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Ishihara N, Komatsu S, Sofue K, Ueshima E, Yano Y, Fujishima Y, Ishida J, Kido M, Gon H, Fukushima K, Urade T, Yanagimoto H, Toyama H, Ueda Y, Kodama Y, Murakami T, Fukumoto T. Association between tumor morphology and efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:773-780. [PMID: 38353524 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
AIM The IMbrave150 trial revealed that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (AtezoBv) showed a higher objective response rate (ORR) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although conversion therapy after AtezoBv has been recently reported, markers predictive of its efficacy, particularly radiological imaging markers, have not yet been identified. The present study focused on tumor morphological appearance on radiological imaging and evaluated whether it could be associated with AtezoBv efficacy. METHODS Ninety-five intrahepatic lesions in 74 patients who were given AtezoBv for advanced HCC were recruited for evaluation. The lesions were divided into two groups, simple nodular (SN group) and non-simple nodular (non-SN group), based on the gross morphology on pretreatment imaging, and retrospectively evaluated for treatment response and other relevant clinical outcomes. RESULTS Assessing the size of individual tumors after treatment, waterfall plots showed that tumor shrinkage in the non-SN group including 56 lesions was higher than that in the SN group comprising 39 lesions. The ORR was significantly higher in the non-SN group (39.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.012). Additionally, the median time to nodular progression was longer in the non-SN group (21.0 months vs. 8.1 months, p = 0.119) compared to the SN group. Six patients with non-SN lesions underwent sequential local therapy. CONCLUSIONS Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab may show increased therapeutic efficacy in patients with tumors with a higher potential for aggressive oncological behavior, such as non-SN lesions. Treatment strategies focusing on conversion therapy may be crucial in patients with non-SN lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Ishihara
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shohei Komatsu
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keitaro Sofue
- Department of Radiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Eisuke Ueshima
- Department of Radiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Fujishima
- Division of Medical Oncology, Kobe Minimally Invasive Cancer Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Jun Ishida
- Division of Radiology, Kobe Minimally Invasive Cancer Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kido
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Gon
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenji Fukushima
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takeshi Urade
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Yanagimoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hirochika Toyama
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Ueda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuzo Kodama
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takamichi Murakami
- Department of Radiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takumi Fukumoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Liu WF, Jiang QY, Qi ZR, Zhang F, Tang WQ, Wang HQ, Dong L. CD276 Promotes an Inhibitory Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and is Associated with Poor Prognosis. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1357-1373. [PMID: 39011124 PMCID: PMC11247130 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s469529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background CD276 is an emerging immune checkpoint molecule that has been implicated in various cancers. However, its specific role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study examined the impact of CD276 on patient prognosis and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to evaluate CD276 expression in HCC and the association between CD276 and immune indicators was also analyzed. The signaling pathways correlated with CD276 expression were identified by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Different algorithms were used to assess immune cell infiltration. The effect of CD276 knockdown on HCC cell phenotypes and its relationship with macrophage polarization was examined using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and co-culture system. Results CD276 was upregulated in HCC and associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Hgh CD276 expression was associated with enrichment of the G2/M checkpoint, E2F targets, and mitotic spindles. CD276 expression was correlated with the infiltration of immune cells, including high level of tumor-associated macrophages and low levels of CD8+ T cells. Knockdown of CD276 decreased HCC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. CD276 silencing in HCC cells and co-culture with THP-1-derived macrophages had a regulatory effect on macrophage polarization and macrophage-mediated cell proliferation and migration. Conclusion CD276 expression in HCC is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and may contribute to the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Specifically, CD276 was associated with alterations in immune cell infiltration, immune marker expression, and macrophage polarization during HCC progression, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator and promising target for immunotherapeutic intervention in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Feng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yu Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Qing Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Kunichika H, Minamiguchi K, Tachiiri T, Shimizu K, Taiji R, Yamada A, Nakano R, Irizato M, Yamauchi S, Marugami A, Marugami N, Kishida H, Nakagawa H, Takewa M, Kageyama K, Yamamoto A, Ueshima E, Sofue K, Kita R, Kurakami H, Tanaka T. Prediction of Efficacy for Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Hepatobiliary-Phase Gadolinium Ethoxybenzyl-Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid MRI. