1
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Kraj L, Chmiel P, Gryziak M, Grabowska-Derlatka L, Szymański Ł, Wysokińska E. Impact of Thrombocytopenia on Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1293. [PMID: 38610973 PMCID: PMC11011012 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071293] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelets (PLT) have a role in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and could represent a readily measurable laboratory parameter to enhance the comprehensive evaluation of HCC patients. METHODS The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched with a focus on survival as well as patient and tumor-specific characteristics in correlation to reported PLT counts. Survival outcomes were analyzed with both common-effect and random-effects models. The hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) from analyzed trials were incorporated. Studies that did not provide survival data but focused on platelet count correlation with HCC characteristics were reviewed. RESULTS In total, 26 studies, including a total of 9403 patients, met our criteria. The results showed that thrombocytopenia in HCC patients was associated with poor overall survival (common-effect HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.25; random-effect HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05-1.63). Moreover, three studies reveal significant correlations between PLT indices and tumor characteristics such as size, foci number, and etiology of HCC development. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis confirmed that PLT count could act as a prognostic marker in HCC, especially with a PLT count cut off <100 × 103/mm3. Further prospective studies focusing on the role of PLT in clearly defined subgroups are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Kraj
- Department of Oncology, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, 01-447 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Paulina Chmiel
- University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Gryziak
- Department of Oncology, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laretta Grabowska-Derlatka
- 2nd Department of Clinical Radiology, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szymański
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Science, 01-447 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Ewa Wysokińska
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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2
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Muhammed A, D'Alessio A, Enica A, Talbot T, Fulgenzi CAM, Nteliopoulos G, Goldin RD, Cortellini A, Pinato DJ. Predictive biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:253-264. [PMID: 35236211 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2049244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer death. While drug discovery to improve disease survival was historically poor, there is now evidence of significant potential for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) in treatment of the disease, and indeed such drug approvals are beginning to emerge. AREAS COVERED HCC typically arises in the context of cirrhosis and chronic liver disease (CLD), and HCC exhibits significant biological heterogeneity, in part reflecting the broad range of aetiologies of CLD. Different classes and combinations of ICPI-based therapy exist, but not all patients will respond and predictive biomarkers are not yet available to guide clinician decision making, unlike some other cancer types. In this review, we discuss the emerging biomarkers for ICPI sensitivity in HCC, including tumour genomic features, perturbation of the gut microbiome and systemic inflammatory markers. EXPERT OPINION Additional profiling studies are required to appreciate existing trends with clinical outcome and to further drive clinical studies in disease stratification by response. This will only be possible within collaborative and international efforts, especially regarding biopsy collection. A close collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians will be the key to shape the next future of HCC biomarker research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio D'Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Italy
| | - Andrei Enica
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Thomas Talbot
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.,Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - David J Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, UK.,Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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3
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Carr BI, Bag HG, Ince V, Ogut Z, Tuncer A, Akbulut S, Ersan V, Usta S, Isik B, Yilmaz S. A simple 2-parameter blood test alert for the presence of small hepatocellular carcinomas. CLINICAL PRACTICE (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 18:1804-1809. [PMID: 34966540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The majority of HCCs present at an advanced stage in which potentially curative therapies cannot be used. Surveillance ultrasound has been found to increase the numbers of patients diagnosed with small tumors, but it is often not used. We aimed to try to identify widely-available and cheap potential serum markers for use in patients at risk for HCC. Material and Methods A comparison was made of the complete blood count and liver function tests in a group of patients (n=114) with proven small HCCs (≤ 2 cm) and patients without HCC (n=506), all of whom were treated by liver transplantation in our Liver Transplantation Institute. Results Significant differences were found for blood levels of WBC, lymphocytes, total bilirubin and transaminases. Several 2-parameter combinations were assessed, but only the combination of total bilirubin and lymphocytes was found to be significantly different between patients with small HCCs and no HCC. Multivariate regression analysis showed significance only for total bilirubin levels and lymphocyte counts. The results were confirmed using a separate small cohort of non-transplant patients. Conclusion The combination of elevated levels of total bilirubin and lymphocyte counts holds promise for identification of patients with chronic liver disease who are at risk for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I Carr
- Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Harika Gozukara Bag
- Department of Biostatistics, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Volkan Ince
- Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.,Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Zeki Ogut
- Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Adem Tuncer
- Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sami Akbulut
- Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Veysel Ersan
- Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.,Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sertac Usta
- Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.,Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Burak Isik
- Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.,Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.,Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
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4
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Carr BI, Bag HG, Ince V, Akbulut S, Ersan V, Usta S, Isik B, Ogut Z, Tuncer A, Yilmaz S. A Combination of Blood Lymphocytes and AST Levels Distinguishes Patients with Small Hepatocellular Carcinomas from Non-cancer Patients. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:1211-1216. [PMID: 34762264 PMCID: PMC8799503 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE HCC patients typically present at an advanced tumor stage, in which surgical therapies cannot be used. Screening ultrasound exams can increase the numbers of patients diagnosed with small tumors, but are often not used in patients at risk for HCC. We evaluated clinically available and cheap potential blood tests as biomarkers for screening patients at risk for HCC. METHODS A comparison was made of commonly used blood count and liver function parameters in a group of patients (n = 101) with small HCCs (≤ 3 cm) or without HCC (n = 275), who presented for liver transplantation in our institute. RESULTS Significant differences were found for blood lymphocytes and AST levels. This 2-parameter combination was found to be significantly different between patients with small HCCs versus no HCC. Using the combination of lymphocytes and AST levels to dichotomize the HCC patients, only blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein among the tumor characteristics were found to be significantly different among the 2 HCC groups, as well as levels of blood total bilirubin, ALKP, and PLR ratio. The results were confirmed using a separate smaller cohort of non-transplanted small size HCC patients. CONCLUSION The combination of elevated blood levels of lymphocyte counts and AST levels holds promise for screening of patients with chronic liver disease who are at risk for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I Carr
- Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Bulgurlu Mah, Elazig Yolu 15 km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Harika Gozukara Bag
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Volkan Ince
- Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Bulgurlu Mah, Elazig Yolu 15 km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sami Akbulut
- Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Bulgurlu Mah, Elazig Yolu 15 km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Veysel Ersan
- Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Bulgurlu Mah, Elazig Yolu 15 km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sertac Usta
- Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Bulgurlu Mah, Elazig Yolu 15 km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Burak Isik
- Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Bulgurlu Mah, Elazig Yolu 15 km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Zeki Ogut
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Adem Tuncer
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Liver Transplant Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Bulgurlu Mah, Elazig Yolu 15 km, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, 44280, Malatya, Turkey
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5
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Abstract
The review states that antidepressants (ADs) increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) transmission concomitantly in the brain and the blood: ADs increasing BDNF synthesis in specific areas of the central nervous system (CNS) could presumably affect megakaryocyte's production of platelets. ADs increase BDNF levels in the CNS and improve mood. In the blood, ADs increase BDNF release from platelets. The hypothesis presented here is that the release of BDNF from platelets contributes to the ADs effects on neurogenesis and on tumor growth in the cancer disease. Oncological studies indicate that chemicals ADs exert an aggravating effect on the cancer disease, possibly by promoting proplatelets formation and enhancing BDNF release from platelets in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Lavergne
- Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, UMR_S 1266 INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Therese M Jay
- Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, UMR_S 1266 INSERM, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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6
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Sigal SH, Sherman Z, Jesudian A. Clinical Implications of Thrombocytopenia for the Cirrhotic Patient. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 12:49-60. [PMID: 32341665 PMCID: PMC7166072 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s244596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis. As many as 84% of patients with cirrhosis have thrombocytopenia, and it is an independent variable indicative of advanced disease and poor prognosis. Although there is great concern that it may aggravate bleeding during surgical procedures, there is limited evidence to inform decisions regarding the treatment of cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia undergoing invasive procedures. Finally, there is evidence that platelets play a significant role in liver regeneration. In this report, the clinical implications of thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients are reviewed. The utility of platelet counts in the prognosis of cirrhosis and relationship to complications of advanced liver disease, including portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The impact of low platelet counts on bleeding complications during invasive procedures is outlined. Finally, the role of platelets and potential adverse impact in liver regeneration is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Sigal
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Zachary Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arun Jesudian
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Ramadori P, Klag T, Malek NP, Heikenwalder M. Platelets in chronic liver disease, from bench to bedside. JHEP Rep 2019; 1:448-459. [PMID: 32039397 PMCID: PMC7005648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, numerous studies revealed physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of platelets beyond haemostasis, a process to prevent and stop bleeding. These include the activation of the immune system and the promotion of inflammation, infection and cancer. Hence, the emerging view on the role of platelets has shifted - platelets are now seen as alert "sentinels" of the immune compartment, rather than passive bystanders. Herein, we review well-established and newly discovered features of platelets that define their natural role in maintaining blood haemostasis, but also their functional relationship with other cells of the immune system. We focus on recent studies underlining functional involvement of platelets in chronic liver diseases and cancer, as well as the effects of anti-platelet therapy in these contexts. Finally, we illustrate the potential of platelets as possible diagnostic and therapeutic tools in liver disease based on recently developed methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Ramadori
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Klag
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nisar Peter Malek
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Corresponding authors. Address: Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, Tel.: 0049-6221423891, or Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, Tel.: 0049-70712982721.
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Corresponding authors. Address: Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, Tel.: 0049-6221423891, or Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, Tel.: 0049-70712982721.
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8
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Gu L, Wen W, Wu Z, Bai K, Liu W, Lai G, Li D. Abnormal platelet count correlates with poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. INFECTION INTERNATIONAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/ii-2017-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundNormal platelet (PLT) plays a vital role in thrombosis, the inflammatory response, and liver regeneration. The effect of abnormal PLT counts has been seldom explored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); hence, this investigation was conducted to evaluate the prognostic importance of preoperative abnormal PLT count in HCC patients after liver resection retrospectively.MethodologyThe PLT counts were determined using Sysmex XT-1800i automated hematology analyzer and its matching reagents. Patients were divided into two groups: a normal PLT group and an abnormal PLT group. Chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized to analyze the data.ResultsA total of 391 HCC patients who underwent liver resection were included in this study. The overall survival (OS) rates were 59% and 31%, and the median survival time was 69 months and 31 months in the normal and abnormal PLT groups, respectively. The PLT level was associated with OS in univariate and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio [HR], 1.991 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.412–2.808] and HR, 2.217 [95% CI, 1.556–3.159], respectively).ConclusionsPatients with normal PLT had a better outcome in terms of OS. The results suggested that abnormal PLT count is an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients after liver resection.
