which had significant differences between the S1-S4 groups (P < 0.05). The Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that there was a significantly positive correlation between Forns index and liver fibrosis stage (r = 0.451, P < 0.001). The cutoff value of Forns index was 4.873 for significant liver fibrosis, with a sensitivity of 68.7% and a specificity of 70.3%. The cutoff value of Forns index was 5.432 for advanced liver fibrosis, with a sensitivity of 70.2% and a specificity of 71.8%. The cutoff value of Forns index was 6.289 for cirrhosis, with a sensitivity of 76.7% and a specificity of 81.1%.

CONCLUSION: Forns index is a simple and effective noninvasive model to predict the severity of liver fibrosis.