Improved survival with resection after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Role of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (Hong Kong liver cancer stage IIB)

INTRODUCTION

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has an established role in advanced HCC. The present study evaluates the role of TACE as a neoadjuvant modality in the management of intermediate HCC [Hong Kong Liver Cancer (HKLC) stage IIB].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of HCC patients treated between January 2010 and August 2022 was performed. Patients belonging to intermediate-stage HCC (HKLC IIB) were divided into two groups, upfront surgery (UPS) and post-TACE (pTACE). Propensity score matching was done, and the primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 247 patients of HKLC IIB were identified during this period. Of these, 77 patients in each group were considered for analysis after propensity matching. The median follow-up was 36.4 months (0.46-144.26). In the propensity matched population (n = 154), on an intention-to-treat analysis, the median OS of the UPS group and the pTACE group was 30.06 and 39.26 months, respectively (p value = 0.77). In patients who underwent curative resection, the median OS of the UPS group was 30.68 versus 90.97 months in the pTACE group (p value = 0.006) and median DFS was 13.56 months for the UPS group versus 44.02 months in the pTACE group, respectively (p value = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

In intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HKLC IIB), pTACE can be used to better select patients with borderline resectability. Survival was significantly improved in patients who received pTACE and were able to undergo surgical resection.

Chinese Expert Consensus on the Combination of Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy with Locoregional Therapy for Intermediate/Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality; it ranks as the second most common cause of cancer deaths in China. Most HCC patients are first diagnosed at an advanced stage. In recent years, targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy has become the preferred regimen for systemic treatment of intermediate-advanced HCC, while targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy plus local treatment could further improve the efficacy in many clinical studies. To better guide the clinical treatment for effective and safe combination therapy, our interdisciplinary panel on the treatment of intermediate-advanced HCC comprising hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists, and traditional Chinese medicine physicians have formulated this consensus based on current clinical studies and clinical medication experience for reference. The consensus contained 15 recommendations, including the applicable population and management, local treatment selection, conversion strategy, treatment strategy after tumor progression and management of common adverse reactions.

Clinical study on conversion therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma - summary and comparison of clinical data from a single center of consecutive four years

AIM

The purpose of this study was to interpret real-world clinical data to analyze the surgical safety and survival outcomes of patients with initial unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) after conversion therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 2984 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients hospitalized in Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from June 1st, 2019 to June 1st, 2023. Clinicopathological features, response to systemic and/or loco-regional treatments, surgical resection rate after conversion therapy, surgical safety, and postoperative recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients were successfully converted to obtain surgical resection. 35 patients underwent radical resection. A high objective response rate (ORR) (52.6% under RECIST v1.1 and 78.9% under mRECIST criteria) was observed in patients under conversion therapy, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was 42.9%. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade were observed in 37 patients (97.4%). Safety of conversion or direct surgery continues to improve. The median follow-up time was 19.3 months. The 1-year Disease-free survival (DFS) rate of patients with direct surgery and patients with conversion surgery were 91.4% and 86.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

With conversion therapy, a small percentage (1.81%) of uHCC patients are likely to be converted to radical resection. Local combined systemic therapy is a relatively safe and effective conversion therapy, and the safety of surgery is gradually improved after successful conversion. Preliminary follow-up data showed satisfactory survival benefits for patients undergoing conversion surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This was a retrospective study and it did not interfere with treatment decisions.

Multiparametric MRI based deep learning model for prediction of early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after SR following TACE

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection (SR) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a promising treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, biomarkers for the prediction of postoperative recurrence are needed.

PURPOSE

To develop and validate a model combining deep learning (DL) and clinical data for early recurrence (ER) in uHCC patients after TACE.

METHODS

A total of 511 patients who received SR following TACE were assigned to derivation (n = 413) and validation (n = 98) cohorts. Deep learning features were taken from the largest tumor area in liver MRI. A nomogram using DL signatures and clinical data was made to forecast early recurrence risk in uHCC patients. Model performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

A total of 2278 subsequences and 31,346 slices multiparametric MRI including contrast-enhanced T1WI, T2WI and DWI were input in the DL model simultaneously. Multivariable analysis identified three independent predictors for the development of the nomogram: tumor number (hazard ratio [HR]:3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.75-4.31, P = 0.003), microvascular invasion (HR: 9.21, 6.24-32.14; P < 0.001), and DL scores (HR: 17.46, 95% CI: 12.94-23.57, P < 0.001). The AUC of the nomogram was 0.872 and 0.862 in two cohorts, significantly outperforming single-subsequence-based DL mode and clinical model (all, P < 0.001). The nomogram provided two risk strata for cumulative overall survival in two cohorts, showing significant statistical results (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The DL-based nomogram is essential to identify patients with uHCC suitable for treatment with SR following TACE and may potentially benefit personalized decision-making.

Machine learning-based decision support model for selecting intra-arterial therapies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A national real-world evidence-based study

IMPORTANCE

Intra-arterial therapies(IATs) are promising options for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Stratifying the prognostic risk before administering IAT is important for clinical decision-making and for designing future clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a machine learning(ML)-based decision support model(MLDSM) for recommending IAT modalities for unresectable HCC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Between October 2014 and October 2022, a total of 2,959 patients with HCC who underwent initial IATs were enroled retrospectively from 13 tertiary hospitals. These patients were divided into the training cohort (n = 1700), validation cohort (n = 428), and test cohort (n = 200).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Thirty-two clinical variables were input, and five supervised ML algorithms, including eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Categorical Gradient Boosting (CatBoost), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) and Random Forest (RF), were compared using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with the DeLong test.

RESULTS

A total of 1856 patients were assigned to the IAT alone Group(I-A), and 1103 patients were assigned to the IAT combination Group(I-C). The 12-month death rates were 31.9% (352/1103) in the I-A group and 50.4% (936/1856) in the I-C group. For the test cohort, in the I-C group, the CatBoost model achieved the best discrimination when 30 variables were input, with an AUC of 0.776 (95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.833-0.868). In the I-A group, the LGBM model achieved the best discrimination when 24 variables were input, with an AUC of 0.776 (95% CI, 0.833-0.868). According to the decision trees, BCLC grade, local therapy, and diameter as top three variables were used to guide clinical decisions between IAT modalities.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The MLDSM can accurately stratify prognostic risk for HCC patients who received IATs, thus helping physicians to make decisions about IAT and providing guidance for surveillance strategies in clinical practice.

TACE combined Lenvatinib plus Camrelizumab versus TACE alone in efficacy and safety for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score-matching study

BACKGROUNDS

To compare the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined Lenvatinib plus Camrelizumab (TLC) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) with those of TACE alone .

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 222 patients with uHCC who were treated between September 2013 and Jun 2023. One group received TACE + lenvatinib + camrelizumab (TLC) (n = 97) and another group received TACE alone (n = 151). Efficacy and safety were compared after propensity score matching between the TLC and TACE groups.

RESULTS

After propensity matching, the TLC group had higher objective response rate (ORR) (88.6% vs. 28.6%, P < 0.001), disease control rate (DCR) (94.3%% vs. 72.9%, P < 0.001), and conversion rates before and after propensity matching were 44.1% and 41.4%, respectively, compared with the TACE group. The median progression free survival (PFS) was longer in the TLC group than in the TACE group (12.7 vs. 6.1 months, P = 0.005). The median overall survival (OS) was longer in the TLC group than in the TACE group (19.4 vs. 13.0 months, P = 0.023). Cox multivariate analysis with different modes of adjustment showed that treatment was an independent influencing factor of PFS and OS. The interaction analysis showed that cirrhosis and Child-Pugh stage an interactive role in the PFS of different treatment. Decreased AFP after treatment portends higher ORR and DCR.

