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Manzia TM, Antonelli B, Carraro A, Conte G, Guglielmo N, Lauterio A, Mameli L, Cillo U, De Carlis L, Del Gaudio M, De Simone P, Fagiuoli S, Lupo F, Tisone G, Volpes R. Immunosuppression in adult liver transplant recipients: a 2024 update from the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10703-4. [PMID: 39009897 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in surgical procedures and immunosuppressive therapies have considerably improved the outcomes of patients who have undergone liver transplantation in the past few decades. In 2020, the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group published practice-oriented algorithms for immunosuppressive therapy (IT) in adult liver transplant (LT) recipients. Due to the rapidly evolving LT field, regular updates to the recommendations are required. This review presents a consensus- and evidence-based update of the 2020 recommendations. METHODS The Italian Liver Transplant Working Group set out to address new IT issues, which were discussed based on supporting literature and the specialists' personal experiences. The panel deliberated on and graded each statement before consensus was reached. RESULTS A series of consensus statements were formulated and finalized on: (i) oncologic indications for LT; (ii) management of chronic LT rejection; (iii) combined liver-kidney transplantation; (iv) immunosuppression for transplantation with an organ donated after circulatory death; (v) transplantation in the presence of frailty and sarcopenia; and (vi) ABO blood group incompatibility between donor and recipient. Algorithms were updated in the following LT groups: standard patients, critical patients, oncology patients, patients with specific etiology, and patients at high immunologic risk. A steroid-free approach was generally recommended, except for patients with autoimmune liver disease and those at high immunologic risk. CONCLUSION The updated consensus- and evidence-based 2024 recommendations for immunosuppression regimens in adult patients with ABO-compatible LT address a range of clinical variables that should be considered to optimize the choice of the immunosuppression treatment in clinical practice in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Antonelli
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Amedeo Carraro
- Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Grazia Conte
- Clinica di Chirurgia Epatobiliare, Pancreatica e dei Trapianti, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nicola Guglielmo
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lauterio
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luciano De Carlis
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Del Gaudio
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo De Simone
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Pisa Medical School Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca and Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Piazza OMS, 124127, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Francesco Lupo
- Department of General Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute e Della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Volpes
- Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT/IRCCS), Palermo, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio di Cefalù, Palermo, Italy
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2
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Kim JY, Hong SK, Kim J, Choi HH, Lee J, Hong SY, Lee JM, Choi Y, Yi NJ, Lee KW, Suh KS. Risk factors for incisional hernia after liver transplantation in the era of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors use: a retrospective study of living donor liver transplantation dominant center in Korea. Ann Surg Treat Res 2024; 106:115-123. [PMID: 38318092 PMCID: PMC10838656 DOI: 10.4174/astr.2024.106.2.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT) with an incidence rate of 5% to 46%. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for IH development after LT in the era of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors use. Methods Data on patients who underwent LT between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups (IH group and non-IH group) according to the postoperative occurrence of IH. Results We analyzed data from 878 patients during the study period, with 28 patients (3.2%) developing IH. According to multivariate analysis, body mass index exceeding 25 kg/m2 and the use of mTOR inhibitors within the first month after LT were the sole significant factors for both IH occurrence and the subsequent need for repair operations. Notably, a history of wound complications, a Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and the timing of LT-whether conducted during regular hours or at night-did not emerge as significant risk factors for IH after LT. Conclusion Our study reveals a higher incidence of IH among obese patients following LT, often requiring surgical repair, particularly in cases involving mTOR inhibitor usage within the initial month after LT. Consequently, it is crucial to exercise increased vigilance, especially in obese patients, and exercise caution when considering early mTOR inhibitor administration after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Yoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk Kyun Hong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Hwa Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su young Hong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Moo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - YoungRok Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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3
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Liu H, Sethi V, Li X, Xiao Y, Humar A. Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Narrative Review and A Glimpse into The Future. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:79-98. [PMID: 38211621 DOI: 10.1055/a-2242-7543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a highly effective treatment for carefully selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we explored the development of LT selection criteria and organ allocation policies, comparing original data to underscore their historical progression into the intricate task of quantitatively estimating pre- and post-LT survivals. We emphasized the role of biomarkers such as serum alpha-fetoprotein, Des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin, circulating tumor cells, and circulating tumor DNA in predicting patient outcomes. Additionally, we examined the transplant-associated survival benefits and the difficulties in accurately calculating these benefits. We also reviewed recent advancements in targeted therapy and checkpoint inhibitors for advanced, inoperable HCC and projected their integration into LT for HCC. We further discussed the growing use of living donor liver transplants in the United States and compared its outcomes with those of deceased donor liver transplants. Furthermore, we examined the progress in machine perfusion techniques, which have shown potential in improving patient outcomes and enlarging the donor pool. These advancements present opportunities to enhance LT patient survivals, refine selection criteria, establish new priority metrics, develop innovative bridging and downstaging strategies, and formulate redesigned LT strategies for HCC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Department of Surgery, Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Vrishketan Sethi
- Department of Surgery, Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xingjie Li
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Yao Xiao
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Abhinav Humar
- Department of Surgery, Starzl Transplant Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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4
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Sharma P, Arora A. Basic Understanding of Liver Transplant Immunology. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:1091-1102. [PMID: 37975047 PMCID: PMC10643508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a specialized organ and plays an important role in our immune system. The liver constitutes parenchymal cells which are hepatocytes and cholangiocytes (60-80%) and non-parenchymal cells like liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), hepatic satellite/Ito cells, Kupffer cells, neutrophils, mononuclear cells, T and B lymphocytes (conventional and non-conventional), natural killer cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells. The liver mounts a rapid and strong immune response, under unfavorable conditions and acts as an immune tolerance to a variety of non-pathogenic antigens. This delicate and dynamic interaction between different kinds of immune cells in the liver maintains a balance between immune screening and immune tolerance. The liver allografts are privileged immunologically; however, allograft rejection is not uncommon and is classified as cell or antibody-mediated. Advancements in transplant immunology help in the prevention of allografts rejection by immune reactions of the host thus leading to better graft and host survival. Fewer patients may not require immunosuppression due to systemic donor-specific T-cell tolerance. The liver tolerance mechanism is poorly studied, and LSEC and unconventional lymphocytes play an important role that dampens T cell response either by inducing apoptosis of cells or inhibiting co-stimulatory pathways. Newer cell-based therapy based on Treg, dendritic cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells will probably change the future of immunosuppression. Various invasive and non-invasive biomarkers and artificial intelligence have also been investigated to predict graft survival, post-transplant complications, and immunotolerance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
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5
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Borin A, Caldonazzi N, Eccher A, Bortolasi L, Bosio C, Bronzoni C, Violi P, Pastorelli D, Rizzo PC, Carraro A. ABO-Incompatible Orthotopic Liver Transplant as a Rescue Strategy for Fulminant Hepatic Failure in a Recipient With Breast Cancer: Highlights on Transplant Management. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2023; 21:779-783. [PMID: 37885295 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2023.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Pretransplant malignancy unrelated to hepatocellular carcinoma is a challenging condition in liver transplantation. Standard of care requires the completion of treatments and a disease-free period before the transplant. However, in the setting of a fulminant hepatic failure, these steps cannot be achieved. A 46-year-old woman with a recent diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer presented to our center with a fulminant hepatic failure of unknown origin. Because of the rapid worsening of her clinical status, she was listed as eligible for transplant after a multidisciplinary evaluation. Because of a shortage of available donors, a deceased donor ABO-incompatible liver transplant with a synchronous mastectomy and first-level axillary lymphadenectomy was performed. To prevent antibody-mediated rejection, a triple immunosuppression therapy and a postoperative therapeutic plasmapheresis were performed. The patient remains without cancer recurrence at 18 months of follow-up. Recent studies have shown that cancer recurrence in recipients with pretransplant malignancy is considerably lower than suggested in previously published studies. However,this data is not sufficient to establish evidence-based guidelines on the indications and timing of transplant. In selected cases, the presence of a pretransplant malignancy does notrepresent a contraindication for a rescue liver transplant. Further studies are needed to stratify the risk and to help clinicians to choose the best strategy in an urgent context such as this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Borin
- From the Department of General Surgery and Dentistry, Liver Transplant Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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KASL clinical practice guidelines for management of autoimmune hepatitis 2022. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:542-592. [PMID: 37137334 PMCID: PMC10366804 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2023.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
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Todeschini L, Cristin L, Martinino A, Mattia A, Agnes S, Giovinazzo F. The Role of mTOR Inhibitors after Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5574-5592. [PMID: 37366904 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is a treatment option for nonresectable patients with early-stage HCC, with more significant advantages when Milan criteria are fulfilled. An immunosuppressive regimen is required to reduce the risk of graft rejection after transplantation, and CNIs represent the drugs of choice in this setting. However, their inhibitory effect on T-cell activity accounts for a higher risk of tumour regrowth. mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) have been introduced as an alternative immunosuppressive approach to conventional CNI-based regimens to address both immunosuppression and cancer control. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR signalling pathway regulates protein translation, cell growth, and metabolism, and the pathway is frequently deregulated in human tumours. Several studies have suggested the role of mTORi in reducing HCC progression after LT, accounting for a lower recurrence rate. Furthermore, mTOR immunosuppression controls the renal damage associated with CNI exposure. Conversion to mTOR inhibitors is associated with stabilizing and recovering renal dysfunction, suggesting an essential renoprotective effect. Limitations in this therapeutic approach are related to their negative impact on lipid and glucose metabolism as well as on proteinuria development and wound healing. This review aims to summarize the roles of mTORi in managing patients with HCC undergoing LT. Strategies to overcome common adverse effects are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Todeschini
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Cristin
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Amelia Mattia