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9
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Lippolis C, Refolo MG, D'Alessandro R, Carella N, Messa C, Cavallini A, Carr BI. Resistance to multikinase inhibitor actions mediated by insulin like growth factor-1. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2015; 34:90. [PMID: 26329608 PMCID: PMC4557596 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0210-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Blood platelet numbers are correlated with growth and aggressiveness of several tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously found that platelet lysates (hPLs) both stimulated HCC cell growth and migration, and antagonized the growth-inhibitory and apoptotic effects of Regorafenib, multikinase growth inhibitor, on HCC cell lines. We evaluated the effects of human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), a mitogen contained in platelets, on the Regorafenib-mediated growth inhibition. Methods An Elisa kit was used to evaluate hPL IGF1 concentrations. The effects of IGF1 on cell proliferation were assessed with MTT assay and analysis of cell cycle progression. Apoptosis assays, scratch assay and Transwell assay were performed to measure apoptosis, cell migration and invasion respectively. Western blots were performed by standard protocols. Results IGF1 antagonized growth inhibition exerted by Regorafenib on HCC cell lines. Moreover the mitogen blocked Regorafenib-induced apoptosis and decreased the rate of cell migration and invasion. The IGF1 effects were in turn antagonized by actions of a potent IGF1 receptor inhibitor, GSK1838705A, showing that the IGF1 receptor was involved in the mechanisms of IGF1-mediated blocking of Regorafenib action. GSK1838705A also partially blocked the effects of hPLs in antagonizing Regorafenib-mediated growth inhibition, showing that IGF1 was an important component of hPL actions. Conclusions These results show that IGF1 antagonized Regorafenib-mediated growth, migration and invasion inhibition, as well as the drug-mediated induction of apoptosis in HCC cells and reinforce the idea that microenvironmental factors can influence cancer drug actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Lippolis
- Department Clinical Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Refolo
- Department Clinical Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Rosalba D'Alessandro
- Department Clinical Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Nicola Carella
- Department Clinical Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Caterina Messa
- Department Clinical Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Aldo Cavallini
- Department Clinical Pathology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy.
| | - Brian Irving Carr
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
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10
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Pančoška P, Skála L, Nešetřil J, Carr BI. Validation of the Concept of a Common Typical Time of Disease Duration for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Using the Fisher Information Processing of Tumor Imaging Results Combined With Network Phenotyping Strategy Quantification of Individual Patient Clinical Profile Patterns. Semin Oncol 2015; 42:672-8. [PMID: 26320070 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A primary goal of current clinical cancer research is the identification of prognostic tumor subtypes. It is increasingly clear that tumor growth depends on both internal tumor factors, and factors that are external to the tumor, such as microenvironment. We recently showed that parameter values alone are less important than the patterns of all patient parameters together for the identification of prognostic subtypes and have identified a network phenotyping strategy method to quantitatively describe the dependency of the tumor on the environment, to characterize hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) subtypes. We have also shown that information about tumor mass together with patterns of other prognostic factors is related to survival. We now use a different patient cohort to validate this prognostic approach. A main finding is our identification of a common time of total disease duration (TDD) for every HCC patient. Clinical prognosis at the time of baseline patient evaluation is then calculable as the difference between TDD and the time from disease onset to diagnosis (T(onset)). We show that the total pattern of all parameter values and the differences in the relationships between this pattern and a reference pattern that, together with the tumor mass, best reflects the patient's prognosis at baseline. Our approach led us to identify 15 different composite HCC subtypes. Our results highlight the nearly identical TDD in all patients, which must therefore be a characteristic of the HCC disease, as opposed to the variable quantity of T(onset), which is impacted by multiple macro- and micro-environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Pančoška
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Institute of Theoretical Informatics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lubomír Skála
- Department of Chemical Physics and Optics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Nešetřil
- Institute of Theoretical Informatics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Brian I Carr
- Visiting Professor, Program for Targeted Experimental Therapeutics, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
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11