CONCLUSION

TACE combined Lenvatinib plus Camrelizumab regimen was safe and superior to TACE alone in improving PFS, OS, and tumor response rates for unresectable recurrent HCC patients.

Lenvatinib‑based treatment regimens in conversion therapy of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Conversion therapy provides patients with unresectable HCC (uHCC) the opportunity to undergo radical treatment and achieve long-term survival. Despite accumulating evidence regarding the efficacy of conversion therapy, the optimal treatment approach for such therapy remains uncertain. Lenvatinib (LEN) has shown efficacy and tolerable rates of adverse events (AEs) when applied in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or locoregional therapy (LRT) over the past decade. Therefore, the present meta-analysis was performed to systematically assess the safety and efficacy of LEN-based treatment regimens in conversion therapies for uHCC. Data on outcomes, including the conversion rate, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and AE incidence in patients with uHCC, were collected. A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases, up to the date of September 1, 2023. In total, 16 studies, encompassing a total of 1,650 cases of uHCC, were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled conversion rates for LEN alone, LEN + ICI, LEN + LRT and LEN + ICI + LRT were calculated to be 0.04 (95% CI, 0.00-0.07; I2=77%), 0.23 (95% CI, 0.16-0.30; I2=66%), 0.14 (95% CI, 0.10-0.18; I2=0%) and 0.35 (95% CI, 0.23-0.47; I2=88%), respectively. The pooled ORRs for LEN alone, LEN + ICI, LEN + LRT and LEN + ICI + LRT were found to be 0.45 (95% CI, 0.23-0.67; I2=96%), 0.49 (95% CI, 0.39-0.60; I2=78%), 0.43 (95% CI, 0.24-0.62; I2=88%) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.56-0.82; I2=92%), respectively. The pooled DCRs for LEN alone, LEN + ICI, LEN + LRT and LEN + ICI + LRT were observed to be 0.77 (95% CI, 0.73-0.81; I2=23%), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.69-0.95; I2=90%), 0.67 (95% CI, 0.39-0.94; I2=94%) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82-0.93; I2=67%), respectively. The pooled grade ≥3 AEs for LEN alone, LEN + ICI, LEN + LRT and LEN + ICI + LRT were 0.25 (95% CI, 0.14-0.36; I2=89%), 0.43 (95% CI, 0.34-0.53; I2=23%), 0.42 (95% CI, 0.19-0.66; I2=81%) and 0.35 (95% CI, 0.17-0.54; I2=94%), respectively. These findings suggested that LEN-based combination strategies may confer efficacy and acceptable tolerability for patients with uHCC. In particular, LEN + ICI, with or without LRT, appears to represent a highly effective conversion regimen, with an acceptable conversion rate and well-characterized safety profile.

A Post-International Gastrointestinal Cancers' Conference (IGICC) Position Statements

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent liver tumor, is usually linked with chronic liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis. As per the 2020 statistics, this cancer ranks 6th in the list of most common cancers worldwide and is the third primary source of cancer-related deaths. Asia holds the record for the highest occurrence of HCC. HCC is found three times more frequently in men than in women. The primary risk factors for HCC include chronic viral infections, excessive alcohol intake, steatotic liver disease conditions, as well as genetic and family predispositions. Roughly 40-50% of patients are identified in the late stages of the disease. Recently, there have been significant advancements in the treatment methods for advanced HCC. The selection of treatment for HCC hinges on the stage of the disease and the patient's medical status. Factors such as pre-existing liver conditions, etiology, portal hypertension, and portal vein thrombosis need critical evaluation, monitoring, and appropriate treatment. Depending on the patient and the characteristics of the disease, liver resection, ablation, or transplantation may be deemed potentially curative. For inoperable lesions, arterially directed therapy might be an option, or systemic treatment might be deemed more suitable. In specific cases, the recommendation might extend to external beam radiation therapy. For all individuals, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach should be adopted when considering HCC treatment options. The main treatment strategies for advanced HCC patients are typically combination treatments such as immunotherapy and anti-VEGFR inhibitor, or a combination of immunotherapy and immunotherapy where appropriate, as a first-line treatment. Furthermore, some TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used as single agents in cases where patients are not fit for the combination therapies. As second-line treatments, some treatment agents have been reported and can be considered.

Safety and Survival Outcomes of Liver Resection following Triple Combination Conversion Therapy for Initially Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Triple combination conversion therapy, involving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown an encouraging objective response rate (ORR) and successful conversion surgery rate in initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the safety and long-term survival outcomes of subsequent liver resection after successful conversion still remain to be validated. From February 2019 to February 2023, 726 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study (75 patients received hepatectomy after conversion therapy [CLR group], and 651 patients underwent pure hepatectomy [LR group]). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the preoperative baseline characteristics. After PSM, 68 patients in the CLR group and 124 patients in the LR group were analyzed, and all the matching variables were well-balanced. Compared with the LR group, the CLR group experienced longer Pringle maneuver time, longer operation time, and longer hospital stays. In addition, the CLR group had significantly higher incidence rates of intra-abdominal bleeding, biliary leakage, post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), and Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa complications than the LR group. There were no significant statistical differences in overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.724; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.356-1.474; p = 0.374) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.249; 95% CI 0.807-1.934; p = 0.374) between the two groups. Liver resection following triple combination conversion therapy in initially unresectable HCC may achieve favorable survival outcomes with manageable safety profiles; presenting as a promising treatment option for initially unresectable HCC.

PD-1 combined with lenvatinib and TACE for the transformational treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma combined with portal vein tumor thrombus: a case report and literature review

Background

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma combined with portal vein tumor thrombus is poor, with a median survival of only 3-6 months. PD-1 combined with targeted therapy may provide an opportunity for patients with BCLC C stage hepatocellular carcinoma combined with portal vein tumor thrombus to undergo radical surgery, significantly prolonging their survival time.

Case presentation

A middle-aged 51-year-old male who was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with portal vein main stem tumor thrombus at our center in May 2020, with a BCLC stage of C, liver cirrhosis, HBV infection, and preoperative evaluation as unresectable. The liver function was Child-Pugh A. The initial treatment was lenvatinib combined with PD-1 therapy, followed by one cycle of TACE treatment. The tumor and thrombus volume significantly reduced, followed by continuous TACE combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy, leading to the appearance of portal vein main stem emboli. After multidisciplinary discussion, surgical resection was performed, and the embolus was removed, achieving a cure. The patient has been tumor-free for over 34 months.

Conclusion

PD-1 combined with lenvatinib and local TACE create conditions for radical surgery, and it is hoped that more real-world research data can provide better evidence for the transformational treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma combined with portal vein tumor thrombus.

Hepatectomy After Conversion Therapy with Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Anti-PD-1 Antibodies for Initially Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not candidates for liver resection. We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with initially unresectable HCC who underwent hepatectomy after conversion therapy with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and anti-PD-1 antibodies.

Materials and Methods

Patients with initially unresectable HCC who received HAIC combined with TKIs and anti-PD-1 antibodies followed by hepatectomy between December 2020 and December 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, treatment efficacy, perioperative characteristics, pathological characteristics, and survival outcomes were summarized and analyzed.