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Agnes
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Giovinazzo
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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8
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Fuochi E, Anastasio L, Lynch EN, Campani C, Dragoni G, Milani S, Galli A, Innocenti T. Main factors influencing long-term outcomes of liver transplantation in 2022. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:321-352. [PMID: 37034235 PMCID: PMC10075010 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplant (LT) outcomes have markedly improved in the recent decades, even if long-term morbidity and mortality are still considerable. Most of late deaths are independent from graft function and different comorbidities, including complications of metabolic syndrome and de novo neoplasms, seem to play a key role in determining long-term outcomes in LT recipients. This review discusses the main factors associated with late mortality and suggests possible strategies to improve long-term management and follow-up after liver transplantation. In particular, the reduction of drug toxicity, the use of tools to identify high-risk patients, and setting up a multidisciplinary team also for long-term management of LT recipients may further improve survival after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fuochi
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Anastasio
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Erica Nicola Lynch
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Stefano Milani
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Tommaso Innocenti
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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9
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Cholongitas E, Burra P, Vourli G, Papatheodoridis GV. Safety and efficacy of everolimus initiation from the first month after liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e14957. [PMID: 36880482 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Everolimus, a selective inhibitor of mamalian target of rapamycin (mTORi), is considered to be an alternative immunosuppressive regimen in the liver transplantation (LT) setting. However, most of the transplant centers avoid its early use (i.e., during the first month) after LT mainly due to safety issues. METHODS We searched for all articles published between 01/2010 and 7/2022 to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of initial/early administration of everolimus after LT. RESULTS Seven studies (three randomized controlled trials and four prospective cohort studies) were included: initial/early everolimus-including therapy (group 1) was used in 512 (51%) and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) based therapy (group 2) in 494 (49%) patients. No significant difference was found between group 1 and group 2 patients regarding the rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.27, 95% CI: .67-2.41, p = .465) and hepatic artery thrombosis (OR: .43, 95% CI: .09-2.02, p = .289). Everolimus was associated with higher rates of dyslipidemia (14.2% vs. 6.8%, p = .005) and incisional hernia (29.2% vs. 10.1%, p < .001). Finally, no difference was found between the two groups regarding recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (Risk Rates [RR]: 1.22 95%CI: .66-2.29, p = .524) and mortality (RR: .85 95%CI: .48-1.50, p = .570). CONCLUSION Use of initial/early everolimus seems to be effective with a satisfactory safety profile, making its administration a reasonable therapeutic option in the LT setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Georgia Vourli
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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10
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Kim JK. [Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = TAEHAN SOHWAGI HAKHOE CHI 2023; 81:72-85. [PMID: 36824035 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease, characterized by elevated levels of transaminases, immunoglobulin G, and positive autoantibodies. The disease course is dynamic and presents heterogeneous disease manifestations at diagnosis. This review summarizes the issues regarding the treatment and monitoring of AIH in adult patients. Glucocorticoids and azathioprine are the first line of treatment. Alternative first-line treatments include budesonide or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Although no randomized controlled trials have been performed, MMF, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, allopurinol, sirolimus, everolimus, infliximab, or rituximab have been attempted in patients not responding to or intolerant to first-line treatments. Most patients require life-long special monitoring, with or without maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ja Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Korea
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11
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Hirata M, Yagi S, Ito T, Masano Y, Miyachi Y, Yao S, Sonoda M, Masuda S, Haga H, Hatano E. Impact of very early introduction of everolimus on liver regeneration after partial liver transplantation in rats. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2023. [PMID: 36707057 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.1310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE This experimental study in rats aimed to investigate the impact of very early introduction (within 3 h) of everolimus (EVR) + reduced-tacrolimus (TAC) after partial liver transplantation (LT) on liver regeneration, rejection, and survival. METHODS Based on appropriate dose of EVR + reduced-TAC in 70% hepatectomy (Experiment 1), allogeneic 30% partial LT (Experiment 2) and whole LT (Experiment 3) were performed. RESULTS After partial LT in EVR + reduced-TAC therapy, restoration of liver graft weight (to that of the whole liver) was delayed compared with standard dose TAC monotherapy (standard-TAC) on day 3 (59.3% vs. 72.9%; p < .001) and 14 (88.1% vs. 95.5%; p = .01). Survival was 75%, which was not as high as the value of 100% observed for standard-TAC, because neither infection nor rejection could be prevented. By contrast, survival after whole LT was 100% as neither infection nor rejection occurred. CONCLUSIONS The very early introduction of EVR + reduced-TAC after partial LT delayed liver regeneration, and made it difficult to manage the dose required to suppress both infection and rejection. On the other hand, EVR + reduced-TAC could be introduced safely very early after whole LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Hirata
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yagi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Masano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yosuke Miyachi
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Siyuan Yao
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mari Sonoda
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satohiro Masuda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, Himeji, Japan
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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12
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Panackel C, Mathew JF, Fawas N M, Jacob M. Immunosuppressive Drugs in Liver Transplant: An Insight. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1557-1571. [PMID: 36340316 PMCID: PMC9630030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the standard of care for end-stage liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Over the years, immunosuppression regimens have improved, resulting in enhanced graft and patient survival. At present, the side effects of immunosuppressive agents are a significant threat to post-LT quality of life and long-term outcome. The role of personalized immunosuppression is to reach a delicate balance between optimal immunosuppression and minimal side effects. Today, immunosuppression in LT is more of an art than a science. There are no validated markers for overimmunosuppression and underimmunosuppression, only a few drugs have therapeutic drug monitoring and immunosuppression regimens vary from center to center. The immunosuppressive agents are broadly classified into biological agents and pharmacological agents. Most regimens use multiple agents with different modes of action to reduce the dosage and minimize the toxicities. The calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-related toxicities are reduced by antibody induction or using mTOR inhibitor/antimetabolites as CNI sparing or CNI minimization strategies. Post-liver transplant immunosuppression has an intensive phase in the first three months when alloreactivity is high, followed by a maintenance phase when immunosuppression minimization protocols are implemented. Over time some patients achieve "tolerance," defined as the successful stopping of immunosuppression with good graft function and no indication of rejection. Cell-based therapy using immune cells with tolerogenic potential is the future and may permit complete withdrawal of immunosuppressive agents.
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Key Words
- AMR, Antibody-mediated rejection
- APCs, Antigen-presenting cells
- ATG, Anti-thymocyte globulin
- CNI, Calcineurin inhibitors
- CsA, Cyclosporine A
- EVR, Everolimus
- IL-2R, Interleukin 2 Receptor
- LT, Liver transplantation
- MMF, Mycophenolate mofetil
- MPA, Mycophenolic acid
- SRL, Sirolimus
- TAC, Tacrolimus
- TCMR, T-cell-mediated rejection
- antimetabolites
- basiliximab
- calcineurin inhibitors
- cyclosporine
- everolimus
- immunosuppression
- liver transplantation
- mTORi, mammalian targets of rapamycin inhibitor
- mycophenolate mofetil
- tacrolimus
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Panackel
- Aster Integrated Liver Care, Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala, 682027, India
| | - Joe F Mathew
- Aster Integrated Liver Care, Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala, 682027, India
| | - Mohamed Fawas N
- Aster Integrated Liver Care, Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala, 682027, India
| | - Mathew Jacob
- Aster Integrated Liver Care, Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala, 682027, India
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Dennis C, Prince DS, Moayed-Alaei L, Remash D, Carr-Boyd E, Bowen DG, Strasser SI, Crawford M, Pulitano C, Kench J, McCaughan GW, McKenzie C, Liu K. Association between vessels that encapsulate tumour clusters vascular pattern and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following liver transplantation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:997093. [PMID: 36387254 PMCID: PMC9643778 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.997093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vessels that encapsulate tumor clusters (VETC) is a novel vascular pattern seen on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) histology which has been shown to independently predict tumor recurrence and survival after liver resection. Its prognostic value in HCC patients receiving liver transplantation (LT) is unclear. METHODS We retrospectively studied consecutive adults who underwent deceased-donor LT with active HCC found on explant between 2010-2019. Tumor tissue was stained for CD34 and quantified for VETC. Primary and secondary endpoints were time to recurrence (TTR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS During the study period, 158 patients received LT where HCC was present on explant. VETC pattern was seen in 76.5% of explants. Patients with VETC-positive tumors spent longer on the waitlist (6.4 vs. 4.1 months, P=0.048), had higher median tumor numbers (2 vs. 1, P=0.001) and larger tumor sizes (20mm vs. 13mm, P<0.001) on explant pathology compared to those with VETC-negative tumors. Correspondingly, VETC-positive patients were more likely to be outside of accepted LT criteria for HCC. After 56.4 months median follow-up, 8.2% of patients developed HCC recurrence post-LT. On multivariable Cox regression, presence of VETC pattern did not predict TTR or RFS. However, the number of VETC-positive tumors on explant was an independent predictor of TTR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.411, P=0.001) and RFS (HR 1.267, P=0.014) after adjusting for other significant variables. CONCLUSION VETC pattern is commonly observed in HCC patients undergoing LT. The number of VETC-positive tumors, but not its presence, is an independent risk factor for TTR and RFS post-LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Dennis
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David S. Prince
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Leila Moayed-Alaei
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Devika Remash
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Carr-Boyd
- Department of Histopathology, Auckland District Health Board LabPlus, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David G. Bowen
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone I. Strasser
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Crawford
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlo Pulitano
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Kench
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W. McCaughan
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catriona McKenzie
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ken Liu
- Australian National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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O'Shea AE, Valdera FA, Ensley D, Smolinsky TR, Cindass JL, Kemp Bohan PM, Hickerson AT, Carpenter EL, McCarthy PM, Adams AM, Vreeland TJ, Clifton GT, Peoples GE. Immunologic and dose dependent effects of rapamycin and its evolving role in chemoprevention. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109095. [PMID: 35973640 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rapamycin inhibits the mechanistic (formally mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR), an evolutionarily conserved intracellular kinase that influences activation of growth signaling pathways and immune responses to malignancy. Rapamycin has been found to have both immunosuppressant and immunostimulatory effects throughout the innate and adaptive responses based on the inhibition of mTOR signaling. While the immunosuppressant properties of rapamycin and mTOR inhibition explain rapamycin's success in the prevention of transplant rejection, the immunostimulatory characteristics are likely partially responsible for rapamycin's anti-neoplastic effects. The immunologic response to rapamycin is at least partially dependent on the dose and administration schedule, with lower doses inducing immunostimulation and intermittent dosing promoting immune function while limiting metabolic and immunosuppressant toxicities. In addition to its FDA-approved application in advanced malignancies, rapamycin may be effective as a chemopreventive agent, suspending progression of low-grade cancers, preventing invasive conversion of in situ malignancy, or delaying malignant transformation of established pre-malignant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E O'Shea
