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De Stefano N, Patrono D, Colli F, Rizza G, Paraluppi G, Romagnoli R. Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2374. [PMID: 39001436 PMCID: PMC11240403 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the leading oncological indication for liver transplantation (LT), with evolving and broadened inclusion criteria. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) gained a central role in systemic HCC treatment and showed potential in the peri-transplant setting as downstaging/bridging therapy before LT or as a treatment for HCC recurrence following LT. However, the antagonistic mechanisms of action between ICIs and immunosuppressive drugs pose significant challenges, particularly regarding the risk of acute rejection (AR). This review analyzes the main signaling pathways targeted by ICI therapies and summarizes current studies on ICI therapy before and after LT. The literature on this topic is limited and highly heterogeneous, precluding definitive evidence-based conclusions. The use of ICIs before LT appears promising, provided that a sufficient wash-out period is implemented. In contrast, the results of post-LT ICI therapy do not support its wide clinical application due to high AR rates and overall poor response to treatment. In the future, modern graft preservation techniques might support the selection of good ICI responders, but data from high-level studies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Renato Romagnoli
- General Surgery 2U-Liver Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Torino, Italy; (N.D.S.); (D.P.); (F.C.); (G.R.); (G.P.)
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2
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Eleonora A, Nicola LE, Antonio NL, Massimo I. Pioneering applications of immunotherapy in the early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2024:S1590-8658(24)00789-8. [PMID: 38910073 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alimenti Eleonora
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Lynch Erica Nicola
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy; Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Natola Leonardo Antonio
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Iavarone Massimo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Centre for Liver Disease, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Tabrizian P, Yu A, Debnath N, Myers B, Marron T. Immunotherapy and Liver Transplantation: The Future or the Failure? Surg Clin North Am 2024; 104:163-182. [PMID: 37953034 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
A quarter century has passed since the milestone study by Mazzaferro and colleagues on liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The increasing demand for LT for HCC has led to the continued efforts to expand LT indications. Downstaging to within Milan criteria has been incorporated into the organ allocation policy for HCC in the United States in 2017 and provides acceptable long-term survival. The present review focuses on the rationale of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in HCC, the experience of ICI in the pre- and posttransplant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parissa Tabrizian
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Allen Yu
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Neha Debnath
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bryan Myers
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Thomas Marron
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Mukthinuthalapati VVPK, Gupta S. Growing need of adjuvant therapy and expanded access for liver transplant in hepatocellular carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:32. [PMID: 36819559 PMCID: PMC9929753 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shweta Gupta
- Department of Medicine Quality Council, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
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5
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Sposito C, Citterio D, Virdis M, Battiston C, Droz Dit Busset M, Flores M, Mazzaferro V. Therapeutic strategies for post-transplant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4929-4942. [PMID: 36160651 PMCID: PMC9494935 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i34.4929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite stringent selection criteria, hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) still occurs in up to 20% of cases, mostly within the first 2–3 years. No adjuvant treatments to prevent such an occurrence have been developed so far. However, a balanced use of immunosuppression with minimal dose of calcineurin inhibitors and possible addition of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors is strongly advisable. Moreover, several pre- and post-transplant predictors of recurrence have been identified and may help determine the frequency and duration of post-transplant follow-up. When recurrence occurs, the outcomes are poor with a median survival of 12 mo according to most retrospective studies. The factor that most impacts survival after recurrence is timing (within 1–2 years from LT according to different authors). Several therapeutic options may be chosen in case of recurrence, according to timing and disease presentation. Surgical treatment seems to provide a survival benefit, especially in case of late recurrence, while the benefit of locoregional treatments has been suggested only in small retrospective studies. When systemic treatment is indicated, sorafenib has been proved safe and effective, while only few data are available for lenvatinib and regorafenib in second line. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is controversial in this setting, given the safety warnings for the risk of acute rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Sposito
- HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan 20100, Italy
| | - Davide Citterio
- HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Matteo Virdis
- HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Carlo Battiston
- HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Michele Droz Dit Busset
- HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Maria Flores
- HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan 20100, Italy
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6