Results

67 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were treated with 3 sessions (range:2-6 sessions) of combination therapy and were performed with hepatectomy in 4 months (range:1.4-17.8 months) after the initiation of the combination therapy. The median size of tumor shrinkage was 4.7 cm (range:0.9-11.7 cm). A pathological complete response (pCR) was achieved in 34.3% of the patients (n = 23). The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 19.3 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 28.7 months. Patients who achieved pCR had a better RFS (P = 0.004) and those without microscopic vascular invasion (MVI) had a better prognosis (RFS, P = 0.011; OS, P = 0.023). Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that the tumor number was associated with pCR.

Conclusion

Hepatectomy after conversion therapy with HAIC, TKIs, and anti-PD-1 antibodies is a feasible treatment strategy for patients with unresectable HCC. This treatment strategy is associated with a promising prognosis.

Inflammation-related nomogram for predicting survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma received conversion therapy

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of conversion therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common clinical concern.

AIM

To analyse the prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) in patients with unresectable HCC who received conversion therapy.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into a training cohort (n = 120) and a validation cohort (n = 30). Using the independent risk factors in the training cohort, a nomogram model was constructed to predict OS for patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization following hepatic resection. The nomogram was internally validated with the bootstrapping method. The predictive performance of nomogram was assessed by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), calibration plot and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and compared with six other conventional HCC staging systems.

RESULTS

Multivariate Cox analysis identified that albumin, blood urea nitrogen, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, macrovascular invasion and tumour number were the six independent prognostic factors correlated with OS in nomogram model. The C-index in the training cohort and validation cohort were 0.752 and 0.807 for predicting OS, which were higher than those of the six conventional HCC staging systems (0.563 to 0.715 for the training cohort and 0.458 to 0.571 for the validation cohort). The calibration plots showed good consistency between the nomogram prediction of OS and the actual observations of OS. Decision curve analyses indicated satisfactory clinical utility. With a total nomogram score of 196, patients were accurately classified into low-risk and high-risk groups. Furthermore, we have deployed the model into online calculators that can be accessed for free at https://ctmodelforunresectablehcc.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram achieved optimal individualized prognostication of OS in HCC patients who received conversion therapy, which could be a useful clinical tool to help guide postoperative personalized interventions and prognosis judgement.

TACE responser NDRG1 acts as a guardian against ferroptosis to drive tumorgenesis and metastasis in HCC

BACKGROUND

The treatment efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) varies widely between individuals. The aim of this study was to identify subtype landscapes and responser related to TACE, and further clarify the regulatory effect and corresponding mechanism of NDRG1 on HCC tumorgenesis and metastasis.

METHODS

The principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was used to construct a TACE response scoring (TRscore) system. The random forest algorithm was applied to identify the TACE response-related core gene NDRG1 of HCC, and its role in the prognosis of HCC was explored. The role of NDRG1 in the progression and metastasis of HCC and functional mechanism were confirmed using several experimental methods.

RESULTS

Based on the GSE14520 and GSE104580 cohorts, we identified 2 TACE response-related molecular subtypes for HCC with significant differences in clinical features, and the TACE prognosis of Cluster A was significantly better than that of Cluster B (p < 0.0001). We then established the TRscore system and found that the low TRscore group showed a higher probability of survival and a lower rate of recurrence than the high TRscore group (p < 0.05) in both the HCC and TACE-treated HCC cohorts within the GSE14520 cohort. NDRG1 was determined to be the the hub gene associated with the TACE response of HCC and its high expression suggested a poor prognosis. Furthermore, The suppression of NDRG1 konckdown in tumorgenesis and metastasis of HCC was clarified in both vivo and vitro, which was importantly achieved through inducing ferroptosis in HCC cells, especially contributing to RLS3-induced ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

The constructed TACE response-related molecular subtypes and TRscores can specifically and accurately predict TACE prognosis for HCC. In addition, the TACE response-related hub gene NDRG1 may act as a guardian against ferroptosis to drive tumorgenesis and metastasis in HCC, which laid a new foundation for the development of new potential targeted therapy strategies to improve disease prognosis in HCC patients.

Conversion therapy in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: What's new in the era of molecular and immune therapy?

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally, with limited therapies and unsatisfactory prognosis once in the advanced stages. With promising advances in locoregional and systematic treatments, fast development of targeted drugs, the success of immunotherapy, as well as the emergence of the therapeutic alliance, conversion therapy has recently become more well developed and an effective therapeutic strategy. This article aimed to review recent developments in conversion therapy in liver transplantation (LT) for HCC.

DATA SOURCES

We searched for relevant publications on PubMed before September 2022, using the terms "HCC", "liver transplantation", "downstaging", "bridging treatment" and "conversion therapy."

RESULTS

Conversion therapy was frequently represented as a combination of multiple treatment modalities to downstage HCC and make patients eligible for LT. Although combining various local and systematic treatments in conversion therapy is still controversial, growing evidence has suggested that multimodal combined treatment strategies downstage HCC in a shorter time, which ultimately increases the opportunities for LT. Moreover, the recent breakthrough of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for HCC also benefit patients with advanced-stage tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

In the era of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, applying the thinking of transplant oncology to benefit HCC patients receiving LT is a new topic that has shed light on advanced-stage patients. With the expansion of conversion therapy concepts, further investigation and research is required to realize the full potential of conversion treatment strategies, including accurately selecting candidates, determining the timing of surgery, improving the conversion rate, and guaranteeing the safety and long-term efficacy of treatment.

Successful conversion therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is getting closer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Conversion therapy provides selected patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma the opportunity to undergo a curative hepatectomy and achieve long-term survival. Although various regimens have been used for conversion therapy, their conversion rate and safety remain uncertain. Therefore, we conducted some meta-analyses to evaluate the efficacy and safety of several conversion regimens in order to elucidate the optimal regimen.

Method

We performed systematic literature research on PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science until July 30, 2022. Chemotherapy, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), molecular therapy (targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of both), and combined locoregional-systemic therapy were the conversion regimens we targeted.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included. The pooled conversion rates for chemotherapy, TACE, molecular therapy, and combined locoregional-systemic therapy were 13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7%-20%; I² = 82%), 12% (95% CI, 9%-15%; I² = 60%), 10% (95% CI, 3%-20%; I² = 90%), and 25% (95% CI, 13%-38%; I² = 89%), respectively. The pooled objective response rates (ORR) for chemotherapy, TACE, molecular therapy, and combined locoregional-systemic therapy were 19% (95% CI, 12%-28%; I² = 77%), 32% (95% CI, 15%-51%; I² = 88%), 30% (95% CI, 15%-46%; I² = 93%), and 60% (95% CI, 41%-77%; I² = 91%), respectively. The pooled grade ≥3 AEs for chemotherapy, TACE, molecular therapy, and combined locoregional-systemic therapy were 67% (95% CI, 55%-78%; I² = 79%), 34% (95% CI, 8%-66%; I²= 92%), 30% (95% CI, 18%-43%; I² = 84%), and 40% (95% CI, 23%-58%; I² = 89%), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed the conversion rate, ORR and grade ≥3 AE rate for tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and locoregional therapy (LRT) were 33% (95% CI, 17%-52%; I² = 89%), 73% (95% CI, 51%-91%; I² = 90%), 31% (95% CI, 10%-57%; I² = 89%), respectively.