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Franklin A Valdera
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Daniel Ensley
- Department of Urology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Todd R Smolinsky
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica L Cindass
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Patrick M McCarthy
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandra M Adams
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Timothy J Vreeland
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA; Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guy T Clifton
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA; Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Nashan B, Schemmer P, Braun F, Schlitt HJ, Pascher A, Klein CG, Neumann UP, Kroeger I, Wimmer P. Early Everolimus-Facilitated Reduced Tacrolimus in Liver Transplantation: Results From the Randomized HEPHAISTOS Trial. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:998-1010. [PMID: 34525259 PMCID: PMC9291476 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Everolimus-facilitated reduced-exposure tacrolimus (EVR + rTAC) at 30 days after liver transplantation (LT) has shown advantages in renal preservation. This study evaluated the effects of early initiation of EVR + rTAC in de novo LT recipients (LTRs). In HEPHAISTOS (NCT01551212, EudraCT 2011-003118-17), a 12-month, multicenter, controlled study, LTRs were randomly assigned at 7 to 21 days after LT to receive EVR + rTAC or standard-exposure tacrolimus (sTAC) with steroids. The primary objective was to demonstrate superior renal function (assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) with EVR + rTAC versus sTAC at month 12 in the full analysis set (FAS). Other assessments at month 12 included the evaluation of renal function in compliance set and on-treatment (OT) patients, efficacy (composite endpoint of graft loss, death, or treated biopsy-proven acute rejection [tBPAR] and individual components) in FAS, and safety. In total, 333 patients (EVR + rTAC, 169; sTAC, 164) were included in the FAS. A high proportion of patients was nonadherent in maintaining tacrolimus trough levels (EVR + rTAC, 36.1%; sTAC, 34.7%). At month 12, the adjusted least square mean eGFR was numerically higher with EVR + rTAC versus sTAC (76.2 versus 72.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 , difference: 4.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 ; P = 0.097). A significant difference of 8.3 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (P = 0.03) favoring EVR + rTAC was noted in the compliance set. Incidence of composite efficacy endpoint (7.7% versus 7.9%) and tBPAR (7.1% versus 5.5%) at month 12 as well as incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were comparable between groups. A lower proportion of patients discontinued EVR + rTAC than sTAC treatment (27.2% versus 34.1%). Early use of everolimus in combination with rTAC showed comparable efficacy, safety, and well-preserved renal function versus sTAC therapy at month 12. Of note, renal function was significantly enhanced in the compliance set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Nashan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral TransplantationUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany,Present address:
Organ Transplantation CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of ChinaAnhui Provincial HospitalHefeiChina
| | - Peter Schemmer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany,Present address:
General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Felix Braun
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplant and Pediatric SurgeryUniversity Medical Center Schleswig‐HolsteinKielGermany
| | - Hans J. Schlitt
- Department of SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Andreas Pascher
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryCharité–Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany,Present address:
Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation SurgeryUniversity Hospital MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Christian G. Klein
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation SurgeryUniversity Hospital EssenEssenGermany
| | - Ulf P. Neumann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryUniversity Hospital AachenAachenGermany,Present address:
Department of GeneralVisceral and Transplant SurgeryUniversity Hospital AachenAachenGermany,Present address:
Department of General SurgeryMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
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16
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Rodríguez‐Perálvarez M, Colmenero J, González A, Gastaca M, Curell A, Caballero‐Marcos A, Sánchez‐Martínez A, Di Maira T, Herrero JI, Almohalla C, Lorente S, Cuadrado‐Lavín A, Pascual S, López‐Garrido MÁ, González‐Grande R, Gómez‐Orellana A, Alejandre R, Zamora‐Olaya J, Bernal‐Bellido C. Cumulative exposure to tacrolimus and incidence of cancer after liver transplantation. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:1671-1682. [PMID: 35286761 PMCID: PMC9315045 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death after liver transplantation (LT). This multicenter case-control nested study aimed to evaluate the effect of maintenance immunosuppression on post-LT malignancy. The eligible cohort included 2495 LT patients who received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. After 13 922 person/years follow-up, 425 patients (19.7%) developed malignancy (cases) and were matched with 425 controls by propensity score based on age, gender, smoking habit, etiology of liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before LT. The independent predictors of post-LT malignancy were older age (HR = 1.06 [95% CI 1.05-1.07]; p < .001), male sex (HR = 1.50 [95% CI 1.14-1.99]), smoking habit (HR = 1.96 [95% CI 1.42-2.66]), and alcoholic liver disease (HR = 1.53 [95% CI 1.19-1.97]). In selected cases and controls (n = 850), the immunosuppression protocol was similar (p = .51). An increased cumulative exposure to tacrolimus (CET), calculated by the area under curve of trough concentrations, was the only immunosuppression-related predictor of post-LT malignancy after controlling for clinical features and baseline HCC (CET at 3 months p = .001 and CET at 12 months p = .004). This effect was consistent for de novo malignancy (after excluding HCC recurrence) and for internal neoplasms (after excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Therefore, tacrolimus minimization, as monitored by CET, is the key to modulate immunosuppression in order to prevent cancer after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rodríguez‐Perálvarez
- Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital Universitario Reina SofíaIMIBIC and University of CórdobaCórdobaSpain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd)MadridSpain
| | - Jordi Colmenero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd)MadridSpain,Liver Transplantation UnitHospital ClínicIDIBAPSUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Antonio González
- Department of HepatologyHospital Universitario Ntra. Sra. de la CandelariaTenerifeSpain
| | - Mikel Gastaca
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver transplantation UnitHospital Universitario CrucesUniversity of the Basque Country and Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBilbaoSpain
| | - Anna Curell
- Department of HPB Surgery and TransplantationHospital Universitario Vall d´HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Aránzazu Caballero‐Marcos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd)MadridSpain,Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital General Universitario Gregorio MarañónMadridSpain
| | - Ana Sánchez‐Martínez
- Liver Transplantation UnitHospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca and IMIBMurciaSpain
| | - Tommaso Di Maira
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd)MadridSpain,Liver Transplantation and Hepatology UnitHospital Universitari I Politècnic La FeValenciaSpain
| | - José Ignacio Herrero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd)MadridSpain,Liver UnitClínica Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNAPamplonaSpain
| | - Carolina Almohalla
- Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital Universitario Río HortegaValladolidSpain
| | - Sara Lorente
- Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital Clínico Lozano BlesaUniversity of Zaragoza and ISS AragónZaragozaSpain
| | - Antonio Cuadrado‐Lavín
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMarqués de Valdecilla University HospitalUniversity of Cantabria and IDIVALSantanderSpain
| | - Sonia Pascual
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd)MadridSpain,Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital General Universitario Alicante and ISABIALAlicanteSpain
| | | | - Rocío González‐Grande
- Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital Regional Universitario de MálagaMálagaSpain
| | | | - Rafael Alejandre
- Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital Universitario Reina SofíaIMIBIC and University of CórdobaCórdobaSpain
| | - Javier Zamora‐Olaya
- Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationHospital Universitario Reina SofíaIMIBIC and University of CórdobaCórdobaSpain
| | - Carmen Bernal‐Bellido
- Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery Unit and TransplantationHospital Universitario Virgen del RocíoSevillaSpain
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17
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Sugawara Y, Hibi T. Liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Its current status and advances. Biosci Trends 2022; 16:207-211. [PMID: 35613874 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2022.01199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is one of the best treatment options for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Milan criteria (a single tumor with a maximum size of 5 cm or two or three tumors with a maximum size of 3 cm without evidence of vascular or extrahepatic involvement or metastasis) are one of the most common criteria to select patients with HCC for transplantation, though they are considered too restrictive. A moderate expansion of the criteria has been found to yield comparable recurrence-free survival rates. HCC will recur in approximately 10% of patients, and mostly within the first 2 years after transplantation. The preoperative level of alpha-fetoprotein, macrovascular invasion, tumor size, and tumor number are prognostic factors for recurrence. Recurrence of HCC after transplantation results in a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Sugawara
- Department of Transplantation/Pediatric Surgery, Postgraduate School of Life Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Taizo Hibi
- Department of Transplantation/Pediatric Surgery, Postgraduate School of Life Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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18
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What Is the Impact of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation. Transplantation 2022; 106:e189. [PMID: 35192584 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Abrahamsson J, Sternby Eilard M, Rizell M, Bennett W, Åberg F. Reduced calcineurin inhibitor exposure with antibody induction and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:325-332. [PMID: 34871120 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.2010799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common indication for liver transplantation (LT), but post-LT tumor recurrence remains a concern. Early post-LT immunosuppression is suggested to affect recurrence risk. We evaluated the impact on HCC recurrence of an immunosuppression protocol introduced in 2010 with interleukin-2 receptor antibody (IL-2RA) induction and delayed-introduction of reduced-dose tacrolimus with mycophenolate. METHODS We included consecutive HCC patients transplanted 2000-2017 in Gothenburg. The impact on HCC recurrence of IL-2RA induction and mean tacrolimus trough concentration during the first 20 post-LT days was analyzed by multivariable Cox regression and propensity score-adjusted analyses. RESULTS The study comprised 235 patients (mean age 57 yrs, men 80%, mean MELD 13, within Milan criteria 57%). The cumulative 5-yr HCC recurrence rate among patients transplanted before and after 2010 were 28.6% and 19.7%, respectively. IL-2RA induction had no independent effect on HCC recurrence. High tacrolimus exposure (mean 20-day tacrolimus concentration ≥8ng/mL) was associated with increased HCC recurrence risk on univariable analysis (HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.23-4.01, p = .008), but was non-significant on multivariable analysis (p = .17). Outside Milan criteria, high tacrolimus exposure was significant for HCC recurrence (HR 3.68, 95% CI 1.34-10.11, p = .012) independently of tumor characteristics and AFP level. This was confirmed on multivariable propensity score-adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS Reduced early tacrolimus exposure, facilitated by IL-2RA induction, was associated with reduced risk for HCC recurrence among patients outside Milan criteria. Prospective studies are needed to confirm if early tacrolimus-minimization strategies can help reduce HCC recurrence rates and help extend transplant criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Abrahamsson
- Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Magnus Rizell
- Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - William Bennett
- Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Åberg
- Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Transplantation and Liver Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Lucidi C, Biolato M, Lai Q, Lattanzi B, Lenci I, Milana M, Lionetti R, Liguori A, Angelico M, Tisone G, Avolio AW, Agnes S, Rossi M, Grieco A, Merli M. Cumulative incidence of solid and hematological De novo malignancy after liver transplantation in a multicentre cohort. Ann Hepatol 2022; 24:100309. [PMID: 33482364 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent innovations in the field of liver transplantation have led to a wealth of new treatment regimes, with potential impact on the onset of de novo malignancies (DNM). The aim of this multicenter cohort study was to provide contemporary figures for the cumulative incidences of solid and hematological DNM after liver transplantation. METHODS We designed a retrospective cohort study including patients undergoing LT between 2000 and 2015 in three Italian transplant centers. Cumulative incidence was calculated by Kaplan-Meyer analysis. RESULTS The study included 789 LT patients with a median follow-up of 81 months (IQR: 38-124). The cumulative incidence of non-cutaneous DNM was 6.2% at 5-years, 11.6% at 10-years and 16.3% at 15-years. Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders (PTLD) were demonstrated to have a cumulative incidence of 1.0% at 5-years, 1.6% at 10-years and 2.2% at 15-years. Solid Organ Tumors (SOT) demonstrated higher cumulative incidences - 5.3% at 5-years, 10.3% at 10-years and 14.4% at 15-years. The most frequently observed classifications of SOT were lung (rate 1.0% at 5-years, 2.5% at 10-years) and head & neck tumors (rate 1.3% at 5-years, 1.9% at 10-years). CONCLUSIONS Lung tumors and head & neck tumors are the most frequently observed SOT after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lucidi
- Gastroenterology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Biolato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Quirino Lai
- Hepato-biliopancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Lattanzi
- Gastroenterology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Milana
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lionetti
- Infectious and Liver Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Infectious Disease Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Angelico
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Surgery Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfonso Wolfango Avolio
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Agnes
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Rossi
- Hepato-biliopancreatic and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Grieco
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Merli
- Gastroenterology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Costentin C, Piñero F, Degroote H, Notarpaolo A, Boin IF, Boudjema K, Baccaro C, Podestá LG, Bachellier P, Ettorre GM, Poniachik J, Muscari F, Dibenedetto F, Hoyos Duque S, Salame E, Cillo U, Marciano S, Vanlemmens C, Fagiuoli S, Burra P, Van Vlierberghe H, Cherqui D, Lai Q, Silva M, Rubinstein F, Duvoux C, Boudjema K, Bachellier P, Conti F, Scatton O, Muscari F, Salame E, Bernard PH, Francoz C, Durand F, Dharancy S, Woehl ML, Vanlemmens C, Laurent A, Radenne S, Dumortier J, Abergel A, Cherqui D, Barbier L, Houssel-Debry P, Pageaux GP, Chiche L, Deledinghen V, Hardwigsen J, Gugenheim J, altieri M, Hilleret MN, Decaens T, Duvoux C, Piñero F, Chagas A, Costa P, Cristina de Ataide E, Quiñones E, Duque SH, Marciano S, Anders M, Varón A, Zerega A, Poniachik J, Soza A, Machaca MP, Arufe D, Menéndez J, Zapata R, Vilatoba M, Muñoz L, Menéndez RC, Maraschio M, Podestá LG, McCormack L, Mattera J, Gadano A, Fatima Boin ISF, Parente García JH, Carrilho F, Silva M, Notarpaolo A, Magini G, Miglioresi L, Gambato M, Benedetto FD, D’Ambrosio C, Ettorre GM, Vitale A, Burra P, Fagiuoli S, Cillo U, Colledan M, Pinelli D, Magistri P, Vennarecci G, Colasanti M, Giannelli V, Pellicelli A, Baccaro C, Lai Q, Degroote H, Vlierberghe HV, Eduard C, Samuele I, Jeroen D, Jonas S, Jacques P, Chris V, Dirk Y, Peter M, Valerio L, Christophe M, Olivier D, Jean D, Roberto T, Paul LJ. R3-AFP score is a new composite tool to refine prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100445. [PMID: 35360522 PMCID: PMC8961219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are selected for liver transplantation (LT) based on pre-LT imaging ± alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) level, but discrepancies between pre-LT tumour assessment and explant are frequent. Our aim was to design an explant-based recurrence risk reassessment score to refine prediction of recurrence after LT and provide a framework to guide post-LT management. Methods Adult patients who underwent transplantation between 2000 and 2018 for HCC in 47 centres were included. A prediction model for recurrence was developed using competing-risk regression analysis in a European training cohort (TC; n = 1,359) and tested in a Latin American validation cohort (VC; n=1,085). Results In the TC, 76.4% of patients with HCC met the Milan criteria, and 89.9% had an AFP score of ≤2 points. The recurrence risk reassessment (R3)-AFP model was designed based on variables independently associated with recurrence in the TC (with associated weights): ≥4 nodules (sub-distribution of hazard ratio [SHR] = 1.88, 1 point), size of largest nodule (3–6 cm: SHR = 1.83, 1 point; >6 cm: SHR = 5.82, 5 points), presence of microvascular invasion (MVI; SHR = 2.69, 2 points), nuclear grade >II (SHR = 1.20, 1 point), and last pre-LT AFP value (101–1,000 ng/ml: SHR = 1.57, 1 point; >1,000 ng/ml: SHR = 2.83, 2 points). Wolber’s c-index was 0.76 (95% CI 0.72–0.80), significantly superior to an R3 model without AFP (0.75; 95% CI 0.72–0.79; p = 0.01). Four 5-year recurrence risk categories were identified: very low (score = 0; 5.5%), low (1–2 points; 15.1%), high (3–6 points; 39.1%), and very high (>6 points; 73.9%). The R3-AFP score performed well in the VC (Wolber’s c-index of 0.78; 95% CI 0.73–0.83). Conclusions The R3 score including the last pre-LT AFP value (R3-AFP score) provides a user-friendly, standardised framework to design post-LT surveillance strategies, protocols, or adjuvant therapy trials for HCC not limited to the Milan criteria. Clinical Trials Registration NCT03775863. Lay summary Considering discrepancies between pre-LT tumour assessment and explant are frequent, reassessing the risk of recurrence after LT is critical to further refine the management of patients with HCC. In a large and international cohort of patients who underwent transplantation for HCC, we designed and validated the R3-AFP model based on variables independently associated with recurrence post-LT (number of nodules, size of largest nodule, presence of MVI, nuclear grade, and last pre-LT AFP value). The R3-AFP model including last available pre-LT AFP value outperformed the original R3 model only based on explant features. The final R3-AFP scoring system provides a robust framework to design post-LT surveillance strategies, protocols, or adjuvant therapy trials, irrespective of criteria used to select patients with HCC for LT. Discrepancies between pretransplant tumour assessment and liver explant are frequent. The R3-AFP predictive model of recurrence was designed and validated in a large and international cohort of patients transplanted for HCC. The components of the final model are the following: number of nodules, size of the largest nodule, presence of MVI, nuclear grade, and last pre-LT AFP value. The R3-AFP model including the last available pre-LT AFP value outperformed the original R3 model only based on explant features. The final R3-AFP scoring system provides a standardised framework to refine post-LT management of patients, irrespective of criteria used to select patients with HCC for LT.
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Strategies to Improve Immune Suppression Post-Liver Transplantation: A Review. TRANSPLANTOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/transplantology2040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first liver transplantation operation (LT) in 1967 by Thomas Starzl, efforts to increase survival and prevent rejection have taken place. The development of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in the 1980s led to a surge in survival post-transplantation, and since then, strategies to prevent graft loss and preserve long-term graft function have been prioritized. Allograft rejection is mediated by the host immune response to donor antigens. Prevention of rejection can be achieved through either immunosuppression or induction of tolerance. This leads to a clinical dilemma, as the choice of an immunosuppressive agent is not an easy task, with considerable patient and graft-related morbidities. On the other hand, the induction of graft tolerance remains a challenge. Despite the fact that the liver exhibits less rejection than any other transplanted organs, spontaneous graft tolerance is rare. Most immunosuppressive medications have been incriminated in renal, cardiovascular, and neurological complications, relapse of viral hepatitis, and recurrence of HCC and other cancers. Efforts to minimize immunosuppression are directed toward decreasing medication side effects, increasing cost effectiveness, and decreasing economic burden without increasing the risk of rejection. In this article, we will discuss recent advances in strategies for improving immunosuppression following liver transplantation.
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Muhammad H, Tehreem A, Ting PS, Gurakar M, Li SY, Simsek C, Alqahtani SA, Kim AK, Kohli R, Gurakar A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Role of Liver Transplantation: A Review. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:738-748. [PMID: 34722189 PMCID: PMC8516838 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide and liver transplantation (LT) is the only potentially curative treatment. Over the years, Milan criteria has been used for patient selection. There is ongoing research in this field with introduction of new biomarkers for HCC that can help guide future treatment. Furthermore, newer therapies for downstaging of the tumor are being implemented to prevent dropout from the transplant list. In addition, combination therapies for better outcome are under investigation. Interestingly, the concept of living-donor LT and possible use of hepatitis C virus-positive donors has been implemented as an attempt to expand the organ pool. However, there is a conflict of opinion between different centers regarding its efficacy and data is scarce. The aim of this review article is to outline the various selection criteria for LT, discuss the outcomes of LT in HCC patients, and explore future directions of LT for HCC. Therefore, a comprehensive PubMed/MEDLINE review was conducted. To expand our search, references of the retrieved articles were also screened for additional data. After selecting the studies, the authors independently reviewed them to identify the relevant studies. After careful evaluation 120 studies relevant to out topic are cited in the manuscript. Three tables and two figures are also included. In conclusion LT for HCC has evolved over the years. With the introduction of several expanded criteria beyond Milan, the introduction of bridging therapies, such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation, and the approval of newer systemic therapies, it is evident that there will be more LT recipients in the future. It is promising to see ongoing trials and the continuous evolution of protocols. Prospective studies are needed to guide the development of a pre-LT criteria that can ensure low HCC recurrence risk and is not overly stringent, clarify the role of LDLT, and determine the optimal bridging therapies to LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Muhammad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, MD, USA
| | - Aniqa Tehreem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peng-Sheng Ting
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Merve Gurakar
- Department of Medicine, Osler Residency Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Cem Simsek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Saleh A. Alqahtani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy K. Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruhail Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ahmet Gurakar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Correspondence to: Ahmet Gurakar, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Suite 918 Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2221-9148. Tel: +1-410-614-3369, Fax: +1-443-683-8349, E-mail:
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Yilmaz S, Ince V. The Importance of the Immunosuppressive Regime on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:1350-1355. [PMID: 34611833 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00716-9] [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] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) occurs in approximately 20% of recipients and these patients have median about one year survival after diagnosis. Some immunosuppressive drugs can cause development of HCC recurrence, on the other hand some immunosuppressive drugs may have a positive effect for preventing HCC recurrence. Thus, immunosuppression (IS) modification may play a role in preventing HCC recurrence. METHODS In this review, we analyzed IS treatment strategy in two parts: before HCC recurrence following LT and after HCC recurrence following LT, and after HCC recurrence following LT. RESULTS There is no proven, optimal IS protocol to prevent HCC recurrence after transplantation. Therefore, individualized immunosuppressive treatments should be tailored to the biological behaviour of HCC. Forcing the immune tolerance in terms of recurrence can probably be expressed as the most appropriate post LT period. Once HCC recurrence has developed after transplantation, again, there is no commonly accepted, optimal IS treatment, but there is a tendency to switch to IS modifications that include mTORi by minimizing CNIs and MMF. CONCLUSION There is a need for well-designed, randomized, controlled clinical studies with larger numbers of patients on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezai Yilmaz
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Volkan Ince
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.