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Pelizzaro F, Gambato M, Gringeri E, Vitale A, Cillo U, Farinati F, Burra P, Russo FP. Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194882. [PMID: 34638365 PMCID: PMC8508053 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly important indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. However, LT in the setting of liver cancer is burdened by the risk of tumor recurrence. The prognosis of patients with post-LT HCC recurrence is still very poor and several areas of uncertainty remain in the management of these patients. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of available evidence regarding the management of HCC recurrence after LT, starting from the pre- and post-transplant stratification criteria and encompassing post-LT surveillance, preventive strategies and treatment. Much work has been done in the last several years but further effort is still needed in order to improve the outcome of these patients. Abstract Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT), occurring in 10–15% of cases, is a major concern. A lot of work has been done in order to refine the selection of LT candidates with HCC and to improve the outcome of patients with recurrence. Despite this, the prognosis of these patients remains poor, partly due to the several areas of uncertainty in their management. Even if surveillance for HCC recurrence is crucial for early detection, there is currently no evidence to support a specific and cost-effective post-LT surveillance strategy. Concerning preventive measures, consensus on the best immunosuppressive drugs has not been reached and not enough data to support adjuvant therapy are present. Several therapeutic approaches (surgical, locoregional and systemic treatments) are available in case of recurrence, but there are still few data in the post-LT setting. Moreover, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is controversial in transplant recipients considered the risk of rejection. In this paper, the available evidence on the management of HCC recurrence after LT is comprehensively reviewed, considering pre- and post-transplant risk stratification, post-transplant surveillance, preventive strategies and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Gringeri
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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7
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Piñero F, Tanno M, Aballay Soteras G, Tisi Baña M, Dirchwolf M, Fassio E, Ruf A, Mengarelli S, Borzi S, Fernández N, Ridruejo E, Descalzi V, Anders M, Mazzolini G, Reggiardo V, Marciano S, Perazzo F, Spina JC, McCormack L, Maraschio M, Lagues C, Gadano A, Villamil F, Silva M, Cairo F, Ameigeiras B. Argentinian clinical practice guideline for surveillance, diagnosis, staging and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:546-569. [PMID: 32593747 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The A.A.E.E.H has developed this guideline for the best care of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from Argentina. It was done from May 2018 to March 2020. Specific clinical research questions were systematically searched. The quality of evidence and level of recommendations were organized according to GRADE. HCC surveillance is strongly recommended with abdominal ultrasound (US) every six months in the population at risk for HCC (cirrhosis, hepatitis B or hepatitis C); it is suggested to add alpha-feto protein (AFP) levels in case of inexeperienced sonographers. Imaging diagnosis in patients at risk for HCC has high specificity and tumor biopsy is not mandatory. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer algorithm is strongly recommended for HCC staging and treatment-decision processes. Liver resection is strongly recommended for patients without portal hypertension and preserved liver function. Composite models are suggested for liver transplant selection criteria. Therapies for HCC with robust clinical evidence include transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and first to second line systemic treatment options (sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and ramucirumab). Immunotherapy with nivolumab and pembrolizumab has failed to show statistical benefit but the novel combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has recently shown survival benefit over sorafenib in frontline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mario Tanno
- Hospital Centenario de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Matías Tisi Baña
- Internal Medicine and Epidemiology Department, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Andrés Ruf
- Hospital Privado de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Silvia Borzi
- Instituto Rossi, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Guillermo Mazzolini
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cecilia Lagues
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Combining Sorafenib and Immunosuppression in Liver Transplant Recipients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010046. [PMID: 33435321 PMCID: PMC7826978 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation occurs in approximately 20% of patients. Most of these patients use immunosuppressant drugs. Meanwhile, patients with HCC recurrence are frequently treated with the small molecule kinase inhibitor (SMKI) sorafenib. However, sorafenib and many immunosuppressants are substrates of the same enzymatic pathways (e.g., CYP3A4), which may potentially result in altered SMKI or immunosuppressant plasma levels. Therefore, we investigated changes in drug exposure of both sorafenib and immunosuppressants over time in four patients with systemic immunosuppressant and sorafenib treatment after HCC recurrence. In this study, sorafenib exposure declined over time during combined treatment with immunosuppressants, while two patients also experienced declining tacrolimus plasma levels. Importantly, patients were unable to increase the sorafenib dose higher than 200 mg b.i.d. without experiencing significant toxicity. We recommend to treat patients using both sorafenib and immunosuppressants with a sorafenib starting dose of 200 mg b.i.d.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly common disease with liver transplant (LT) the best long-term therapy for early stage disease. We will review the data for assessing risk and managing recurrence for patients undergoing LT for HCC. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will provide an overview of methods of patient risk stratification in the post-transplant period, the data around surveillance for HCC recurrence, and the evidence for and against post-LT adjuvant treatment strategies. Finally, we will provide data regarding treatment options for patients with HCC recurrence after LT. Using an extensive search of original papers and society guidelines, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the data for assessing risk and managing recurrence for patients undergoing LT for HCC. EXPERT OPINION The development of multiple post-transplant prognostic scoring systems have allowed for improved assessment of recurrence risk and stratification of patients. However, the ability to translate this information into surveillance and therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes still have to be fully demonstrated. Post-LT immunosuppression strategies have been implemented in order to attempt to reduce this risk. Evidence-based strategies for managing recurrent HCC are evolving. We expect that with further understanding of individual patient characteristics will allow for optimal therapeutic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hoffman
- Department of Surgery, University of California , San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California , San Francisco, CA, USA
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10
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Perera S, Kelly D, O'Kane GM. Non-immunotherapy options for the first-line management of hepatocellular carcinoma: exploring the evolving role of sorafenib and lenvatinib in advanced disease. Curr Oncol 2020; 27:S165-S172. [PMID: 33343210 DOI: 10.3747/co.27.7159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The results of the sharp trial established sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (tki), as the sole first-line treatment option in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) for more than a decade. In 2020, there has been a surge in new therapies for hcc, including immunotherapeutic strategies and the approval of a number of novel tkis. In addition to sorafenib, lenvatinib and combination atezolizumab-bevacizumab now represent standard first-line treatment options. As those systemic therapy options begin to be better utilized, assurance of adequate liver function and optimal timing are required to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, sequencing of the agents will have to be carefully tailored, given the increasing armamentarium of choices. Here, we discuss the role of lenvatinib and sorafenib in the first-line management of hcc.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Perera
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON.,Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - D Kelly
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON.,Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - G M O'Kane
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON.,Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
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11
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Han B, Ding H, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhang Y, Gu J. Potential Role of Adjuvant Lenvatinib in Improving Disease-Free Survival for Patients With High-Risk Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective, Case Control Study. Front Oncol 2020; 10:562103. [PMID: 33365268 PMCID: PMC7750628 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.562103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Although liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most effective treatments for the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the high-risk patients suffer from a high ratio of tumor recurrence after LT. Lenvatinib, as a novel targeted drug, has shown an excellent effect in the treatment of advanced HCC, but there is no study on its effect in preventing HCC recurrence in the patients undergoing transplantation. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the role of adjuvant lenvatinib in preventing recurrence of high-risk LT recipients with HBV-related HCC. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 23 high-risk patients consisting of lenvatinib group (n=14) and control group (n=9) with HBV-related HCC who underwent LT in our center. Disease-free survival (DFS) and HCC recurrence of the two groups were compared. The adverse events (AEs) and drug tolerance of lenvatinib were evaluated. RESULTS The median DFS in lenvatinib group was 291 (95%CI 204-516) days, significantly longer than 182 (95%CI 56-537) days in control group (P=0.04). Three patients in lenvatinib group (21.4%) and five patients in control group (55.6%) had short-term HCC recurrence (P=0.11). All patients in lenvatinib group could tolerate oral lenvatinib for at least three cycles except six cases (42.9%) of dose reduction and 1 case of interruption (14.3%). Thirteen patients (92.9%) taking lenvatinib experienced AEs. The most common AEs were hypertension (64.3%) and proteinuria (42.9%), and the most serious AEs were Grade 3 for 4 cases (28.5%) according to common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 5.0. Additionally, no influence of lenvatinib on the dosage and blood concentration of FK506 was observed. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant lenvatinib had a potential benefit on prolonging the DFS and reducing the recurrence of high-risk HBV-related HCC patients following liver transplantation with an acceptable drug safety and patient tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Ding
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyang Gu