Conclusion

Combined locoregional-systemic therapy, especially TKI combined with ICI and LRT, may be the most effective conversion therapy regimen, associated with a significant ORR, conversion potential, and an acceptable safety profile.

Conversion therapy for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma using a combination of toripalimab, lenvatinib plus TACE: real-world study

Background

Combination conversion therapies afforded curative surgery chance for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). This study aimed to evaluate the conversion rate and clinical outcomes of a first-line conversion regimen of lenvatinib combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus immunotherapy for initial uHCC by interpreting real-world data.

Methods

Conversion therapy data of patients with uHCC from November 2018 to January 2021 were analysed. The regimens included triple combination therapy (t-CT: lenvatinib, TACE, plus toripalimab) and dual combination therapy (d-CT: lenvatinib plus TACE). Another study population diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma of macrovascular invasion disease were included as the upfront surgery cohort. Treatment responses and conversion rate were primary outcomes. Survival and adverse events were analysed.

Results

Fifty-one patients receiving t-CT (n = 30) and d-CT (n = 21) were enrolled. Higher overall response rates (76.7 per cent versus 47.6 per cent, P = 0.042) and disease control rates (90.0 per cent versus 57.1 per cent, P = 0.042) were observed via t-CT than d-CT. Both median overall survival and event-free survival were not reached in the t-CT cohort. A higher rate of curative conversion resection was achieved through t-CT than d-CT (50.0 per cent versus 19.0 per cent, P = 0.039). The disease-free survival of patients undergoing conversion resection in the t-CT cohort (n = 15) was higher than that in the upfront surgery cohort (n = 68, P = 0.039). Both t-CT and d-CT regimens were tolerable.

Conclusions

Better treatment responses and conversion rate for patients with uHCC were obtained with first-line t-CT. Neoadjuvant t-CT before surgery should be recommended for patients with macrovascular invasion.

Liver Resection for Primary Hepatic Angiosarcoma: Bicentric Analysis of a Challenging Entity

Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) is a rare malignant tumor of the liver, and data on patient outcome after surgical treatment are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative morbidity and overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent hepatectomy for PHA. This is a bicentric retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent liver resection in curative intent for PHA between 2012 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Muenster and the University Hospital of Bern. Nine patients (five female, four male) were included from both centers. Median age was 72 years (44–82). Most lesions (77.8%) were larger than 5 cm, and mean size of the biggest lesion was 9.4 ± 4.5 cm. Major hepatectomy was performed in four (44.4%), and radical resection (R0) was achieved in six (66.7%) patients. Postoperative complication rate was 88.8%, including 44.4% higher than 3a in the Clavien–Dindo classification. OS survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 44.4%, 22.2%, and 12.5%, respectively, and median OS was 5 months. OS was significantly better after radical resection (R0: 15 months vs. R1: 0 months, p = 0.04), whereas presentation with tumor rupture at diagnosis was associated with the worst OS (0 months vs. 15 months, p = 0.005). Disease recurrence occurred in three patients (33.3%) between three and seven months after surgery. Radical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment option for PHA. However, postoperative morbidity is high, and the overall prognosis remains poor. Multimodal therapy options and management strategies are urgently needed and could improve the prognosis of patients suffering from PHA in the future.

Chinese expert consensus on conversion therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (2021 edition)

Recent advances in systemic and locoregional treatments for patients with unresectable or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have resulted in improved response rates. This has provided an opportunity for selected patients with initially unresectable HCC to achieve adequate tumor downstaging to undergo surgical resection, a 'conversion therapy' strategy. However, conversion therapy is a new approach to the treatment of HCC and its practice and treatment protocols are still being developed. Review the evidence for conversion therapy in HCC and develop consensus statements to guide clinical practice. Evidence review: Many research centers in China have accumulated significant experience implementing HCC conversion therapy. Preliminary findings and data have shown that conversion therapy represents an important strategy to maximize the survival of selected patients with intermediate stage to advanced HCC; however, there are still many urgent clinical and scientific challenges for this therapeutic strategy and its related fields. In order to summarize and learn from past experience and review current challenges, the Chinese Expert Consensus on Conversion Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2021 Edition) was developed based on a review of preliminary experience and clinical data from Chinese and non-Chinese studies in this field and combined with recommendations for clinical practice. Sixteen consensus statements on the implementation of conversion therapy for HCC were developed. The statements generated in this review are based on a review of clinical evidence and real clinical experience and will help guide future progress in conversion therapy for patients with HCC.

Chinese expert consensus on neoadjuvant and conversion therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma

The low resection and high recurrence rates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the major challenges to improving prognosis. Neoadjuvant and conversion therapies are underlying strategies to overcome these challenges. To date, no guideline or consensus has been published on the neoadjuvant and conversion therapies in HCC. Recent studies showed that neoadjuvant therapy for resectable HCC and conversion therapy for unresectable HCC are safe, feasible, and effective. Neoadjuvant and conversion therapies have the following advantages in treating HCC: R0 resection with sufficient volume of future liver remnant, relatively simple operation, and wide applicability. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct a widely accepted consensus among the experts in China who have extensive expertise and experience in treating HCC using neoadjuvant and conversion therapies, which is important to standardize the application of neoadjuvant and conversion therapies for the management of HCC. The strategies of neoadjuvant therapy include the selection of the eligible patients, therapy regimen, cycles, effect evaluations, and multidisciplinary treatment. The management of patients with insufficient volume of future liver remnant and patients who cannot achieve R0 resection is the key to the strategies of conversion therapy. Here, we present the resultant evidence- and experience-based consensus to guide the application of neoadjuvant and conversion therapies in clinical practice.

Downstaging Therapies for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prior to Hepatic Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high-grade malignant disease with unfavorable prognosis, and although surgical therapy is necessary, not all patients with HCC are suitable candidates for surgery. Downstaging as preoperative therapeutic strategy, which can convert unresectable HCC into resectable HCC, intends to increase the resection rate and improve prognosis.

METHODS

We searched multiple databases updated to December 30, 2020, for studies on transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), Yttrium 90 microsphere selective internal radiation (SIR)/transcatheter radioembolization (TARE), hepatic arterial infusion (HAI), and systemic treatment as downstaging treatment before resection for patients with unresectable HCC.

RESULTS

A total of 20 comparative and non-comparative studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. The pooled downstaging rate of hepatic resection (HR) was 14% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-0.17] with significant heterogeneity (I 2 = 94.51%). The chemotherapy, combination, and non-cirrhosis groups exhibit higher rates of downstaging, but these differences were not significant. For comparative studies, the overall survival (OS) rates of resection after downstaging were far better than those inpatients who received locoregional therapy (LRT) or systemic treatment alone at 1 year (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.48-2.38), 3 years (RR 5.56, 95% CI 2.55-12.10), and 5 years (RR 5.47, 95% CI 2.22-13.49). In addition, the pooled disease-free survival (DFS) rates in patients undergoing HR after successful downstaging were 78% (95% CI 0.62-0.93) at 1 year, 47% (95% CI 0.25-0.68) at 3 years, and 46% (95% CI 0.32-0.59) at 5 years. The pooled OS rates were 88% (95% CI 0.82-0.95) at 1 year, 64% (95% CI 0.59-0.69) at 3 years, and 42% (95% CI 0.29-0.54) at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Downstaging may serve as a screening tool to identify patients who might benefit from surgery. Resection after successful downstaging can improve prognosis.