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Pelizzaro F, Gambato M, Gringeri E, Vitale A, Cillo U, Farinati F, Burra P, Russo FP. Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194882. [PMID: 34638365 PMCID: PMC8508053 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly important indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. However, LT in the setting of liver cancer is burdened by the risk of tumor recurrence. The prognosis of patients with post-LT HCC recurrence is still very poor and several areas of uncertainty remain in the management of these patients. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of available evidence regarding the management of HCC recurrence after LT, starting from the pre- and post-transplant stratification criteria and encompassing post-LT surveillance, preventive strategies and treatment. Much work has been done in the last several years but further effort is still needed in order to improve the outcome of these patients. Abstract Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT), occurring in 10–15% of cases, is a major concern. A lot of work has been done in order to refine the selection of LT candidates with HCC and to improve the outcome of patients with recurrence. Despite this, the prognosis of these patients remains poor, partly due to the several areas of uncertainty in their management. Even if surveillance for HCC recurrence is crucial for early detection, there is currently no evidence to support a specific and cost-effective post-LT surveillance strategy. Concerning preventive measures, consensus on the best immunosuppressive drugs has not been reached and not enough data to support adjuvant therapy are present. Several therapeutic approaches (surgical, locoregional and systemic treatments) are available in case of recurrence, but there are still few data in the post-LT setting. Moreover, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is controversial in transplant recipients considered the risk of rejection. In this paper, the available evidence on the management of HCC recurrence after LT is comprehensively reviewed, considering pre- and post-transplant risk stratification, post-transplant surveillance, preventive strategies and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Gringeri
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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26
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Ogut Z, Kilci B, Ince V, Koc C, Isik B, Yilmaz S. Very Rare Recurrence Site of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Subcutaneous Abdominal Drain Tract. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:310-312. [PMID: 32495110 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zeki Ogut
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Burak Kilci
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Volkan Ince
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Cemalettin Koc
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Burak Isik
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey
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Lee SG, Jeng LB, Saliba F, Singh Soin A, Lee WC, De Simone P, Nevens F, Suh KS, Fischer L, Jin Joo D, Fung J, Joh JW, Kaido T, Grant D, Meier M, Rauer B, Sips C, Kaneko S, Levy G. Efficacy and Safety of Everolimus With Reduced Tacrolimus in Liver Transplant Recipients: 24-month Results From the Pooled Analysis of 2 Randomized Controlled Trials. Transplantation 2021; 105:1564-1575. [PMID: 33741847 PMCID: PMC8221719 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Data from 2 randomized liver transplant trials (N = 772; H2304 [deceased donor, n = 488], H2307 [living donor, n = 284]) were pooled to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of everolimus with reduced tacrolimus (EVR + rTAC) versus standard tacrolimus (sTAC) regimen at month 24. RESULTS EVR + rTAC was comparable to sTAC for composite efficacy failure of treated biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss, or death (9.8% versus 10.8%; difference, -1.0%; 95% confidence interval, -5.4 to 3.4; P = 0.641) at month 24. EVR + rTAC was superior to sTAC for the mean change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from randomization to month 24 (-8.37 versus -13.40 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.001). A subanalysis of renal function by chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage at randomization showed significantly lower decline in eGFR from randomization to month 24 for patients with CKD stage 1/2 (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) in EVR + rTAC group versus sTAC (-12.82 versus -17.67 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.009). In patients transplanted for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond Milan criteria, HCC recurrence was numerically lower although not statistically significant with EVR + rTAC versus sTAC group (5.9% [1 of 17] versus 23.1% [6 of 26], P = 0.215), while comparable in patients within Milan criteria (2.9% [3 of 102] versus 2.1% [2 of 96], P = 1.000), irrespective of pretransplant alpha-fetoprotein levels. CONCLUSIONS EVR + rTAC versus sTAC showed comparable efficacy and safety with significantly better renal function, particularly in patients with normal/mildly decreased renal function (CKD stage 1/2) at randomization and a trend toward lower HCC recurrence in patients transplanted with HCC beyond Milan at month 24. Further long-term data would be required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Gyu Lee
- Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Faouzi Saliba
- AP-HPHôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif; Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM Unit 935, and 1193, France
| | | | - Wei-Chen Lee
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Lin-Ko, Taiwan
| | | | - Frederik Nevens
- University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Lutz Fischer
- University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - John Fung
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jae-Won Joh
- Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gary Levy
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Abstract
In liver transplant patients, solid tumors and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) have emerged as significant long-term mortality causes. Additionally, it is assumed that de novo malignancy (DNM) after liver transplantation (LT) is the second-leading cause of death after cardiovascular complications. Well-established risk factors for PTLD and solid tumors are calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), tacrolimus (TAC), and cyclosporine, the cornerstones of all immunosuppressive (IS) therapies used after LT. The loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy leads to cancer development, including in LT patients. Hindering DNA repair mechanisms, promoting tumor cell invasiveness, and hampering apoptosis are critical events in tumorigenesis and tumor growth in LT patients resulting from IS administration. This paper aims to overview the refined mechanisms of IS-induced tumorigenesis after LT and the loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy. In addition, we also discuss in detail the mechanisms of action in different types of IS regimen used after LT, and their putative effect on DNM.
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29
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Nitta H, Younès A, El-Domiaty N, Karam V, Sobesky R, Vibert E, Coilly A, Maria Antonini T, De Martin E, Cherqui D, Baba H, Rosmorduc O, Adam R, Samuel D, Saliba F. High trough levels of everolimus combined to sorafenib improve patients survival after hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients. Transpl Int 2021; 34:1293-1305. [PMID: 33932239 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following liver transplantation (LT) occurs in 10%-20% of patients transplanted for HCC. The treatment of HCC recurrence after LT remains a challenge. Consecutive patients who underwent LT for HCC between 2005 and 2015 at our center were recruited. Characteristics of patients with recurrence, modalities of treatment and outcome were collected retrospectively. Patient survival was analyzed according to HCC recurrence therapeutic strategy. Among 306 transplanted patients, 43 patients (14.1%) developed recurrence with a median survival time after recurrence of 10.9 months (95%CI: 6.6-18.6). Survival of patients treated with Sorafenib (SOR) and everolimus (EVL) (n = 19) was significantly better than that of the group treated with other strategies (n = 24) (P = 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that SOR plus EVL therapy and absence of dissemination at diagnosis of recurrence were independent predictive factors of prolonged survival after recurrence. Among the patients who treated with EVL, survival of patients with controlled EVL blood trough levels ≥5 ng/ml was significantly better compared to those with EVL trough levels <5 ng/ml (P = 0.021). Combination therapy of sorafenib and everolimus was an independent predictor for better survival after HCC recurrence. Patients with controlled everolimus trough level ≥5 ng/ml might get the best survival benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetoshi Nitta
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Aline Younès
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Nada El-Domiaty
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Vincent Karam
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Rodolphe Sobesky
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Vibert
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Audrey Coilly
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Teresa Maria Antonini
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Eleonora De Martin
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Daniel Cherqui
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Olivier Rosmorduc
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - René Adam
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Inserm UMR-S 1193, Université Paris- Saclay, Villejuif, France
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30
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is the best treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although centers use strict selection criteria, there is a risk of recurrence, reaching up to 20% which are mostly observed within two years following the procedure. The survival after the recurrence is poor and it has been reported to be between 7-16 months. This poor prognosis is due to the systemic course of the recurrence even its presentation is local initially. RESULTS The clinical management and treatment algorithm of recurrence is challenging and there is no guideline regarding the situation. Staging of the disease and multi-disciplinary approach are important. The decision for choice of treatment is given depending on the localization and spread of the recurrence. Adjusting and switching the immunosuppressive therapy should be the first attempt. When the recurrence is limited or confined to resectable regions, surgery should be the choice of treatment. Multiple recurrence sites such as adrenal glands, lung, lymph nodes are not contraindication for curative surgery. Resection of the graft for intrahepatic recurrence is the most beneficial procedure for survival. If resection is not possible due to advanced hepatic disease, loco-regional therapies such as TACE, RF, microwave ablation should be considered. SBRT may be an alternative both for hepatic and extra-hepatic recurrence. In case of systemic disease, sorafenib should be the drug choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris Sarici
- Departmant of Surgery, Liver Transplantation Institute, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Burak Isik
- Departmant of Surgery, Liver Transplantation Institute, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Departmant of Surgery, Liver Transplantation Institute, Inonu University, 44315, Malatya, Turkey
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31
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Sapisochin G, Hibi T, Toso C, Man K, Berenguer M, Heimbach J, Greten TF, Pugh TJ, Dawson LA, Mazzaferro V. Transplant Oncology in Primary and Metastatic Liver Tumors: Principles, Evidence, and Opportunities. Ann Surg 2021; 273:483-493. [PMID: 33065633 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000004071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transplant oncology defines any application of transplant medicine and surgery aimed at improving cancer patients' survival and/or quality of life. In practice, liver transplantation for selected hepato-biliary cancers is the only solid organ transplant with demonstrated efficacy in curing cancer. Four are the proposed future contributions of transplant oncology in hepato-biliary cancer (4-e). (1) evolutionary approach to cancer care that includes liver transplantation; (2) elucidation of self and non-self recognition systems, by linking tumor and transplant immunology; (3) exploration of innovative endpoints both in clinical and experimental settings taking advantage from the access to the entire liver explant; (4) extension of surgical limitation in the multidisciplinary approach to hepato-biliary oncology. The aim of this review is to define the principles of transplant oncology that may be applied to hepato-biliary cancer treatment and research, attempting to balance current evidences with future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant and HPB Surgical Oncology, Division of General Surgery, University Health Network, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taizo Hibi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Transplantation, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Christian Toso
- Division of Abdominal Surgery and Hepato-pancreato-biliary Center, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Ciberehd, IISLaFe and Facultad de Medicina, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julie Heimbach
- Department of Surgery Liver Transplant Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research and NCI-CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Trevor J Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura A Dawson
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy and Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Rigopoulou EI, Dalekos GN. Current Trends and Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Autoimmune Liver Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1023. [PMID: 33804480 PMCID: PMC7957658 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the commonest among liver cancers, is one of the leading causes of mortality among malignancies worldwide. Several reports demonstrate autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) to confer increased risk of hepatobiliary malignancies, albeit at lower frequencies compared to other liver diseases. Several parameters have been recognized as risk factors for HCC development in AIH and PBC, including demographics such as older age and male sex, clinical features, the most decisive being cirrhosis and other co-existing factors, such as alcohol consumption. Moreover, biochemical activity and treatment response have been increasingly recognized as prognostic factors for HCC development in AIH and PBC. As available treatment modalities are effective only when HCC diagnosis is established early, surveillance has been proven essential for HCC prognosis. Considering that the risk for HCC is not uniform between and within disease groups, refinement of screening strategies according to prevailing demographic, clinical, and molecular risk factors is mandated in AILDs patients, as personalized HCC risk prediction will offer significant advantage in patients at high and/or medium risk. Furthermore, future investigations should draw attention to whether modification of immunosuppression could benefit AIH patients after HCC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