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Long Z, Wang B, Tao D, Liu Y, Zhang J, Tan J, Luo J, Shi F, Tao Z. Clinical research on alternating hyperfraction radiotherapy for massive hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2015; 10:523-527. [PMID: 26171062 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The delivery of high tumoricidal doses of radiation with low rates of toxicity is of particular significance for massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) radiotherapy. In order to observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of alternating hyperfraction radiotherapy treatment of massive HCC, seventy-two cases of massive HCC were randomly divided into two groups, group A and group B. The liver lesions of group A were divided into sublesions and treated with alternating hyperfraction radiotherapy [intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)]. The interval between radiotherapy to the sublesions was a minimum of six hours. The average radiotherapy dose to the sublesions was 2 Gy/fraction, once a day, five times per week, treating the gross tumor volume with a total dose of 40-50 Gy, and the clinical target volume with a total dose of 30-40 Gy. By contrast, the lesions of group B were not divided into sublesions for the IMRT treatment, but were treated with an otherwise identical protocol, by 2 Gy/fraction, once a day, five times per week, and with the same total dose. Patients were followed up with regular blood tests, liver function tests, measurements of serum α-fetoprotein levels and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver. Treatment responses were assessed every 3 months by MRI. The results revealed that the overall response rates of the two groups were 82.9 and 81.3%, respectively (P=0.864). The alternating hyperfraction radiotherapy protocol resulted in enhanced survival (P=0.002). The median survival time of the two groups was 9.7 and 6.5 months, respectively. The overall 6-month, 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates of the two groups were 62.9 and 59.4% (P=0.770), 48.6 and 21.9% (P=0.040), 17.1 and 0.0% (P=0.025) and 2.9 and 0.0% (P=1.000), respectively. The I-II degree of abnormal liver function and radiation-induced liver disease of group B was higher than that of group A (P=0.021 and 0.046, respectively). In addition, the incidence rate of radiation-induced liver injury of group A was lower than that of group B. Therefore, treatment of massive HCC with alternating hyperfraction radiotherapy improved the quality of life and prolonged the overall survival time, compared with conventional IMRT, suggesting that it was an effective radiation pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Long
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Dan Tao
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430050, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430050, P.R. China
| | - Jiangzhou Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430050, P.R. China
| | - Jiaan Tan
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Shi
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Zezhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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12
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Significance of platelet and AFP levels and liver function parameters for HCC size and survival. Int J Biol Markers 2014; 29:e215-23. [PMID: 24526315 DOI: 10.5301/jbm.5000064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous disease with both tumor and liver factors being involved. AIMS To investigate HCC clinical phenotypes and factors related to HCC size. METHODS Prospectively-collected HCC patients' data from a large Italian database were arranged according to the maximum tumor diameter (MTD) and divided into tumor size terciles, which were then compared in terms of several common clinical parameters and patients' survival. RESULTS An higer MTD tercile was significantly associated with increased blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), and platelet levels. Patients with higher platelet levels had larger tumors and higher GGTP levels, with lower bilirubin levels. However, patients with the highest AFP levels had larger tumors and higher bilirubin levels, reflecting an aggressive biology. AFP correlation analysis revealed the existence of 2 different groups of patients: those with higher and with lower AFP levels, each with different patient and tumor characteristics. The Cox proportional-hazard model showed that a higher risk of death was correlated with GGTP and bilirubin levels, tumor size and number, and portal vein thrombosis (PVT), but not with AFP or platelet levels. CONCLUSIONS An increased tumor size was associated with increased blood platelet counts, AFP and GGTP levels. Platelet and AFP levels were important indicators of tumor size, but not of survival.
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High seroprevalence of human herpesvirus type 8 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 34:55-62. [PMID: 25037870 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-014-2206-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis patients have immunologic insufficiency and a high seroprevalence of human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8). Nearly all hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are cirrhotic and have immunoabnormalities. This study aimed to assess the HHV-8 seroprevalence and hemograms in HCC patients. Blood samples from 95 HCC patients, 95 age-, sex-, and Child-Pugh class-matched cirrhotics, and 95 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed for anti-HHV-8 antibodies, HHV-8 DNA, and lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts. HCC patients had lower lymphocyte and platelet counts and a higher monocyte count than the healthy controls (each p < 0.0001). HCC patients, and particularly those with a severe Child-Pugh class, had higher platelet counts than the corresponding cirrhosis patients (p = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). HHV-8 seropositivity and antibody titers in HCC patients were comparable with values in cirrhosis patients and were much higher than in controls (both p < 0.0001). HCC patients, but not cirrhosis patients, had a higher prevalence of high anti-HHV-8 antibody titers (≥ 1:160) than healthy controls (p = 0.003). HCC patients with lymphopenia or thrombocytopenia had lower HHV-8 seropositivity than those without lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia (p = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). One each of HCC and cirrhosis patients were positive for HHV-8 DNA. HCC patients seemed to suffer from less severe or shorter duration of portal hypertension compared with Child-Pugh class-matched cirrhosis patients. HCC patients had a high HHV-8 seroprevalence, which seemed to be inversely associated with lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia.