Downstaging Conversion Therapy in Patients With Initially Unresectable Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Overview

The high mortality rate associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is partly due to the high proportion of patients who present with advanced stage disease at diagnosis, for whom there are limited treatment options. For selected patients with initially unresectable HCC, locoregional and/or systemic treatments can result in tumor downstaging and consequently provide opportunities for surgical intervention and the potential for long-term survival. Therefore, the key aim of 'conversion therapy' is to reduce tumor burden so that patients become amenable to surgical resection. Various therapies have been investigated as candidates for downstaging patients with potentially resectable HCC including transarterial chemoembolization, transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres, radiotherapy, systemic therapies and combination or multimodality treatment approaches. However, downstaging conversion therapy remains controversial and there are several challenges such as defining the criteria used to identify the population of patients who are 'potentially resectable', the criteria used to define successful downstaging, and the optimum treatment approach to maximize the success of downstaging therapy. In this review article, we summarize clinical experience and evidence of downstaging conversion treatment in patients identified as having 'potentially resectable' HCC.

Conversion therapy for primary liver cancer: Indications and selective strategies

Primary liver cancer has an insidious onset and no specific symptoms at early stage. Most patients are in the middle or advanced stage when diagnosed, and only 20%-40% of patients meet the criteria for radical resection. At present, surgical resection is still the main radical treatment for primary liver cancer, but factors such as liver function decompensation, too large tumor volume, too small future liver remnant, intrahepatic multiple metastasis, tumor thrombus invading the large vessels or bile duct, and distant metastasis limit the application of surgical resection or liver transplantation. In recent years, with the advances of basic research of primary liver cancer, the development of surgical techniques and equipment, as well as the development of new molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapy drugs, a part of unresectable patients with primary liver cancer can receive conversion therapy to improve liver function, minimize tumor volume, minimize or inactivate tumor thrombus, and increase the residual liver volume. Following conversion therapy, patients with primary liver cancer can undergo surgical resection or liver transplantation, which greatly improve the therapeutic efficacy and patient survival.

Case Report: Transarterial Chemoembolization in Combination With Tislelizumab Downstages Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Followed by Radical Salvage Resection

Introduction

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is inefficient at converting unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) to resectable. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is an emerging strategy for uHCC. Combined therapy of TACE with ICIs is considered to improve the therapeutic effect.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old man was diagnosed with a bulky HCC under cirrhotic background without distant metastasis. Curative resection was infeasible, and TACE plus tislelizumab (an ICI targeting PD-1) was applied. The treatment course, starting from TACE and followed by tislelizumab one week later, was repeated every four weeks. After three courses, the tumor showed striking shrink in volume with complete radiological response, which permitted salvage resection. Notably, pathological examination found complete necrosis of the tumor with massive infiltration of lymphocytes in the tumor-nontumor interface and extensive granulomatous inflammation in the surrounding nontumor liver, indicating activated immune response synergistically caused by TACE with tislelizumab. The patient is now living well without tumor recurrence for 6 months after surgery.

Conclusion

TACE in combination with tislelizumab may represent a potent strategy for uHCC. Data from randomized clinical trials are needed to assess its safety and effect in the setting of preoperative downstaging therapy.

Transarterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation for solitary large hepatocellular carcinoma ranging from 5 to 7 cm: an 8-year prospective study

PURPOSE

This prospective study was performed to investigate long-term (8-year) survival in patients with solitary large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranging from 5 to 7 cm who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and identify factors that significantly affected outcomes.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients with large HCC (36 men, 12 women; mean age, 57.0 ± 11.2 [range, 37-82] years) without fever or signs of infection were enrolled. All patients were treated with TACE + RFA. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were assessed using the Cox hazards regression method.

RESULTS

The median OS duration was 47.0 months, and the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-year OS rates were 73%, 57%, 53%, and 27%, respectively. The median DFS duration was 9.05 (3.99-12.01) months, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates were 35%, 9%, and 0%, respectively. Cox hazards regression analysis revealed that the Child-Pugh class, platelet count, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and DFS were independent predictive factors of OS (p = 0.000, 0.003, 0.020, and 0.000, respectively). The LMR and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent predictive factors of recurrence (p = 0.046 and 0.016, respectively).

CONCLUSION

TACE + RFA may be a safe and effective treatment for selected solitary large HCC ranging from 5 to 7 cm. Measurement of the LMR (> 4) and PLR (≤ 100) in peripheral blood before the intervention might help to identify which patients with solitary large HCC are suitable for TACE + RFA. Registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-12002768 ( https://www.chictr.org.cn ).

Combination therapy: Meta-analysis of the effects of TACE and cryoablation on hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study systematically reviews the data for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) alone or combined TACE and cryoablation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma, aiming to provide clinical choice references for treatment of cancer.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched to include relevant studies published in English and Chinese between Jan 1, 2000, to July 31, 2017. The analysis was conducted in RevMan 5.3 based on random effects models.

RESULTS

Nineteen trials (n = 1427) were included. Combined TACE and cryoablation therapy had higher survival rate (1-year survival [RR 1.37; 95%-CI 1.26,1.49], 2-year survival [RR 1.50; 95%-CI 1.25,1.79], 3-year survival [RR 1.67; 95%-CI 1.16,2.40]), complete necrosis [RR 2.53; 95%-CI 2.07,3.10] and tumor control [RR 1.57; 95%-CI 1.40,1.75], which is more favorable for long-term efficacy of non-surgical hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor recurrence of control group was above combination therapy [RR 0.27; 95%-CI 0.17, 0.43]. Compared with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, effect of combination therapy occurred mainly in the survival, complete necrosis, tumor control, and recurrence. Taking combination therapy was generally more effective than taking TACE only.

CONCLUSION

Compared with TACE only used to treat cancer, combination therapy had the best effect profile in general, and it had better survival in HCC when taking an integrated approach. The prognosis of treatments based on combination therapy is modulated by cryoablation.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality for which liver resection is an important curative-intent treatment option. However, many patients present with advanced disease and with underlying chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis, limiting the proportion of patients who are surgical candidates. In addition, the development of recurrent or de novo cancers following surgical resection is common. These issues have led investigators to evaluate the benefit of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies aimed at improving resectability rates and decreasing recurrence rates. While high-level evidence to guide treatment decision making is lacking, recent advances in locoregional and systemic therapies, including antiviral treatment and immunotherapy, raise the prospect of novel approaches that may improve the outcomes of patients with HCC. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for various neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies and discuss opportunities for future clinical and translational research.

Conversion therapy and suitable timing for subsequent salvage surgery for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: What is new?

AIM

To review the conversion therapy for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and the suitable timing for subsequent salvage surgery.

METHODS

A PubMed search was undertaken from 1987 to 2017 to identify articles using the keywords including “unresectable” “hepatocellular carcinoma”, ”hepatectomy”, ”conversion therapy”, “resection”, “salvage surgery” and “downstaging”. Additional studies were investigated through a manual search of the references from the articles. The exclusion criteria were duplicates, case reports, case series, videos, contents unrelated to the topic, comments, and editorial essays. The main and widely used conversion therapies and the suitable timing for subsequent salvage surgery were discussed in detail. Two members of our group independently performed the literature search and data extraction.