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2275. [PMID: 38927979 PMCID: PMC11202233 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine whether the coefficient of variation (CV) in the hepatobiliary-phase (HBP) of Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI could be an independent predictive factor for tumor progression. METHODS Patients who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI before Atezolizumab/bevacizumab therapy at six affiliated institutions between 2018 and 2022 were included. CV for each patient was calculated as the mean value for up to five tumors larger than 10 mm, and CV of the whole tumor was calculated using LIFEx software. The tumor response was evaluated within 6-10 weeks. The primary endpoint was to investigate the predictive factors, including CV, related to tumor progression using logistic regression analysis. The secondary endpoints were tumor response rate and progression-free survival (PFS) based on CV. RESULTS Of the 46 enrolled patients, 13 (28.3%) underwent early progressive disease. Multivariate analysis revealed that a high CV (≥0.22) was an independent predictive factor for tumor progression (p = 0.043). Patients with a high CV had significantly frequent PD than those with a low CV (43.5 vs. 13.0%, p = 0.047). Patients with a high CV tended to have shorter PFS than those with a low CV (3.5 vs. 6.7 months, p = 0.071). CONCLUSION Quantitative analysis using CV in the HBP of Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI may be useful for predicting tumor progression for atezolizumab/bevacizumab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Kunichika
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Tetsuya Tachiiri
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Kozo Shimizu
- Central Division of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Taiji
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Aya Yamada
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Ryota Nakano
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Mariko Irizato
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Satoshi Yamauchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Aki Marugami
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Nagaaki Marugami
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Hayato Kishida
- Department of Radiology, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara 630-8054, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakagawa
- Department of Radiology, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara 630-8054, Japan
| | - Megumi Takewa
- Department of Radiology, Nara Prefecture Seiwa Medical Center, Sango 636-0802, Japan
| | - Ken Kageyama
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-0051, Japan
| | - Akira Yamamoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-0051, Japan
| | - Eisuke Ueshima
- Department of Radiology and Center for Endovascular Therapy, Kobe University, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Keitaro Sofue
- Department of Radiology and Center for Endovascular Therapy, Kobe University, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Kita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka 543-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kurakami
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan; (H.K.); (T.T.)
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Aoki T, Nishida N, Kurebayashi Y, Sakai K, Morita M, Chishina H, Takita M, Hagiwara S, Ida H, Ueshima K, Minami Y, Tsurusaki M, Nakai T, Sakamoto M, Nishio K, Kudo M. Two Distinct Characteristics of Immune Microenvironment in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Wnt/β-Catenin Mutations. Liver Cancer 2024; 13:285-305. [PMID: 38894812 PMCID: PMC11185857 DOI: 10.1159/000533818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapy is becoming a promising approach for unresectable-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); the anti-tumor response is affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although Wnt/β-catenin mutations are reported to cause non-inflamed phenotype, their role on TME remains controversial. We aimed to clarify the heterogeneity of immunophenotype in HCC with Wnt/β-catenin mutations. Methods This study includes 152 resected HCCs; mutations in the catenin beta-1, adenomatous polyposis coli, or AXIN1, or AXIN2 genes were defined as Wnt/β-catenin mutations. With hierarchical cluster analyses, TME was classified into inflamed or non-inflamed classes based on the gene expressions associated with T-cell activation. Expression profiles of molecules related to cell differentiation and biliary-stem cell markers were compared between the TME classes to investigate whether differences in tumor traits were associated with TME. Results Forty of 152 (26.3%) HCCs carried the Wnt/β-catenin mutations. Of these, 33 were classified as non-inflamed (33/40, 82.5%) and 7 as inflamed (7/40, 17.5%). Non-inflamed class was characterized by low number of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells on immunostaining, and high mRNA expressions of AXIN2 and GLUL, which are involved in the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and hepatocyte differentiation, respectively. Non-inflamed tumors showed higher enhancement on the hepatobiliary-phase of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to inflamed tumors. HCCs classified as inflamed class are revealed to have high numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes on immunostaining. This class is associated with increased expression of anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule and FOXM1 accompanied by upregulation of genes related to interferon-gamma signaling, dendritic cell migration, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell activation and recognized as low enhancement nodule on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Conclusion Heterogeneity of tumor traits and TME was observed in HCC with Wnt/β-catenin mutation. The potential was indicated that tumor traits and TME are determined not only by the activation of the HNF4A but also by FOXM1, both of which are downstream transcription factor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kurebayashi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Chishina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Satoru Hagiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Kazuomi Ueshima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yasunori Minami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Tsurusaki
- Department of Radiology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakai
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
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Tang S, Fan T, Wang X, Yu C, Zhang C, Zhou Y. Cancer Immunotherapy and Medical Imaging Research Trends from 2003 to 2023: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:2105-2120. [PMID: 38736544 PMCID: PMC11086400 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s457367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose With the rapid development of immunotherapy, cancer treatment has entered a new phase. Medical imaging, as a primary diagnostic method, is closely related to cancer immunotherapy. However, until now, there has been no systematic bibliometric analysis of the state of this field. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to clarify the past research trajectory, summarize current research hotspots, reveal dynamic scientific developments, and explore future research directions. Patients and Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to identify publications related to immunotherapy specifically for the medical imaging of carcinoma. The search spanned the period from the year 2003 to 2023. Several analytical tools were employed. These included CiteSpace (6.2.4), and the Microsoft Office Excel (2016). Results By searching the database, a total of 704 English articles published between 2003 and 2023 were obtained. We have observed a rapid increase in the number of publications since 2018. The two most active countries are the United States (n=265) and China (n=170). Pittock, Sean J and Abu-sbeih, Hamzah are very concerned about the relationship between cancer immunotherapy and medical images and have published more academic papers (n = 5; n = 4). Among the top 10 co-cited authors, Topalian Sl (n=43) cited ranked first, followed by Graus F (n=40) cited. According to clustering, timeline, and burst word analysis, the results show that the current research focus is on "MRI", "deep learning", "tumor microenvironment" and so on. Conclusion Medical imaging and cancer immunotherapy are hot topics. The United States is the country with the most publications and the greatest influence in this field, followed by China. "MRI", "PET/PET-CT", "deep learning", "immune-related adverse events" and "tumor microenvironment" are currently hot research topics and potential targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Fan
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Can Yu
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunhui Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150010, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang N, Yang X, Piao M, Xun Z, Wang Y, Ning C, Zhang X, Zhang L, Wang Y, Wang S, Chao J, Lu Z, Yang X, Wang H, Zhao H. Biomarkers and prognostic factors of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomark Res 2024; 12:26. [PMID: 38355603 PMCID: PMC10865587 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00535-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic therapies using programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have demonstrated commendable efficacy in some patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, other individuals do not respond favorably. Hence, identifying the biomarkers, the prognostic factors, and their underlying mechanisms is crucial. In this review, we summarized the latest advancements in this field. Within the tumor microenvironment, PD-L1 expression is commonly utilized to predict response. Moreover, the characteristics of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Preclinical studies have identified stimulatory dendritic cells, conventional dendritic cells, and macrophages as potential biomarkers. The emergence of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics has provided invaluable insights into tumor heterogeneity through the lens of single-cell profiling and spatial distribution. With the widespread adoption of next-generation sequencing, certain genomic characteristics, including tumor mutational burden, copy number alterations, specific genes (TP53, CTNNB1, and GZMB), and signaling pathways (WNT/β-catenin) have been found to correlate with prognosis. Furthermore, clinical features such as tumor size, number, and metastasis status have demonstrated prognostic value. Notably, common indicators such as the Child-Pugh score and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, which are used in patients with liver diseases, have shown potential. Similarly, commonly employed laboratory parameters such as baseline transforming growth factor beta, lactate dehydrogenase, dynamic changes in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and