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Kemp Bohan PM, Chick RC, O'Shea AE, Vreeland TJ, Hickerson AT, Cindass JL, Ensley DC, Hale D, Clifton GT, Sohn VY, Thompson IM, Peoples GE, Liss MA. Phase I Trial of Encapsulated Rapamycin in Patients with Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance to Prevent Progression. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2021; 14:551-562. [PMID: 33514567 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
No approved medical therapies prevent progression of low-grade prostate cancer. Rapamycin inhibits cell proliferation and augments immune responses, producing an antitumor effect. Encapsulated rapamycin (eRapa) incorporates rapamycin into a pH-sensitive polymer, ensuring consistent dosing. Here, we present results from a phase I trial evaluating the safety and tolerability of eRapa in patients with prostate cancer. Patients with Gleason ≤7 (3+4) disease (low and intermediate risk) under active surveillance were enrolled in a 3+3 study with three eRapa dosing cohorts (cohort 1, 0.5 mg/week; cohort 2, 1 mg/week; and cohort 3, 0.5 mg/day). Patients were treated for 3 months and followed for an additional 3 months to assess safety, pharmacokinetics, quality of life (QoL), immune response, and disease progression. Fourteen patients (cohort 1, n = 3; cohort 2, n = 3; and cohort 3, n = 8) were enrolled. In cohort 3, one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT; neutropenia) and two non-DLT grade 1-2 adverse events (AE) occurred that resulted in patient withdrawal. All AEs in cohorts 1 and 2 were grade 1. Peak serum rapamycin concentration was 7.1 ng/mL after a 1 mg dose. Stable trough levels (∼2 ng/mL) developed after 48-72 hours. Daily dosing mildly worsened QoL, although QoL recovered after treatment cessation in all categories, except fatigue. Weekly dosing increased naïve T-cell populations. Daily dosing increased central memory cell populations and exhaustion markers. No disease progression was observed. In conclusion, treatment with eRapa was safe and well-tolerated. Daily dosing produced higher frequencies of lower grade toxicities and transient worsening of QoL, while weekly dosing impacted immune response. Future studies will verify clinical benefit and long-term tolerability.Prevention Relevance: There is an unmet medical need for a well-tolerated treatment capable of delaying progression of newly diagnosed low-grade prostate cancer. This treatment would potentially obviate the need for future surgical intervention and improve the perception of active surveillance as a more acceptable option among this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert C Chick
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Anne E O'Shea
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy J Vreeland
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
| | | | - Jessica L Cindass
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel C Ensley
- Department of Urology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Diane Hale
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Guy T Clifton
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Vance Y Sohn
- Department of Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
| | - Ian M Thompson
- Department of Urology, UT Health-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Michael A Liss
- Department of Urology, UT Health-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Kemp Bohan PM, Mankaney G, Vreeland TJ, Chick RC, Hale DF, Cindass JL, Hickerson AT, Ensley DC, Sohn V, Clifton GT, Peoples GE, Burke CA. Chemoprevention in familial adenomatous polyposis: past, present and future. Fam Cancer 2021; 20:23-33. [PMID: 32507936 PMCID: PMC7276278 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-020-00189-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome characterized by colorectal adenomas and a near 100% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Prophylactic colectomy, usually by age 40, is the gold-standard therapy to mitigate this risk. However, colectomy is associated with morbidity and fails to prevent extra-colonic disease manifestations, including gastric polyposis, duodenal polyposis and cancer, thyroid cancer, and desmoid disease. Substantial research has investigated chemoprevention medications in an aim to prevent disease progression, postponing the need for colectomy and temporizing the development of extracolonic disease. An ideal chemoprevention agent should have a biologically plausible mechanism of action, be safe and easily tolerated over a prolonged treatment period, and produce a durable and clinically meaningful effect. To date, no chemoprevention agent tested has fulfilled these criteria. New agents targeting novel pathways in FAP are needed. Substantial preclinical literature exists linking the molecular target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway to FAP. A single case report of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, used as chemoprevention in FAP patients exists, but no formal clinical studies have been conducted. Here, we review the prior literature on chemoprevention in FAP, discuss the rationale for rapamycin in FAP, and outline a proposed clinical trial testing rapamycin as a chemoprevention agent in patients with FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M Kemp Bohan
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA.
| | - Gautam Mankaney
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy J Vreeland
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Robert C Chick
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Diane F Hale
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Jessica L Cindass
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Annelies T Hickerson
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Daniel C Ensley
- Department of Urology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vance Sohn
- Department of Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - G Travis Clifton
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft Sam Houston, TX, 78234, USA
| | | | - Carol A Burke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly common disease with liver transplant (LT) the best long-term therapy for early stage disease. We will review the data for assessing risk and managing recurrence for patients undergoing LT for HCC. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will provide an overview of methods of patient risk stratification in the post-transplant period, the data around surveillance for HCC recurrence, and the evidence for and against post-LT adjuvant treatment strategies. Finally, we will provide data regarding treatment options for patients with HCC recurrence after LT. Using an extensive search of original papers and society guidelines, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the data for assessing risk and managing recurrence for patients undergoing LT for HCC. EXPERT OPINION The development of multiple post-transplant prognostic scoring systems have allowed for improved assessment of recurrence risk and stratification of patients. However, the ability to translate this information into surveillance and therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes still have to be fully demonstrated. Post-LT immunosuppression strategies have been implemented in order to attempt to reduce this risk. Evidence-based strategies for managing recurrent HCC are evolving. We expect that with further understanding of individual patient characteristics will allow for optimal therapeutic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hoffman
- Department of Surgery, University of California , San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California , San Francisco, CA, USA
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Schnitzbauer AA, Filmann N, Adam R, Bachellier P, Bechstein WO, Becker T, Bhoori S, Bilbao I, Brockmann J, Burra P, Chazoullières O, Cillo U, Colledan M, Duvoux C, Ganten TM, Gugenheim J, Heise M, van Hoek B, Jamieson N, de Jong KP, Klein CG, Klempnauer J, Kneteman N, Lerut J, Mäkisalo H, Mazzaferro V, Mirza DF, Nadalin S, Neuhaus P, Pageaux GP, Pinna AD, Pirenne J, Pratschke J, Powel J, Rentsch M, Rizell M, Rossi G, Rostaing L, Roy A, Scholz T, Settmacher U, Soliman T, Strasser S, Söderdahl G, Troisi RI, Turrión VS, Schlitt HJ, Geissler EK. mTOR Inhibition Is Most Beneficial After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Active Tumors. Ann Surg 2020; 272:855-862. [PMID: 32889867 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000004280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival benefit of sirolimus in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (exploratory analysis of the SiLVER-trial). SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA Patients receiving LT) for HCC are at a high risk for tumor recurrence. Calcineurin inhibitors have shown evidence to promote cancer growth, whereas mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors like sirolimus have anticancer effects. In the SiLVER-trial (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00355862), the effect of sirolimus on the recurrence of HCC after LT was investigated in a prospective randomized trial. Although the primary endpoint of improved disease-free survival (DFS) with sirolimus was not met, outcomes were improved for patients in the sirolimus-treatment arm in the first 3 to 5 years. To learn more about the key variables, a multivariate analysis was performed on the SiLVER-trial data. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 508 patients of the intention-to-treat analysis were included in exploratory univariate and multivariate models for overall survival (OS), DFS and a competing risk analysis for HCC recurrence. RESULTS Sirolimus use for ≥3 months after LT for HCC independently reduced the hazard for death in the multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR): 0.7 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.52-0.96, P = 0.02). Most strikingly, patients with an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥10 ng/mL and having used sirolimus for ≥3 months, benefited most with regard to OS, DFS, and HCC-recurrence (HR: 0.49-0.59, P = 0.0079-0.0245). CONCLUSIONS mTOR-inhibitor treatment with sirolimus for ≥3 months improves outcomes in LT for HCC, especially in patients with AFP-evidence of higher tumor activity, advocating particularly for mTOR inhibitor use in this subgroup of patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT: 2005-005362-36 CLINICALTRIALS.GOV:: NCT00355862.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Schnitzbauer
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Natalie Filmann
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Institut für Biostatistik und Mathematisches Modellierung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - René Adam
- Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato Biliaire, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Bachellier
- Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Service de Chirurgie Générale, Hépatique, Endocrinienne, et Transplantation, Strasbourg, France
| | - Wolf O Bechstein
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Becker
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein - Campus Kiel, Klinik für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Viszeral-, Thorax, Transplantations- und Kinderchirurgie, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sherrie Bhoori
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, National Cancer Institute Milan, Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Cancer Unit, Milano, Italy
| | - Itxarone Bilbao
- Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Servicio de Cirugía General, Unidad de Trasplante Hepatico, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jens Brockmann
- Universitätsklinikum Münster, Klinik für Allgemein- und ViszeralchirurgieMünster, Germany
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Università degli Studi di Padova, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche (DiSCOG), Padova, Italy
| | - Olivier Chazoullières
- Hôpital Saint Antoine, Federation d'Hepato-Gastro-Enterologie, Service d'Hepatologie, Paris, France
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Università di Padova, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Chirurgia Epatobiliare e Trapianto Epatico, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Colledan
- Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Chirurgia terza e Chirurgia Toracica, Bergamo (BG), Italy
| | - Christoph Duvoux
- Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri-Mondor, Service d'Hepatologie et de Gastroenterologie, Unite d'Hepatologie et de Transplantation Hepatique, Paris, France
| | - Tom M Ganten
- Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Fürst Stirum Klinik Bruchsal, Bruchsal, Germany
| | - Jean Gugenheim
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital ARCHET 2, Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Centre de Transplantation Hépatique, Nice Cedex, France
| | - Michael Heise
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Neville Jamieson
- Cambridge University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Department of Surgery, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Koert P de Jong
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Surgery, Div. of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Christian G Klein
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Klempnauer
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Hannover, Germany
| | - Norman Kneteman
- University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services Liver Transplant Program, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jan Lerut
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique Louvain(UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heikki Mäkisalo
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Division of Transplantation and Liver Surgery, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, National Cancer Institute Milan, Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Cancer Unit, Milano, Italy
| | - Darius F Mirza
- University Hospitals Birmingham, NHS Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Liver and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Unit, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Silvio Nadalin
- Klinikum der Universität Tübingen, Klinik für Allgemeine, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Neuhaus
- Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Allgemein-, Visceral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Berlin, Germany
| | - George-Philippe Pageaux