RESULTS

Liver volume measurements [future liver remnant (FLR)/total liver volume or residual liver volume/bodyweight ratio] and function tests (scoring systems and liver stiffness) were often performed in order to justify whether patients were suitable candidates for surgery. Successful conversion therapy was usually defined as downstaging the tumor, increasing FLR and providing subsequent salvage surgery, without increasing complications, morbidity or mortality. The requirements for performing salvage surgery after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were the achievement of a partial remission in radiology, the disappearance of the portal vein thrombosis, and the lack of extrahepatic metastasis. Patients with a standardized FLR (sFLR) > 20% were good candidates for surgery after portal vein embolization, while other predictive parameters like growth rate, kinetic growth rate were treated as an effective supplementary. There was probably not enough evidence to provide a standard operation time after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy or yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization. The indications of any combinations of conversion therapies and the subsequent salvage surgery time still need to be carefully and comprehensively evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Conversion therapy is recommended for the treatment of initially unresectable HCC, and the suitable subsequent salvage surgery time should be reappraised and is closely related to its previous therapeutic effect.

Surgical Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In select patients, surgical treatment in the form of either resection or transplantation offers a curative option. The aims of this review are to (1) review the current American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases/European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines on the surgical management of HCC and (2) review the proposed changes to these guidelines and analyze the strength of evidence underlying these proposals. Three authors identified the most relevant publications in the literature on liver resection and transplantation for HCC and analyzed the strength of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) classification. In the United States, the liver allocation system provides priority for liver transplantation to patients with HCC within the Milan criteria. Current evidence suggests that liver transplantation may also be indicated in certain patient groups beyond Milan criteria, such as pediatric patients with large tumor burden or adult patients who are successfully downstaged. Patients with no underlying liver disease may also benefit from liver transplantation if the HCC is unresectable. In patients with no or minimal (compensated) liver disease and solitary HCC ≥2 cm, liver resection is warranted. If liver transplantation is not available or contraindicated, liver resection can be offered to patients with multinodular HCC, provided that the underlying liver disease is not decompensated. Many patients may benefit from surgical strategies adapted to local resources and policies (hepatitis B prevalence, organ availability, etc). Although current low-quality evidence shows better overall survival with aggressive surgical strategies, this approach is limited to select patients. Larger and well-designed prospective studies are needed to better define the benefits and limits of such approach.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy as an Alternative to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To conduct a large single-institution comparison of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) outcomes in similar groups of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From 2006 to 2014, 209 patients with 1 to 2 tumors underwent TACE (n=84) to 114 tumors or image guided SBRT (n=125) to 173 tumors. Propensity score analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to compare outcomes between treatments while adjusting for imbalances in treatment assignment. Local control (LC), toxicity, and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The TACE and SBRT groups were similar with respect to the number of tumors treated per patient, underlying liver disease, and baseline liver function. Patients treated with SBRT were older (65 vs 61 years, P=.01), had smaller tumors (2.3 vs 2.9 cm, P<.001), and less frequently underwent liver transplantation (8% vs 18%, P=.01). The 1- and 2-year LC favored SBRT: 97% and 91%, respectively, for SBRT and 47% and 23% for TACE (hazard ratio 66.5, P<.001). For patients treated with TACE, higher alpha-fetoprotein (hazard ratio 1.11 per doubling, P=.008) and segmental portal vein thrombosis (hazard ratio 9.9, P<.001) were associated with worse LC. Predictors associated with LC after SBRT were not identified. Grade 3+ toxicity occurred after 13% and 8% of TACE and SBRT treatments, respectively (P=.05). There was no difference in OS between patients treated with TACE or SBRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a safe alternative to TACE for 1 to 2 tumors and provides better LC, with no observed difference in OS. Prospective comparative trials of TACE and SBRT are warranted.

Is Salvage Liver Resection Necessary for Initially Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Downstaged by Transarterial Chemoembolization? Ten Years of Experience

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated long-term outcomes of salvage surgery as additional therapy following downstaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with initially unresectable HCC.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 831 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC who underwent TACE as initial treatment between June 2004 and December 2014. Of these, 82 patients with downstaged resectable HCC were enrolled in this study: 43 received salvage surgery (S group) and the remaining 39, who refused salvage resection, were the control group (T group). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The median OS in the S and T groups was 49 and 31 months, respectively (p = .027). The 2-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates were 93%, 47%, and 26% in the S group and 74%, 18%, and 10% in the T group, respectively (p = .019). Treatment modality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.337; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.184-0.616; p < .001) and response to TACE (complete vs. partial; HR, 3.154; 95% CI, 1.709-5.822; p < .001) were independent prognostic factors for survival. The median OS for patients in the complete response and partial response (PR) subgroups was 50 and 49 months, respectively, in the S group and 54 and 24 months, respectively, in the T group (p = .699 and p < .001, respectively). The median OS for HCC patients with macroscopic vascular invasion (MVI) was 58 and 30 months in the S and T groups, respectively (p = .024).

CONCLUSION

Salvage surgery after downstaging of unresectable HCC had a survival benefit only for patients with MVI or a PR to TACE.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The results of this study suggest that salvage liver resection after downstaging of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with a complete response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has a comparable long-term outcome in this good-prognosis group. Salvage liver resection may provide a better long-term outcome compared with TACE alone, but only in patients with macroscopic vascular invasion or those with a partial response to TACE.

Selection criteria for hepatic resection in intermediate-stage (BCLC stage B) multiple hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Several reports have suggested that hepatic resection provides a survival benefit in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the intermediate stage of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification (BCLC-B). The operative indications for multiple BCLC-B have not been established, however. The aim of this study was to clarify the survival benefit of hepatic resection for multinodular BCLC-B HCC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 85 patients with BCLC-B HCC who underwent liver resection. To evaluate clinicopathologic factors and survival, we divided the patients into 3 types based on radiologic findings regarding tumor number and maximum tumor diameter: type 1, up to 3 lesions <5 cm; type 2, up to 3 lesions ≥5 cm or 4 nodules of any size; type 3, >4 nodules.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were classified as type 1, 32 as type 2, and 19 as type 3. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival in type 1 were 97.1%, 87.4%, and 75.2%, respectively. Those in type 2 were 84.0%, 74.0%, and 63.0%, and those in type 3 were 64.9%, 55.7%, and 37.1%, respectively. The overall survival of type 1 patients was significantly better than that of type 3 patients. The prognosis of type 2 patients was worse than that of type 1 patients and better than that of type 3. Multivariate analysis identified radiologic tumor size and tumor number as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that hepatic resection should be considered a radical treatment for multinodular BCLC-B HCC. Our subclassification can be applied to select the initial treatment and when making decisions regarding hepatic resection of BCLC-B HCC with multiple nodules.

The Degree of Lipiodol Accumulation Can Be an Indicator of Successful Treatment for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Patients - in the Case of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)

PURPOSE

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) results in improved survival due to better local control in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to investigate lipiodol accumulation, as it reflects tumor burden and is a potential prognostic factor, in HCC patients treated with TACE/EBRT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively studied 147 patients with unresectable HCC treated with TACE and EBRT. Clinical features, adverse reactions, and prognostic factors were analyzed. All patients were treated with TACE 1-6 times in combination with EBRT (44-66 Gy) in dose of 2 Gy/fraction given once a day five times a week. Tumor status and laboratory findings were followed. The degree of lipiodol accumulation was assessed by computed tomography before EBRT, and was categorized as either complete/intense or low/moderate.