abnormal prothrombin, CRAFITY score (composed of C-reactive protein and AFP), and immune adverse events have been identified as predictive biomarkers. Novel imaging techniques such as EOB-MRI and PET/CT employing innovative tracers also have potential. Moreover, liquid biopsy has gained widespread use in biomarker studies owing to its non-invasive, convenient, and highly reproducible nature, as well as its dynamic monitoring capabilities. Research on the gut microbiome, including its composition, dynamic changes, and metabolomic analysis, has gained considerable attention. Efficient biomarker discovery relies on continuous updating of treatment strategies. Next, we summarized recent advancements in clinical research on HCC immunotherapy and provided an overview of ongoing clinical trials for contributing to the understanding and improvement of HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mingjian Piao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ziyu Xun
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yunchao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Cong Ning
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xinmu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Longhao Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiashuo Chao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhenhui Lu
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, No.36 Industrial 8 Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong province, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Hanping Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China.
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7
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Yang Y, Li L, Xu Y, Ouyang J, Zhou Y, Ye F, Huang Z, Zhang W, Zhou A, Zhao X, Cai J, Wang Y, Zhou J, Zhao H. The GRAPHS-CRAFITY score: a novel efficacy predictive tool for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immunotherapy. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2024; 129:188-201. [PMID: 38180570 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-023-01753-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate MR features associated with prognosis of unresectable HCC receiving immunotherapy and establish a MR feature-based scoring system to predict efficacy of immunotherapy. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with unresectable HCC who received immunotherapy at 2 hospitals between August 2018 and February 2022. The last follow-up was October 2022. Clinical variables and MR features were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A new scoring system was constructed based on independent risk factors and the CRAFITY score consisting of AFP (≥ 100 ng/ml) and CRP (≥ 1 mg/dl). And the predictive performance of CRAFITY core and new score were compared by receiver-operating-characteristics curves (ROCs), area under ROCs (AUCs), and calibration curves. RESULTS A total of 166 patients (55.6 ± 10.4 years) were included in training cohort and 77 patients (55.4 ± 10.7 years) were included in validation cohort. There were significant differences in BCLC stage, max size, macrovascular invasion, intratumoral artery, and enhancing capsule between the 2 groups. Based on independent risk factors (gross GRowtH type, intratumoral fAt, enhancing tumor caPsule, Sex and CRAFITY score), a novel efficacy predictive tool named the GRAPHS-CRAFITY score was developed to predict OS. The OS was significantly different among the 3 groups according to GRAPHS-CRAFITY score (p value < 0.001). The GRAPHS-CRAFITY score could predict tumor response and disease control (p value < 0.001, p value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The GRAPHS-CRAFITY score is a reliable and easily applicable tool to predict the efficacy of unresectable HCC receiving immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and Research and Development (R&D) of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jingzhong Ouyang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and Research and Development (R&D) of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhao Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and Research and Development (R&D) of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Aiping Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinming Zhao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqiang Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and Research and Development (R&D) of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jinxue Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gene Editing Screening and Research and Development (R&D) of Digestive System Tumor Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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8
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Minamiguchi K, Irizato M, Uchiyama T, Taiji R, Nishiofuku H, Marugami N, Tanaka T. Hepatobiliary-phase gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid MRI for pretreatment prediction of efficacy-to-standard-therapies based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer algorithm: an up-to-date review. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:8764-8775. [PMID: 37470828 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09950-0] [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] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in systemic therapy have had major impacts on treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The 2022 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines incorporate a new section on clinical decision-making for personalized medicine, although the first treatment suggested by the BCLC guidelines is based on solid scientific evidence. More than ever before, the appropriate treatment strategy must be selected prior to the initiation of therapy for HCC. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI) is essential for liver imaging and the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of EOB-MRI reflects the expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporters. Molecules associated with OATP expression are relevant in the molecular classification of HCC subclasses, and EOB-MRI is becoming increasingly important with advances in the molecular and genetic understanding of HCC. In this review, we describe imaging findings for the pretreatment prediction of response to standard therapies for HCC based on the BCLC algorithm using the HBP of EOB-MRI, with specific attention to the molecular background of OATPs. A more complete understanding of these findings will help radiologists suggest appropriate treatments and clinical follow-ups and could lead to the development of more personalized treatment strategies in the future. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In the coming era of personalized medicine, HBP of EOB-MRI reflecting molecular and pathological factors could play a predictive role in the therapeutic efficacy of HCC and contribute to treatment selection. KEY POINTS: • Imaging features of hepatobiliary phase predict treatment efficacy prior to therapy and contribute to treatment choice. • Wnt/β-catenin activation associated with organic anion transporting polypeptide expression is involved in the tumor immune microenvironment and chemo-responsiveness. • Peritumoral hypointensity of hepatobiliary phase reflecting microvascular invasion affects the therapeutic efficacy of locoregional to systemic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan.
| | - Mariko Irizato
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tomoko Uchiyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Taiji
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Nishiofuku
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Nagaaki Marugami
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
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9
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Auer TA, Halskov S, Fehrenbach U, Nevermann NF, Pelzer U, Mohr R, Hamm B, Schöning W, Horst D, Ihlow J, Geisel D. Gd-EOB MRI for HCC subtype differentiation in a western population according to the 5 th edition of the World Health Organization classification. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:6902-6915. [PMID: 37115216 PMCID: PMC10511376 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the value of gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for noninvasive subtype differentiation of HCCs according to the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors in a western population. METHODS This retrospective study included 262 resected lesions in 240 patients with preoperative Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI. Subtypes were assigned by two pathologists. Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI datasets were assessed by two radiologists for qualitative and quantitative imaging features, including imaging features defined in LI-RADS v2018 and area of hepatobiliary phase (HBP) iso- to hyperintensity. RESULTS The combination of non-rim arterial phase hyperenhancement with non-peripheral portal venous washout was more common in "not otherwise specified" (nos-ST) (88/168, 52%) than other subtypes, in particular macrotrabecular massive (mt-ST) (3/15, 20%), chromophobe (ch-ST) (1/8, 13%), and scirrhous subtypes (sc-ST) (2/9, 22%) (p = 0.035). Macrovascular invasion was associated with mt-ST (5/16, p = 0.033) and intralesional steatosis with steatohepatitic subtype (sh-ST) (28/32, p < 0.001). Predominant iso- to hyperintensity in the HBP was only present in nos-ST (16/174), sh-ST (3/33), and clear cell subtypes (cc-ST) (3/13) (p = 0.031). Associations were found for the following non-imaging parameters: age and sex, as patients with fibrolamellar subtype (fib-ST) were younger (median 44 years (19-66), p < 0.001) and female (4/5, p = 0.023); logarithm of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was elevated in the mt-ST (median 397 µg/l (74-5370), p < 0.001); type II diabetes mellitus was more frequent in the sh-ST (20/33, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Gd-EOB-MRI reproduces findings reported in the literature for extracellular contrast-enhanced MRI and CT and may be a valuable tool for noninvasive HCC subtype differentiation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Better characterization of the heterogeneous phenotypes of HCC according to the revised WHO classification potentially improves both diagnostic accuracy and the precision of therapeutic stratification for HCC. KEY POINTS • Previously reported imaging features of common subtypes in CT and MRI enhanced with extracellular contrast agents are reproducible with Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI. • While uncommon, predominant iso- to hyperintensity in the HBP was observed only in NOS, clear cell, and steatohepatitic subtypes. • Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI offers imaging features that are of value for HCC subtype differentiation according to the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo A Auer
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Halskov
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uli Fehrenbach
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nora F Nevermann
- Department of Surgery - CVK/CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Pelzer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raphael Mohr
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzel Schöning
- Department of Surgery - CVK/CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Ihlow
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Geisel