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Satapathy SK, Das K, Kocak M, Helmick RA, Eason JD, Nair SP, Vanatta JM. No apparent benefit of preemptive sorafenib therapy in liver transplant recipients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma on explant. Clin Transplant 2018; 32:e13246. [PMID: 29577449 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib has shown survival benefits in patients with advanced HCC; however, limited data are available on its role in OLT recipients with advanced HCC in the explant. AIM Evaluate the role of preemptive sorafenib therapy on HCC recurrence and survival after OLT with advanced HCC on explant pathology. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the outcome after OLT of all HCC recipients with advanced HCC in the explant pathology from 04/2006 to 12/2012 based on preemptive treatment with sorafenib. RESULTS During the observation period, 217 HCC recipients underwent OLT; 50 explants revealed advanced HCC. After exclusion of 5 patients who were lost to follow-up, 45 LT recipients were finally included for analysis. Recipients were grouped as sorafenib Gr (N = 25) and nonsorafenib Gr (N = 20). Both recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = .67) and overall survival were similar between groups (P = .53) on Kaplan-Meier analysis. Additionally, sorafenib use was neither associated with HCC recurrence-free survival (HR 0.74, 95% CI [0.32-1.70]; P = .48) nor overall survival (HR 0.92, 95% CI [0.39-2.15], P = .84) on multivariate Cox proportional hazard model with sorafenib use as time-varying covariates. CONCLUSION Preemptive treatment with sorafenib in OLT recipients with high-risk features in explant does not improve HCC recurrence-free or overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjaya K Satapathy
- Transplantation, Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute/University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kanak Das
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mehmet Kocak
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ryan A Helmick
- Transplantation, Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute/University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - James D Eason
- Transplantation, Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute/University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Satheesh P Nair
- Transplantation, Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute/University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jason M Vanatta
- Transplantation, Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute/University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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13
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Mehta N, Heimbach J, Harnois DM, Sapisochin G, Dodge JL, Lee D, Burns JM, Sanchez W, Greig PD, Grant DR, Roberts JP, Yao FY. Validation of a Risk Estimation of Tumor Recurrence After Transplant (RETREAT) Score for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplant. JAMA Oncol 2017; 3:493-500. [PMID: 27838698 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.5116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Several factors are associated with increased hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT), but no reliable risk score has been established to determine the individual risk for HCC recurrence. Objective We aimed to develop and validate a Risk Estimation of Tumor Recurrence After Transplant (RETREAT) score for patients with HCC meeting Milan criteria by imaging. Design, Setting, and Participants Predictors of recurrence were tested in a development cohort of 721 patients who underwent LT between 2002 and 2012 at 3 academic transplant centers (University of California-San Francisco; Mayo Clinic, Rochester; and Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville) to create the RETREAT score. This was subsequently validated in a cohort of 341 patients also meeting Milan criteria by imaging who underwent LT at the University of Toronto transplant center using the C concordance statistic and net reclassification index. Main Outcomes and Measures Characteristics associated with post-LT HCC recurrence. Results A total of 1061 patients participated in the study; 77.8% (825) were men, and the median (IQR) age was 58.2 (53.3-63.9) years in the development cohort and 56.4 (51.7-61.0) years in the validation cohort (P < .001). In the development cohort of 721 patients (542 men), median α-fetoprotein (AFP) level at the time of LT was 8.3 ng/mL; 9.4% had microvascular invasion (n = 68), and 22.1% were beyond Milan criteria on explant (n = 159) owing to understaging by pretransplantation imaging. Cumulative probabilities of HCC recurrence at 1 and 5 years were 5.7% and 12.8%, respectively. On multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, 3 variables were independently associated with HCC recurrence: microvascular invasion, AFP at time of LT, and the sum of the largest viable tumor diameter and number of viable tumors on explant. The RETREAT score was created using these 3 variables, with scores ranging from 0 to 5 or higher that were highly predictive of HCC recurrence (C statistic, 0.77). RETREAT was able to stratify 5-year post-LT recurrence risk ranging from less than 3% with a score of 0 to greater than 75% with a score of 5 or higher. The validation cohort (n = 340; 283 men) had significantly higher microvascular invasion (23.8% [n = 81], P < .001), explant beyond Milan criteria (37.3% [n = 159], P < .001), and HCC recurrence at 5 years (17.9% [n = 159], P = .03). RETREAT showed good model discrimination (C statistic, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.86) and superior recurrence risk classification compared with explant Milan criteria (net reclassification index, 0.40; P = .001) in the validation cohort. Conclusions and Relevance We have developed and validated a simple and novel prognostic score that may improve post-LT HCC surveillance strategies and help identify patients who may benefit from future adjuvant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco
| | - Julie Heimbach
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Denise M Harnois
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco
| | - David Lee
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Justin M Burns
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - William Sanchez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Paul D Greig
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R Grant
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John P Roberts
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco
| | - Francis Y Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco5Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco