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Abstract
Small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) usually arise in cirrhosis, often with associated thrombocytopenia. Many patients with large HCCs have normal blood platelet counts. In this review, we compare parameter and phenotype patterns of patients with small (≤ 3 cm) and larger HCCs. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of a 4,139-patient HCC database to compare patient demographics, and liver and tumor characteristics associated with small and large HCCs, especially with respect to platelet counts. We found that patients with larger HCCs had more tumor nodules and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) positivity, and had higher blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), bilirubin, and platelet counts. In patients with larger tumors and normal platelets (43.7% of the cohort), tumors were larger and AFP levels were higher, with lower bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels than in patients with larger tumors and thrombocytopenia (17.5%). A parsimonious multinomial regression model showed a high odds ratio for AFP and platelets for tumors>3 cm with PVT. We conclude that platelet levels are associated with distinct large HCC phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I Carr
- Department of Liver Tumor Biology, IRCCS S. de Bellis, Castellana Grotte, Italy.
| | - Chih-Yun Lin
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center and Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Giuliante F, De Rose AM, Guerra V, Ardito F, Nuzzo G, Carr BI. Clinical characteristics and survival of European patients with resectable large hepatocellular carcinomas. J Gastrointest Cancer 2014; 44:329-35. [PMID: 23912605 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-013-9523-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents on cirrhosis or in the absence of cirrhosis. Prognostic factors include both tumor and liver factors. Evaluate clinical and tumor characteristics of a group of large resected HCC in European patients. METHODS Data for patients with HCC >7 cm who underwent liver resection between 1992 and 2011 were analyzed. Patients were dichotomized into those with tumor diameters of 7-10 cm or >10 cm and their characteristics and outcomes were compared. RESULTS A total of 65 hepatectomies for HCC ≥7 cm were performed. Severe fibrosis or cirrhosis was present in 41.5 % of patients. Thirty-seven (56.9 %) patients had HCC ≥10 cm. Mortality and morbidity rates were 1.5 % and 37.5 %, respectively. Preoperative blood platelet levels and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels showed significant differences between the groups. The 3-year survival was 43.5 % and 17.4 % for patients with tumors 7-10 and ≥10 cm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients with large size HCC and preserved liver function can be resected with low operative risk. ALKP levels and platelet counts were higher in the larger tumors. Given these patterns of clinical and biochemical characteristics, this group of tumors may be a selected subset of large HCCs and might potentially benefit from surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Giuliante
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, L. go A. Gemelli, 8 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Massive hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are uncommon and poorly characterized. AIM To characterize a large cohort of HCC patients with massive tumors, with documented baseline characteristics and survival data. METHODS Records were examined of a cohort of 344 biopsy-proven and randomly presenting unresectable HCC patients with tumors of at least 10 cm diameter (massive), which were analyzed for their clinical characteristics and survival. RESULTS Massive HCC patients were significantly different from others, in having less severe cirrhosis and higher blood platelet counts, α-fetoprotein (AFP), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) levels. Platelets, ALKP, and GGTP correlated with tumor size. Within massive HCCs, ALKP levels related to tumor number, whereas platelet counts related to tumor size. AFP and GGTP related to neither. All four parameters related to survival. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model showed that ALKP and AFP were significant for overall survival. Survival of massive tumors was not significantly worse than for other larger tumors. CONCLUSION Massive HCCs were characterized by high blood platelets, AFP, ALKP, and GGTP levels. AFP levels were important for survival, but did not directly relate to tumor size or number, suggesting that AFP represents some other property of massive HCC biology. Patients with massive HCC should thus be considered for active therapeutic intervention, just as for other sizes of HCC.