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Hosoda K, Toshima T, Takahashi J, Yonemura Y, Hisamatsu Y, Hirose K, Masuda T, Motomura Y, Abe T, Ando Y, Dairaku K, Nakano Y, Hashimoto M, Hiraki Y, Soejima Y, Yoshizumi T, Mimori K. Successful multidisciplinary treatment with complete response to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in a 90-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. Int Cancer Conf J 2023; 12:274-278. [PMID: 37577350 PMCID: PMC10421829 DOI: 10.1007/s13691-023-00618-6] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is the first-line regimen in Japan for hepatocellular carcinoma following the results of the IMbrave 150 trial. However, the safety and efficiency of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in older patients, especially in the oldest-old patients aged over 80 years, have not been thoroughly studied and is still controversial. Eighteen months ago, a 90-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic hepatectomy (S6) for her primary hepatocellular carcinoma (S6, 2 cm). Nine months after the first surgery, she received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence (S8, 2 cm). The subsequent recurrence (S3, 1 cm; S5, 2 cm; S8, 1 cm) was uncovered by radiological assessment 1 year after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment. We then initiated chemotherapy treatment with lenvatinib at 8 mg daily. Despite reducing the lenvatinib dosage, the adverse event of severe fatigue and asitia did not resolve; therefore, the regimen of atezolizumab + bevacizumab combination therapy was changed to be started. After the first 2 months, tumor regression was observed on computed tomography; the patient tolerated the atezolizumab + bevacizumab combination regimen over 8 months for 10 cycles without any adverse effects. She finally showed a complete response; no recurrence developed 1 year after the complete response. Therefore, older adult patients may benefit highly from atezolizumab plus bevacizumab with appropriate patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotaka Hosoda
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
- Division of Gastroenterological, Department of Surgery, Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeo Toshima
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junichi Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Yusuke Yonemura
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Yuichi Hisamatsu
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Kosuke Hirose
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Takaaki Masuda
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Yushi Motomura
- Department of Radiology, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu, Japan
| | - Tadashi Abe
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Yuki Ando
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Katsushi Dairaku
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakano
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Masahiro Hashimoto
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
| | - Yoshiki Hiraki
- Department of Radiology, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu, Japan
| | - Yuji Soejima
- Division of Gastroenterological, Department of Surgery, Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Yoshizumi
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koshi Mimori
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, 4546 Tsurumihara, Beppu, Oita 874-0838 Japan
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11
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Chen Y, Yang C, Sheng L, Jiang H, Song B. The Era of Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The New Mission and Challenges of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4677. [PMID: 37835371 PMCID: PMC10572030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, significant advancements in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have shown the potential to further improve the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC. However, in clinical practice, there is still a lack of effective biomarkers for identifying the patient who would benefit from immunotherapy and predicting the tumor response to immunotherapy. The immune microenvironment of HCC plays a crucial role in tumor development and drug responses. However, due to the complexity of immune microenvironment, currently, no single pathological or molecular biomarker can effectively predict tumor responses to immunotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images provide rich biological information; existing studies suggest the feasibility of using MRI to assess the immune microenvironment of HCC and predict tumor responses to immunotherapy. Nevertheless, there are limitations, such as the suboptimal performance of conventional MRI sequences, incomplete feature extraction in previous deep learning methods, and limited interpretability. Further study needs to combine qualitative features, quantitative parameters, multi-omics characteristics related to the HCC immune microenvironment, and various deep learning techniques in multi-center research cohorts. Subsequently, efforts should also be undertaken to construct and validate a visual predictive tool of tumor response, and assess its predictive value for patient survival benefits. Additionally, future research endeavors must aim to provide an accurate, efficient, non-invasive, and highly interpretable method for predicting the effectiveness of immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidi Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; (Y.C.); (C.Y.); (L.S.)
| | - Chongtu Yang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; (Y.C.); (C.Y.); (L.S.)
| | - Liuji Sheng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; (Y.C.); (C.Y.); (L.S.)
| | - Hanyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; (Y.C.); (C.Y.); (L.S.)