- CHRU de Montpellier, APEMAD, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, Service d'Hepato-Gastroentérologie et Transplantation Hepatique, Cedex 5, France
| | - Antonio D Pinna
- Universita di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Chirurgia Generale e dei Trapianti, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jaques Pirenne
- UZ Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Abdominale Transplantatiechirurgie, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin
| | - James Powel
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Hepatic-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgical Services and Edinburgh Transplant Unit, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Rentsch
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität München-Großhadern, current affiliation: Klinikum Ingolstadt, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Thoraxchirurgie, Ingolstadt, Germany
| | - Magnus Rizell
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Rossi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS di Milano, Centro Trapianti Fegato, Pad Zonda I piano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lionel Rostaing
- Department of Nephrology, Hemodialysis, Apheresis and Transplantation, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital Center, Avenue du Maquis du Grésivaudan, La Tronche, France
| | - André Roy
- Hopital St Luc, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Montréal (CHUM), Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Principal Pavillion, 1058 Rue St Denis Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tim Scholz
- Uppsala University Hospital, Deptartment for Transplant Surgery, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefässchirurgie, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Soliman
- Medizinische Universität Wien, AKH- Wien, Universitätsklinik für Chirurgie, Abteilung für Transplantation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Strasser
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, AW Morrow Gastroenterology, and Liver Centre and Liver Transplant Unit, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gunnar Söderdahl
- Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Transplantation Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roberto I Troisi
- Ghent University Hospital and Medical School, Hepato- Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Victor Sánchez Turrión
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Departamento de Cirugía, Unidad de Trasplante Hepático, Calle Manuel de Falla 1, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hans J Schlitt
- University Hospital Regensburg, Department of Surgery, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Edward K Geissler
- University Hospital Regensburg, Department of Surgery and Section of Experimental Surgery, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, Germany.,Division of Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute of Experimental Medicine and Toxicology, Regensburg, Germany
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Immunosuppressive regimens for adult liver transplant recipients in real-life practice: consensus recommendations from an Italian Working Group. Hepatol Int 2020; 14:930-943. [PMID: 33099753 PMCID: PMC7803715 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is a well-recognized fact that implementing new guidelines in clinical practice may be difficult; therefore the Italian Society for Organ and Tissue Transplantation (SITO) set out to define practical immunosuppression tools for the management of liver transplantation patients. In 2017, an Italian Working Group of liver transplant experts and hepatologists issued a set of consensus statements along with evidence-based recommendations on the use of everolimus after liver transplantation. This article presents the evidence- and consensus-based algorithms developed within the Italian Working Group, which are aimed towards guiding clinicians in the selection of immunosuppressive regimens for the management of adult liver transplant recipients in real-life practice. The liver transplant recipient population, typically managed in clinical practice, was divided into the following categories: (1) standard patients; (2) critically ill patients; (3) patients with a specific etiology; (4) patients with hepatocellular carcinoma; (5) and patients with de novo malignancies. The algorithms are divided into two parts, according to the time from transplantation (0-3 months and > 3 months) and are discussed here along with relevant supporting literature, when available. Ultimately, it is hoped that the evidence- and consensus-based algorithms developed within the Italian Working Group, and presented here, contribute to simplify, personalize, and optimize immunosuppression of liver transplantation recipients in clinical practice.
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Posttransplant Management of Recipients Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Working Group Report From the ILTS Transplant Oncology Consensus Conference. Transplantation 2020; 104:1143-1149. [PMID: 32217940 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although liver transplantation (LT) is the best treatment for patients with localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), recurrence occurs in 6%-18% of patients. Several factors, particularly morphological criteria combined with dynamic parameters, known before LT modify this risk and combined in prediction models may be used to stratify patients at need of variable surveillance strategies. Additional variables though likely explain differences in recurrence rates in patients with the same pre-LT HCC status. One of these variables is possibly immunosuppression (IS). Once recurrence takes place, management is highly heterogenous. Within the International Liver Transplantation Society Consensus Conference on Liver Transplant Oncology, working group 4 aim was to analyze the data regarding posttransplant management of recipients undergoing LT for HCC. Three areas of research were considered: (1) cancer prediction models and surveillance strategies; (2) tailored IS for cancer recipients; and (3) new adjuvant therapies for HCC recurrence. Following formulation of several questions, a literature search was undertaken with abstract review followed by article retrieval and full-data extraction. The grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evidence rating incorporating strength of recommendation and quality of evidence.
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Abstract
Cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation and can occur through three mechanisms: recurrence of a recipient's pre-transplant malignancy, donor-related transmission and de novo development. Currently, the decision to list a patient with a history of malignancy is an individual one. Screening guidelines for potential donors and for recipients after transplant are still widely based on general population guidelines, while the role of chronic immunosuppression remains controversial. These shortcomings mean that patients present at diagnosis with advanced stages of the disease, often precluding curative treatments. The present review summarizes current recommendations for the screening of recipients and donors for pre- and post-transplant malignancies, and current management of recipients who develop cancer after a liver transplant.
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40
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Akbulut S, Sahin TT, Yilmaz S. Letter to the Editor: Prognostic Impact of Osteopenia in Patients Who Underwent Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. World J Surg 2020; 44:3182-3183. [PMID: 32474626 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-020-05622-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Akbulut
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Elazig Yolu 10. Km, Malatya, 44280, Turkey.
| | - Tevfik Tolga Sahin
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Elazig Yolu 10. Km, Malatya, 44280, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Elazig Yolu 10. Km, Malatya, 44280, Turkey
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Ueno T, Kodama T, Noguchi Y, Deguchi K, Nomura M, Saka R, Watanabe M, Tazuke Y, Bessho K, Okuyama H. Safety and Efficacy of Everolimus Rescue Treatment After Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:1829-1832. [PMID: 32571711 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Everolimus (EVR) is a derivative of sirolimus with a similar mechanism of action. The safety and efficacy of EVR after pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of EVR as rescue therapy after pediatric LDLT. METHODS This study included patients younger than 19 years of age who received EVR after LDLT at our institution. EVR was administered as rescue treatment in addition to tacrolimus. In 21 patients, EVR dose, trough level, outcomes, and adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS Original diseases of patients consisted of biliary atresia (n = 11), Alagille syndrome (n = 3), fulminant hepatitis (n = 3), hepatoblastoma (n = 2), and other (n = 2). Mean age at transplant was 2.0 years (range 0.6-6.2 years). Mean age at initial EVR administration was 8.0 years (range 0.9-18.9 years). Indications for EVR use were graft fibrosis (n = 8), refractory acute cellular rejection (n = 5), renal sparing (n = 4), hepatoblastoma (n = 2), and chronic rejection (CR) (n = 2). Mean duration of administration was 17.1 months (range 2.1-60.4 months). Mean dose was 0.5 mg/m2 twice daily. Mean EVR trough level was 2.5 ng/mL (range 1.5-5.0 ng/mL). Liver function improved and fibrosis did not progress in all patients with CR. However, 14 patients (67%) experienced adverse effects that required EVR dose reduction or discontinuation. CONCLUSION EVR is tolerable for pediatric patients after LDLT with dose adjustment. EVR had a certain effect to relieve progression on CR. Further follow-up is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehisa Ueno
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Tasuku Kodama
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Noguchi
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Deguchi
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motonari Nomura
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryuta Saka
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miho Watanabe
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Tazuke
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Bessho
- Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroomi Okuyama
- Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Tohyama T, Sakamoto K, Tamura K, Nakamura T, Watanabe J, Wakisaka H, Takada Y. Pharyngeal metastasis following living-donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report and literature review. World J Surg Oncol 2020; 18:109. [PMID: 32466780 PMCID: PMC7257203 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-020-01873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most common sites of recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported to be the liver, lung, bone, and adrenal glands, but there have also been many reports of cases of multiple recurrence. The prognosis after recurrence is poor, with reported median survival after recurrence of HCC ranging from 9 to 19 months. Here, we report a case of long-term survival after recurrence of pharyngeal metastasis following living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for HCC within the Milan criteria, by resection of the metastatic region and cervical lymph node dissection. Case presentation A 47-year-old man with a Model End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 11 underwent LDLT for HCC within the Milan criteria for liver cirrhosis associated with hepatitis B virus infection, with his 48-year-old elder brother as the living donor. One year and 10 months after liver transplantation, he visited a nearby hospital with a chief complaint of discomfort on swallowing. A pedunculated polyp was found in the hypopharynx, and biopsy revealed HCC metastasis. We performed pharyngeal polypectomy. Two years later, cervical lymph node metastasis appeared, and neck lymph node dissection was performed. Although recurrence subsequently occurred three times in the grafted liver, the patient is still alive 12 years and 10 months after recurrence of pharyngeal metastasis. He is now a tumor-free outpatient taking sorafenib. Conclusion It is necessary to recognize that the nasopharyngeal region is a potential site of HCC metastasis. Prognostic improvement can be expected with close follow-up, early detection, and multidisciplinary treatment, including radical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiji Tohyama
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan. .,Department of Surgery, Kurashiki Medical Center, Bakuro-cho, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710-8522, Japan.
| | - Katsunori Sakamoto
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kei Tamura
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Taro Nakamura
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Jota Watanabe
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Wakisaka
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Surgery, Ehime Prefectural University of Health Sciences, 543, Takoda, Tobe-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime, 791-2101, Japan
| | - Yasutsugu Takada
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
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Ferrín G, Guerrero M, Amado V, Rodríguez-Perálvarez M, De la Mata M. Activation of mTOR Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041266. [PMID: 32070029 PMCID: PMC7072933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer and occurs mainly in patients with liver cirrhosis. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is involved in many hallmarks of cancer including cell growth, metabolism re-programming, proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. The mTOR pathway is upregulated in HCC tissue samples as compared with the surrounding liver cirrhotic tissue. In addition, the activation of mTOR is more intense in the tumor edge, thus reinforcing its role in HCC proliferation and spreading. The inhibition of the mTOR pathway by currently available pharmacological compounds (i.e., sirolimus or everolimus) is able to hamper tumor progression both in vitro and in animal models. The use of mTOR inhibitors alone or in combination with other therapies is a very attractive approach, which has been extensively investigated in humans. However, results are contradictory and there is no solid evidence suggesting a true benefit in clinical practice. As a result, neither sirolimus nor everolimus are currently approved to treat HCC or to prevent tumor recurrence after curative surgery. In the present comprehensive review, we analyzed the most recent scientific evidence while providing some insights to understand the gap between experimental and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ferrín
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (G.F.); (M.G.); (V.A.); (M.D.l.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marta Guerrero
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (G.F.); (M.G.); (V.A.); (M.D.l.M.)