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Giovanis P, Pianezze G, Vincenzi V, Manuppelli C, Boaretto M, Pastorelli D. Circulating endothelial cells and risk of progression in patients with hepatocellular cancer receiving sorafenib. Hepat Oncol 2017; 4:39-43. [PMID: 30191052 DOI: 10.2217/hep-2016-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim We investigated the behavior of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving sorafenib, and whether CEC levels were associated with time to progression (TTP). Materials & methods CECs in advanced HCC patients receiving sorafenib were counted at baseline and every 4 weeks. Results Twenty four HCC patients were enrolled in the study. Median TTP was 3.2 months (1-6). Median baseline CEC levels were 67 cells/ml, with an increase of 169.8% after 4 weeks of treatment. Any time CEC levels in patients with a TTP lower than 4 months were higher, but not statistically significant, compared with those in patients with TTP more than 4 months. Conclusion Treatment with sorafenib changed CEC levels in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Giovanis
- Medical Oncology Unit, City Hospital of Feltre, Via Bagnols Sul Ceze 3, 32032, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Feltre, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, City Hospital of Feltre, Via Bagnols Sul Ceze 3, 32032, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Feltre, Italy
| | - Graziano Pianezze
- Research Lab, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy.,Research Lab, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy
| | - Valter Vincenzi
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy.,Internal Medicine & Hepatology, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy
| | - Carla Manuppelli
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy.,Internal Medicine & Hepatology, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy
| | - Massimo Boaretto
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy.,Internal Medicine & Hepatology, City Hospital of Belluno, Belluno, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Italy
| | - Davide Pastorelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, City Hospital of Feltre, Via Bagnols Sul Ceze 3, 32032, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Feltre, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, City Hospital of Feltre, Via Bagnols Sul Ceze 3, 32032, Ulss 1 Dolomiti, Feltre, Italy
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15
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Kariyama K, Wakuta A, Nishimura M, Kishida M, Oonishi A, Ohyama A, Nouso K, Kudo M. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncology 2015; 89 Suppl 2:19-26. [DOI: 10.1159/000440627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Arizumi T, Ueshima K, Iwanishi M, Minami T, Chishina H, Kono M, Takita M, Kitai S, Inoue T, Yada N, Hagiwara S, Ida H, Minami Y, Sakurai T, Nishida N, Kitano M, Kudo M. Evaluation of ART Scores for Repeated Transarterial Chemoembolization in Japanese Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncology 2015; 89 Suppl 2:4-10. [PMID: 26584030 DOI: 10.1159/000440625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recommended as a first-line therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients ineligible for curative therapy and without portal invasion. The Assessment for Retreatment with TACE (ART) scoring system was recently proposed for identifying patients who would not show sufficient survival benefit from repeated TACE. We reevaluated the performance of ART in HCC patients treated in Japan, where selective TACE is commonly used. METHODS Between 2000 and 2013, 988 patients with HCC underwent TACE at Kinki University Hospital, and 627 received ≥2 sessions of TACE. Seventy-six patients who underwent ≥2 TACE sessions within 90 days were investigated for their performance of the ART score in the context of overall survival (OS). RESULTS Only 12% (76/627) of patients underwent ≥2 TACE sessions within 90 days. Of those, 52 patients showed a low ART score (0-1.5), and 24 had a high ART score (≥2.5); the median OS was 20.2 and 37.6 months, respectively (p = 0.8207). CONCLUSION The ART scoring system did not demonstrate a sufficiently predictive impact on OS among the patients who underwent ≥2 TACE sessions within 90 days. Application of the ART score should be carefully considered because differences in TACE procedures and post-TACE treatment can affect the results while evaluating OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadaaki Arizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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17
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Kudo M, Kitano M, Sakurai T, Nishida N. General Rules for the Clinical and Pathological Study of Primary Liver Cancer, Nationwide Follow-Up Survey and Clinical Practice Guidelines: The Outstanding Achievements of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan. Dig Dis 2015; 33:765-70. [PMID: 26488173 DOI: 10.1159/000439101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This review outlines the significance of establishing general rules, a nationwide follow-up survey, and clinical practice guidelines for liver cancer in Japan. The general rules are an essential part of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, enabling a 'common language' to be used in daily clinical practice and for the nationwide follow-up survey. The Japanese General Rules for the Clinical and Pathological Study of Primary Liver Cancer, which provide detailed descriptions of HCC, are excellent and are unique to Japan. Items in the General Rules for the Clinical and Pathological Study of Primary Liver Cancer are used substantially in another important project, the Nationwide Follow-Up Survey of Primary Liver Cancer, which has been rigorously undertaken with great effort by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan biannually since 1969. Both evidence-based and consensus-based treatment algorithms for HCC are used to complement each other in clinical practice in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Kudo M, Kitano M, Sakurai T, Nishida N. Challenges of Clinical Research on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Dig Dis 2015; 33:780-90. [PMID: 26488399 DOI: 10.1159/000439103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Challenges of clinical practice and research on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were reviewed. There are several differences in clinical practice between Japan and the Western countries such as tumor markers, understanding of pathological early HCC, imaging diagnosis, treatment strategy, staging system and subclassification of HCC. Further studies are warranted for the clinical practices of Japan to be adopted in the rest of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
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