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; (Y.C.); (C.Y.); (L.S.)
- Department of Radiology, Sanya People’s Hospital, Sanya 572000, China
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12
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Motomura K, Kuwano A, Tanaka K, Koga Y, Masumoto A, Yada M. Potential Predictive Biomarkers of Systemic Drug Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Anticipated Usefulness in Clinical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4345. [PMID: 37686621 PMCID: PMC10486942 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174345] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In the systemic drug treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, only the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib was available for a period. This was followed by the development of regorafenib as a second-line treatment after sorafenib, and then lenvatinib, a new TKI, proved non-inferiority to sorafenib and became available as a first-line treatment. Subsequently, cabozantinib, another TKI, was introduced as a second-line treatment, along with ramucirumab, the only drug proven to be predictive of therapeutic efficacy when AFP levels are >400 ng/mL. It is an anti-VEGF receptor antibody. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the mainstay of systemic therapy and can now be used as a first-line standard treatment for HCC. However, the objective response rate for these drugs is currently only 30% to 40%, and there is a high incidence of side effects. Additionally, there are no practical biomarkers to predict their therapeutic effects. Therefore, this review provides an overview of extensive research conducted on potential HCC biomarkers from blood, tissue, or imaging information that can be used in practice to predict the therapeutic efficacy of systemic therapy before its initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Motomura
- Department of Hepatology, Iizuka Hospital, 3-83 Yoshio-machi, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8505, Japan; (A.K.); (K.T.); (Y.K.); (A.M.); (M.Y.)
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13
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Tamura Y, Ono A, Nakahara H, Hayes CN, Fujii Y, Zhang P, Yamauchi M, Uchikawa S, Teraoka Y, Uchida T, Fujino H, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Tsuge M, Serikawa M, Miki D, Kawaoka T, Okamoto W, Imamura M, Nakamura Y, Awai K, Kobayashi T, Ohdan H, Fujita M, Nakagawa H, Chayama K, Aikata H, Oka S. Association of Hepatobiliary Phase of Gadoxetic-Acid-Enhanced MRI Imaging with Immune Microenvironment and Response to Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4234. [PMID: 37686510 PMCID: PMC10486496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that high intensity in the hepatobiliary (HB) phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) is associated with an immune-cold microenvironment in HCC. The aim of this study is to reveal whether non-high-intensity HCCs are homogeneous with respect to the immune microenvironment and to investigate the predictive ability of EOB-MRI for the response to atezolizumab + bevacizumab therapy (Atezo/Bev). The association between differences in stepwise signal intensity of HB phase and molecular subtypes and somatic mutations associated with the immune microenvironment was investigated in 65 HCC patients (cohort 1). The association between EOB-MRI and the therapeutic effect of Atezo/Bev was evaluated in the Atezo/Bev cohort (60 patients in cohort 2). The proportion of HCCs having CTNNB1 mutations and classified as Chiang CTNNB1 and Hoshida S3 was high in the high-intensity HB-phase group. Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and regulatory T-lymphocytes (Treg) was characteristic of the high-intensity and low-intensity groups, respectively. Although EOB-MRI could not predict the response to Atezo/Bev treatment, our results demonstrate that EOB-MRI could serve as a surrogate marker predicting the immune microenvironment. This suggests that Atezo/Bev treatment can be selected regardless of signal intensity in the EOB-MRI HB phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Tamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Clair Nelson Hayes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yasutoshi Fujii
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Uchikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuji Teraoka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takuro Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hatsue Fujino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masahiro Serikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Wataru Okamoto
- Cancer Treatment Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakamura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuo Awai
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Laboratory for Cancer Genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hidewaki Nakagawa