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantaton, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Víctor Amado
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (G.F.); (M.G.); (V.A.); (M.D.l.M.)
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantaton, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Perálvarez
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (G.F.); (M.G.); (V.A.); (M.D.l.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantaton, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-617854692
| | - Manuel De la Mata
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (G.F.); (M.G.); (V.A.); (M.D.l.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantaton, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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Nogueras López F, Espinosa Aguilar MD, Abellán Alfocea P, Ortega Suazo EJ, González Sánchez M, Redondo Cerezo E, López Garrido MA. Descriptive Analysis of Everolimus Conversion in Liver Transplant Recipients With Malignant Neoplastic Disease. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:553-555. [PMID: 32035682 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin inhibitors are associated with the development of de novo tumors and increased recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplant. It has been suggested that mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (everolimus [EVR]) may improve prognosis. We analyzed our experience on the use of EVR in malignant neoplasms in liver transplantation. METHODS We performed a retrospective descriptive analysis of 477 transplants performed between 2002 and 2019 at Virgen de las Nieves Hospital. A total of 100 patients received EVR; 23 transplants were because of tumor disease (23%), with de novo tumor in 12 patients and hepatocarcinoma in 11. The statistical study was carried out using the statistical program SPSS 17.0 software. RESULTS The study included 18 male patients (78.3%) and 5 female patients (21.7%) with an average age of 59.67 years. The most common indications of liver transplant have been alcoholic cirrhosis in 39% and hepatitis C virus cirrhosis in 21.7%. De novo tumors were lung neoplasm in 4 patients (33.3%), lymphoma in 2 patients(16.7%), oropharynx in 2 patients (16.7%), skin tumors in 2 patients (16.7%), and a kidney tumor (8.3%) in 1 patient. As for hepatocellular carcinoma, 8 patients met Milan criteria on the explant (61.5%). Tacrolimus was discontinued in all cases. The average onset time of post-transplant EVR was 2231.42 days in the de novo neoplasms and 307.45 days in those receiving transplants because of hepatocellular carcinoma (P = .05). We observed 5 deaths (21.7%). CONCLUSION Although the beneficial long-term role of EVR in liver transplant recipients with tumor disease is not demonstrated, it is used by most transplant units, both in de novo neoplasms and those receiving transplants because of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor Nogueras López
- Hepatology Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain.
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45
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Verna EC, Patel YA, Aggarwal A, Desai AP, Frenette C, Pillai AA, Salgia R, Seetharam A, Sharma P, Sherman C, Tsoulfas G, Yao FY. Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Management after the transplant. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:333-347. [PMID: 31710773 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly common indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States and in many parts of the world. In the last decade, significant work has been done to better understand how to risk stratify LT candidates for recurrence of HCC following transplant using a combination of biomarker and imaging findings. However, despite the high frequency of HCC in the LT population, guidance regarding posttransplant management is lacking. In particular, there is no current evidence to support specific post-LT surveillance strategies, leading to significant heterogeneity in practices. In addition, there are no current recommendations regarding recurrence prevention, including immunosuppression regimen or secondary prevention with adjuvant chemotherapy. Finally, guidance on treatment of disease recurrence is also lacking and there is significant controversy about the use of immunotherapy in transplant recipients due to the risk of rejection. Thus, outcomes for patients with recurrence are poor. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive review of the current literature on post-LT management of patients with HCC and identifies gaps in our current knowledge that are in urgent need of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yuval A Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Avin Aggarwal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tuscon, Arizona, USA
| | - Archita P Desai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Catherine Frenette
- Scripps Center for Organ Transplantation, Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anjana A Pillai
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Reena Salgia
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Anil Seetharam
- Transplant Hepatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Pratima Sharma
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Courtney Sherman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Georgios Tsoulfas
- Department of Surgery, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Francis Y Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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46
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Kim B, Kahn J, Terrault NA. Liver transplantation as therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2020; 40 Suppl 1:116-121. [PMID: 32077598 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation can provide curative therapy in selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Well-established criteria include tumours that are within the Milan criteria and without evidence of vascular or extrahepatic involvement. Modest expansion of the original Milan criteria has been shown to achieve similar recurrence-free survival rates. Overall, HCC recurrence occurs in about 10%-15% of LT recipients, most within the first 2 years. Predictors of post-transplant recurrence include high alpha-foetoprotein, macrovascular invasion, as well as tumour size and number. Once HCC recurs after transplantation, prognosis is poor, though better if detected early. There is no established role for systemic prophylactic post-transplant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kim
- Department of Medicine and Division of GI and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kahn
- Department of Medicine and Division of GI and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Department of Medicine and Division of GI and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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47
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Voskanyan SE, Sushkov AI, Artemiyev AI, Zabezhinsky DA, Naydenov EV, Bashkov AN, Chuchuev ES, Shabalin MV, Syutkin VE. [Salvage liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) 2019:21-28. [PMID: 31626235 DOI: 10.17116/hirurgia201910121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze clinical course and the results of salvage liver transplantation in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS A 54-year-old man with HCV-infection and HCC and 22-year-old woman with fibrolamellar variant of HCC underwent resection of the right and left liver lobe, respectively. The first patient experienced recurrent HCC four times with an interval of 3-6 months within 2 years after surgery. Repeated liver resection was made in first three cases, right liver lobe transplantation - after the fourth recurrence. In the second patient, HCC recurred in 4 months after resection and was accompanied by subtotal portal vein thrombosis. Therefore, repeated liver resection was excluded and patient underwent right liver lobe transplantation. RESULTS Patients are alive in 5 and 3.5 years after liver resection and in 2.5 and 3 years after transplantation, respectively. There are currently no signs of recurrent HCC in the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Voskanyan
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - A I Sushkov
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - A I Artemiyev
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - D A Zabezhinsky
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Naydenov
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - A N Bashkov
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - E S Chuchuev
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - M V Shabalin
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - V E Syutkin
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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48
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Very Late Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Presentation and Management. Transplant Direct 2019; 5:e483. [PMID: 31579811 PMCID: PMC6739045 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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49
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Hong SK, Lee K, Yoon KC, Kim H, Ahn S, Kim H, Lee J, Cho J, Yi N, Suh K. Different prognostic factors and strategies for early and late recurrence after adult living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transplant 2019; 33:e13703. [DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suk Kyun Hong
- Department of Surgery Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Kwang‐Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Yoon
- Department of Surgery Division of HBP Surgery & Liver Transplantation Anam Hospital Korea University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Hyo‐Sin Kim
- Department of Surgery Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital Gwangju Korea
| | - Sung‐Woo Ahn
- Department of Surgery Chonbuk National University College of Medicine Jeonju Korea
| | - Hyeyoung Kim
- Department of Surgery Eulji University Hospital Eulji University College of Medicine Daejeon Korea
| | - Jeong‐Moo Lee
- Department of Surgery Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Jae‐Hyung Cho
- Department of Surgery Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Nam‐Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Kyung‐Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
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50
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Manzia TM, Angelico R, Gazia C, Lenci I, Milana M, Ademoyero OT, Pedini D, Toti L, Spada M, Tisone G, Baiocchi L. De novo malignancies after liver transplantation: The effect of immunosuppression-personal data and review of literature. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:5356-5375. [PMID: 31558879 PMCID: PMC6761240 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i35.5356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppression has undoubtedly raised the overall positive outcomes in the post-operative management of solid organ transplantation. However, long-term exposure to immunosuppression is associated with critical systemic morbidities. De novo malignancies following orthotopic liver transplants (OLTs) are a serious threat in pediatric and adult transplant individuals. Data from different experiences were reported and compared to assess the connection between immunosuppression and de novo malignancies in liver transplant patients.
AIM To study the role of immunosuppression on the incidence of de novo malignancies in liver transplant recipients.
METHODS A systematic literature examination about de novo malignancies and immunosuppression weaning in adult and pediatric OLT recipients was described in the present review. Worldwide data were collected from highly qualified institutions performing OLTs. Patient follow-up, immunosuppression discontinuation and incidence of de novo malignancies were reported. Likewise, the review assesses the differences in adult and pediatric recipients by describing the adopted immunosuppression regimens and the different type of diagnosed solid and blood malignancy.
RESULTS Emerging evidence suggests that the liver is an immunologically privileged organ able to support immunosuppression discontinuation in carefully selected recipients. Malignancies are often detected in liver transplant patients undergoing daily immunosuppression regimens. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases and skin tumors are the most detected de novo malignancies in the pediatric and adult OLT population, respectively. To date, immunosuppression withdrawal has been achieved in up to 40% and 60% of well-selected adult and pediatric recipients, respectively. In both populations, a clear benefit of immunosuppression weaning protocols on de novo malignancies is difficult to ascertain because data have not been specified in most of the clinical experiences.
CONCLUSION The selected populations of tolerant pediatric and adult liver transplant recipients greatly benefit from immunosuppression weaning. There is still no strong clinical evidence on the usefulness of immunosuppression withdrawal in OLT recipients on malignancies. An interesting focus is represented by the complete reconstitution of the immunological pathways that could help in decreasing the incidence of de novo malignancies and may also help in treating liver transplant patients suffering from cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Maria Manzia
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Roberta Angelico
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Carlo Gazia
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Martina Milana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | | | - Domiziana Pedini
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Luca Toti
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Marco Spada
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
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