RESULTS

The response rate of tumor size after EBRT was 68.2%, median survival was 23.1 months, and overall survival rates were 86.6%, 49.2%, and 28.2% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that lower hemoglobin levels, higher alkaline phosphatase levels, Child-Pugh B, negative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response after EBRT, poor treatment response after EBRT, tumor diameter >10 cm, and poor lipiodol accumulation were unfavorable prognostic factors. On multivariate analysis, higher hemoglobin levels, Child-Pugh A, decreased AFP levels after treatment, Helical Tomotherapy (HT) and intense lipiodol accumulation after TACE were significant favorable predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of lipiodol accumulation before EBRT is a prognostic factor in patients with unresectable HCC. Increased AFP levels after EBRT are always associated with poor survival. HT is recommended as a potentially better EBRT modality than three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT).

Role of hepatectomy for recurrent or initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

As a result of donor shortage and high postoperative morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation, hepatectomy is the most widely applicable and reliable option for curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because intrahepatic tumor recurrence is frequent after loco-regional therapy, repeated treatments are advocated provided background liver function is maintained. Among treatments including local ablation and transarterial chemoembolization, hepatectomy provides the best long-term outcomes, but studies comparing hepatectomy with other nonsurgical treatments require careful review for selection bias. In patients with initially unresectable HCC, transarterial chemo-or radio-embolization, and/or systemic chemotherapy can down-stage the tumor and conversion to resectable HCC is achieved in approximately 20% of patients. However, complete response is rare, and salvage hepatectomy is essential to help prolong patients’ survival. To counter the short recurrence-free survival, excellent overall survival is obtained by combining and repeating different treatments. It is important to recognize hepatectomy as a complement, rather than a contraindication, to other nonsurgical treatments in a multidisciplinary approach for patients with HCC, including recurrent or unresectable tumors.

Multimodality treatment with radiotherapy for huge hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

For huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), therapeutic decisions have varied from local therapy to systemic therapy, with radiotherapy (RT) playing only a palliative role. In this study, we investigated whether multimodality treatment involving RT could be effective in huge HCC.

RESULTS

This study was performed in 116 patients with HCC >10 cm. The number of patients in stage II, III and IV was 12, 54 and 50, respectively. RT was given as a combined modality in most patients. The median dose was 45 Gy, with 1.8 Gy per fraction. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 14.8 and 6.5 months, respectively. The median infield PFS was not reached. Infield failure, outfield intrahepatic and extrahepatic failure were observed in 8.6, 18.1, and 12.1% of patients, respectively. For OS and PFS, number of tumors, initial alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, treatment response, percent AFP decrement, and hepatic resection were significant prognostic factors. Tumor characteristics and treatment response were significantly different between long-term survivors and the other patients.

CONCLUSION

Although huge HCC presents an aggressive clinical course, multimodality approaches involving RT can offer an opportunity for prolonged survival.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy shows long-term survival after conversion from locally advanced to resectable hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

For locally unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has been applied as a loco-regional treatment. After shrinkage of tumors in selected patients, surgical resection is performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors and long-term survivors in such patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to January 2009, 264 patients with HCC were treated with CCRT (45 Gy with fractional dose of 1.8 Gy), and intra-arterial chemotherapy was administered during radiotherapy. Eighteen of these patients (6.8%) underwent hepatic resection after showing a response to CCRT. Cases were considered resectable when tumor-free margins and sufficient remnant volumes were obtained without extrahepatic metastasis. Prior to operation, there were six patients with complete remission, 11 with partial remission, and six with stable disease according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.

RESULTS

In pathologic review, four patients (22.2%) showed total necrosis and seven patients (38.9%) showed 70-99% necrosis. A high level of necrosis (≥80%) was correlated with low risk for extrahepatic metastasis and long-term survival. In univariate analyses, vessel invasion and capsular infiltration were significantly correlated with disease free survival (DFS) (p=0.017 and 0.013, respectively), and vessel invasion was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) (p=0.013). In multivariate analyses, capsule infiltration was a significant factor for DFS (p=0.016) and vessel invasion was significant for OS (p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

CCRT showed favorable responses and locally advanced HCC converted into resectable tumor after CCRT in selected patients. Long-term survivors showed the pathological features of near total necrosis, as well as negative capsule and vessel invasion.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in combination with high-intensity focused ultrasound for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the chinese literature

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (UHCC), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching the database. In nine controlled trials with a total of 736 patients, the effect of TACE plus HIFU (group A) was compared with TACE alone (group B) in treating UHCC. Outcomes mainly included tumor response and survival. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each relationship from raw study data using the fixed-effect model or the random effect model. We found that group A significantly improved the tumor response and 0.5-, 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival of patients. In conclusion, combined therapy was more therapeutically beneficial. However, considering the strength of the evidence, additional randomized controlled trials are needed before combined therapy can be recommended routinely.

Long-term outcome of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization and hepatic resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) improves the survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and has been recommended as a first-line therapy for nonsurgical patients with large or multifocal HCC. The long-term outcome of HCC patients receiving TACE prior to hepatic resection is uncertain.

Methods

Between January 1997 and December 2007, 1,530 patients underwent hepatic resection for HCC at our center. Thirty-two patients received 1~12 sessions of TACE followed by surgical resection (TACE-surgery group). Their overall and recurrence-free survival rates were compared with those of 64 age- and sex-matched controls who underwent surgery only (surgery group). Overall and recurrence-free survival rates were analyzed.

Results

The 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival rates did not differ significantly between the TACE-surgery group and the surgery group (78%, 60%, and 26%, respectively, vs. 97%, 83%, and 45%, respectively; P=0.11); however, the 1-, 2-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were significantly lower in the TACE-surgery group than in the surgery group (58%, 36%, and 7%, respectively, vs. 77%, 58%, and 32%, respectively; P=0.01). The distribution of recurrence sites in the TACE-surgery group were intrahepatic in 85.7% and extrahepatic in 14.3%, and did not differ from those in the surgery group (91.4% and 8.6%, respectively; P=0.66).

Conclusions

HCC patients who underwent TACE before resection appear to have overall survival rates that are comparable to those without preoperative therapy, although recurrence rates appear to be higher in patients with TACE.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: current management and future development-improved outcomes with surgical resection

Currently, surgical resection is the treatment strategy offering the best long-term outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Especially for advanced HCC, surgical resection is the only strategy that is potentially curative, and the indications for surgical resection have expanded concomitantly with the technical advances in hepatectomy. A major problem is the high recurrence rate even after curative resection, especially in the remnant liver. Although repeat hepatectomy may prolong survival, the suitability may be limited due to multiple tumor recurrence or background liver cirrhosis. Multimodality approaches combining other local ablation or systemic therapy may help improve the prognosis. On the other hand, minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, hepatectomy has become popular over the last decade. Although the short-term safety and feasibility has been established, the long-term outcomes have not yet been adequately evaluated. Liver transplantation for HCC is also a possible option. Given the current situation of donor shortage, however, other local treatments should be considered as the first choice as long as liver function is maintained. Non-transplant treatment as a bridge to transplantation also helps in decreasing the risk of tumor progression or death during the waiting period. The optimal timing for transplantation after HCC recurrence remains to be investigated.

Early three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after incomplete transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: a prospective evaluation of efficacy and toxicity

PURPOSE

We prospectively evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of early 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after incomplete transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

Patients with unresectable HCC who failed 1 or 2 courses of TACE were eligible for this study. Three dimensional-CRT was added for HCC with incomplete uptake of iodized oil. Between January 2006 and February 2007, 40 patients (43 lesions) were enrolled. TACE was performed by using Lipiodol and adriamycin, followed by Gelfoam embolization. Two cycles of TACE were performed in 24 patients (60%), whereas 16 patients (40%) underwent one cycle. The median dose of 54 Gy (3 Gy daily) was delivered with 3D-CRT. Tumor response was evaluated by changes in tumor size on serial computed tomography scans and toxicity was evaluated by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0.