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Carr BI, Guerra V. Hepatocellular carcinoma size: platelets, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase. Oncology 2013; 85:153-9. [PMID: 23988857 DOI: 10.1159/000354416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia is a cirrhosis surrogate which is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. AIMS To compare the clinical characteristics of HCC in the presence and absence of thrombocytopenia. METHODS The baseline clinical data of a large cohort of randomly presenting, biopsy-proven HCC patients was examined for phenotypic patterns, after organizing the data by tumor size and subdivision into tumor size terciles. RESULTS Small tumor size tercile I patients had the lowest platelet counts. Patients with higher platelets within each size tercile had the lowest bilirubin and prothrombin time and higher γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels. When patients with similar platelet and bilirubin levels were compared, α-fetoprotein, GGTP, and ALKP were significantly increased in patients with larger tumors and in the presence of portal vein thrombus. Large tumor size tercile III patients without thrombocytopenia had larger tumors, higher GGTP and ALKP, and lower bilirubin levels than did patients with thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS Thrombocytopenia occurred in 40.7% of patients with smaller tumors but only in 11.3% of patients with larger tumors. Patients without thrombocytopenia had elevated GGTP and ALKP and lower bilirubin levels, regardless of tumor size, but they also had larger tumors within the large tumor tercile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I Carr
- Department of Nutritional Carcinogenesis, IRCCS S. de Bellis National Institute for Digestive Diseases, Castellana Grotte, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia has been reported to be both a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development as well as a prognostic factor. Many HCCs also occur in presence of normal platelets. AIM To examine a cohort of HCC patients with associated thrombocytosis. METHODS Records were examined of a cohort of 634 biopsy-proven and randomly presenting HCC patients without thrombocytopenia. RESULTS In the total cohort, 52 patients were identified with thrombocytosis (platelet levels >400 × 10(9)/L) and compared with 582 patients with normal platelet values. The average tumor sizes were 13.1 versus 8.8 cm (p < 0.0001), and their total average bilirubin levels were 0.9 versus 1.5 (p = 0.02), comparing thrombocytosis patients versus normal platelet count HCC patients. These differences were even more pronounced in patients with HCC sizes >5 cm. Thrombocytosis patients were younger and had less cirrhosis, but similar percent with hepatitis B or C or alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION Thrombocytosis in association with HCC occurs in patients with larger tumor sizes and better liver function.
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Pancoska P, Lu SN, Carr BI. Phenotypic Categorization and Profiles of Small and Large Hepatocellular Carcinomas. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Suppl 12. [PMID: 23956952 DOI: 10.4172/2161-069x.s12-001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We used a database of 4139 Taiwanese HCC patients to take a new approach (Network Phenotyping Strategy) to HCC subset identification. Individual parameters for liver function tests, complete blood count, portal vein thrombosis, AFP levels and clinical demographics of age, gender, hepatitis or alcohol consumption, were considered within the whole context of complete relationships, being networked with all other parameter levels in the entire cohort. We identified 4 multi-parameter patterns for one tumor phenotype of patients and a separate 5 multi-parameter patterns to characterize another tumor phenotype of patterns. The 2 subgroups were quite different in their clinical profiles. The means of the tumor mass distributions in these phenotype subgroups were significantly different, one being associated with larger (L) and the other with smaller (S) tumor masses. These significant differences were seen systematically throughout the tumor mass distributions. Essential and common clinical components of L-phenotype patterns included simultaneously high blood levels of AFP and platelets plus presence of portal vein thrombosis. S included higher levels of liver inflammatory parameters. The 2 different parameter patterns of L and S subgroups suggest different mechanisms; L, possibly involving tumor-driven processes and S more associated with liver inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Pancoska
- Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Markman M. Retrospective analyses of cancer trials or existing clinical databases: potential for highly clinically relevant hypothesis generation. Oncology 2012; 83:329-30. [PMID: 23007076 DOI: 10.1159/000342174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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