RESULTS

An objective response was achieved in 27 of 43 lesions (62.8%), with a complete response in 9 lesions (20.9%) and partial response in 18 lesions (41.9%). The overall survival rate was 72.0% at 1 year and 45.6% at 2 years. There was no grade 3 or greater acute toxicity. Nine patients (22.5%) showed progression of the disease within the irradiated field during the follow-up and intrahepatic metastases developed in 16 patients (40.0%).

CONCLUSION

Early 3D-CRT for HCC unresponsive to 1 or 2 cycles of TACE resulted in a 62.8% tumor response rate and relatively high complete response rates (20.9%) with acceptable toxicity. This study shows that the application of 3D-CRT could be considered for patients with incomplete TACE.

The place of downstaging for hepatocellular carcinoma

In the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas, therapies such as trans-arterial chemo-embolisation, trans-arterial radioembolisation, percutaneous ethanol injection and radio-frequency ablation can decrease the size (and overall viability) of the tumours, thus potentially increasing the proportion of patients qualifying for resection and transplantation. While the use of such downstaging therapies is straightforward when resection is the aim, in a similar way to other neo-adjuvant treatments in the surgery of tumours that are too large or awkwardly placed to be primarily resected the issues related to transplantation are more complex. In the context of transplantation the word "downstaging" designates not only a neo-adjuvant treatment, but also a selection strategy to allow patients who are initially outside accepted listing criteria to benefit from transplantation should the neo-adjuvant therapy be successful in reducing tumour burden. The effectiveness of downstaging as a selection strategy, at first questioned because of methodological bias in the studies that described it, has been recently demonstrated by more solid prospective investigations. Several issues however remain open, such as inclusion criteria before the strategy is implemented (size/number, surrogate markers of differentiation/vascular invasion such as alpha-fetoprotein), the choice of which downstaging therapy, the end-points of treatment, and the need and duration of a period of observation proving disease response or stabilisation before the patient can be listed. The present review discusses which treatments and strategies are available for downstaging HCC on the basis of the published literature.

Is local radiotherapy still valuable for patients with multiple intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinomas?

PURPOSE

To investigate whether local radiotherapy (RT) is valuable for patients with multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From July 1992 to August 2006, 107 patients with unresectable HCC were treated with local RT after incomplete transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The RT field included a main tumor with or without other tumor nodules, depending on the effectiveness of TACE. The median RT dose was 50.4 Gy in conventional fractionation. Patients were categorized into four groups: Group 1, single tumor (39 patients); Group 2, multiple tumors within the RT field (25 patients); Group 3, controlled tumors out of the RT field (19 patients); and Group 4, tumors that remained viable out of the RT field (24 patients).

RESULTS

Group 1 showed the best survival rate (MST, 35 months; 2-year OS, 60%) and Group 4 the worst (MST, 5 months; 2-year OS, 16%). Group 2 and Group 3 showed similar survival (MST, 13 vs. 19 months; 2-year OS, 35% vs. 46%; p = 0.698). Significantly worse intrahepatic control in Group 4 was observed. The survival in Groups 2 and 3 (MST, 16 months) was significantly different from that in Group 4 (p = 0.004), and was marginally significant compared with that in Group 1 (p = 0.051).

CONCLUSIONS

Local RT to the main tumor could be applicable in well-controlled intrahepatic tumors out of the RT field. Patients with viable intrahepatic tumors out of the RT field showed worse survival. In future clinical trials, these patients need to be excluded.

Repeated transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of liver metastases of colorectal cancer: prospective study

PURPOSE

To evaluate local tumor control and survival data after transarterial chemoembolization with different drug combinations in the palliative treatment of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was approved by institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all patients included in the study. A total of 463 patients (mean age, 62.5 years; range, 34.7-88.1 years) with unresectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer that did not respond to systemic chemotherapy were repeatedly treated with chemoembolization in 4-week intervals. In total, 2441 chemoembolization procedures were performed (mean, 5.3 sessions per patient). Of 463 patients, 67.4% had multiple (five or more) metastases, 8% had one metastasis, 10.4% had two metastases, and 14.3% had three or four metastases. The local chemotherapy protocol consisted of mitomycin C alone (n = 243), mitomycin C with gemcitabine (n = 153), or mitomycin C with irinotecan (n = 67). Embolization was performed with lipiodol and starch microspheres for vessel occlusion. Tumor response was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. The change in tumor size was calculated and the response was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Survival rates from first diagnosis and from first chemoembolization session were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Follow-up imaging was performed until patient death.

RESULTS

Evaluation of local tumor control resulted in partial response (68 patients [14.7%]), stable disease (223 patients [48.2%]), and progressive disease (172 patients [37.1%]). The 1-year survival rate after chemoembolization was 62%, and the 2-year survival rate was 28%. Median survival from date of diagnosis of liver metastases was 38 months and from the start of chemoembolization treatment was 14 months. There was no statistically significant difference between the three treatment protocols.

CONCLUSION

Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive therapy option for palliative treatment of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer, with similar results among three chemoembolization protocols.

The progression of hepatitis B- and C-infections to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: presentation, diagnosis, screening, prevention, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Much information has been gained in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC during the last 15 years. Ever improving imaging technology has made nonhistologic diagnostic criteria possible, albeit controversial. Liver transplantation, resection, and RFA are considered curative options. Yet,HCC incidence is steadily rising because of limited progress on disease prevention. Accurate and cost-effective screening is necessary. Presently, only 10% to 15% of HCC patients present with a curative stage of disease. Because the field of HCC is rapidly changing, patients with HCC should be referred to liver centers with a full array of services, from surgical to oncologic. The prognosis for HCC patients will surely improve with a multidisciplinary approach to care and further clinical research. Better screening and prevention of recurrence should eventually improve survival. It is hoped that antiviral treatment studies will lower the risk of HCC, and that these changes will occur soon enough to help the many patients at risk for or diagnosed with HCC over the next several years.

Pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma adversely affects post-operative patient outcome

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcomes after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma are not satisfactory because of high recurrence rates. Aim To assess whether a single session of pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization affects post-operative outcome.

METHODS

We analysed outcomes retrospectively in 334 consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma, initially judged resectable. Ninety-seven of these patients had each undergone a single session of pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization (transarterial chemoembolization + hepatic resection group), whereas 237 had not (hepatic resection group).

RESULTS

Most clinicopathological characteristics were similar in the two groups. The overall survival rate was significantly higher in the hepatic resection than in the transarterial chemoembolization + hepatic resection group (P = 0.011), whereas their disease-free survival rates were comparable (P = 0.67). The overall and disease-free survival rates of the transarterial chemoembolization + hepatic resection group with incomplete tumour necrosis were significantly lower than those of the hepatic resection group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization, serum alpha-fetoprotein elevation (>1000 ng/mL), tumour size (>5 cm) and vascular invasion were independent risk factors for poor overall survival after hepatic resection.

CONCLUSIONS

A single session of pre-operative transarterial chemoembolization for initially resectable hepatocellular carcinoma worsens overall survival rate. It may also increase the risk of tumour recurrence in patients who achieve incomplete tumour necrosis.