- Laboratory for Cancer Genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8530, Japan
| | - Shiro Oka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
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14
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Saito N, Nishiofuku H, Sato T, Maeda S, Minamiguchi K, Taiji R, Matsumoto T, Chanoki Y, Tachiiri T, Kunichika H, Marugami N, Tanaka T. Predictive Factors of Complete Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization in Intermediate Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma beyond Up-To-7 Criteria. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2609. [PMID: 37174075 PMCID: PMC10177099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092609] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To clarify the prognosis and identify predictors for obtaining a complete response (CR) by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in intermediate stage HCC beyond up-to-7 criteria. METHODS Of the 120 patients with intermediate stage HCC who were treated by TACE as the initial treatment from February 2007 to January 2016, 72 finally matched the following inclusion criteria: beyond up-to-7 criteria; Child-Pugh score under 7; and no combined therapy within 4 weeks after the initial TACE. The CR rate and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of CR. The deterioration of liver function after TACE was also evaluated. RESULTS The CR rate was 56.9%, and the overall median survival time (MST) was 37.7 months. The MST was 38.7 months in the CR group and 28.0 months in the non-CR group (p = 0.018). HCC within up-to-11 criteria was the only predictor of CR. The CR rate and MST were 70.7% and 37.7 months, respectively, in patients with HCC within up-to-11 criteria and 38.7% and 32.7 months, respectively, in the patients beyond up-to-11 criteria. Deterioration of the Child-Pugh score after the initial TACE and the 2nd TACE occurred in 24.2% and 12.0%, respectively, and deterioration of the modified albumin-bilirubin (mALBI) grade occurred in 17.6% and 7.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION TACE can achieve high CR rates with prolonged overall survival for intermediate stage HCC beyond up-to-7 criteria. The predictor of CR was within up-to-11 criteria. Deterioration of liver function was not severe, but requires caution. Multidisciplinary approach as additional treatment after TACE is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuhiko Saito
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
- Department of Radiology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Nishiiwata 3-4-5, Higashiosaka City 578-8588, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Nishiofuku
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Takeshi Sato
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Shinsaku Maeda
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Ryosuke Taiji
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Takeshi Matsumoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Yuto Chanoki
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Tetsuya Tachiiri
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Hideki Kunichika
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Nagaaki Marugami
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan; (N.S.); (H.N.); (T.S.); (S.M.); (K.M.); (R.T.); (T.M.); (Y.C.); (T.T.); (H.K.); (N.M.)
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15
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Hagiwara S, Nishida N, Kudo M. Advances in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072070. [PMID: 37046727 PMCID: PMC10093619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) aim to induce immune responses against tumors and are less likely to develop drug resistance than molecularly targeted drugs. In addition, they are characterized by a long-lasting antitumor effect. However, since its effectiveness depends on the tumor’s immune environment, it is essential to understand the immune environment of hepatocellular carcinoma to select ICI therapeutic indications and develop biomarkers. A network of diverse cellular and humoral factors establishes cancer immunity. By analyzing individual cases and classifying them from the viewpoint of tumor immunity, attempts have been made to select the optimal therapeutic drug for immunotherapy, including ICIs. ICI treatment is discussed from the viewpoints of immune subclass of HCC, Wnt/β-catenin mutation, immunotherapy in NASH-related HCC, the mechanism of HPD onset, and HBV reactivation.
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Bai JW, Qiu SQ, Zhang GJ. Molecular and functional imaging in cancer-targeted therapy: current applications and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:89. [PMID: 36849435 PMCID: PMC9971190 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted anticancer drugs block cancer cell growth by interfering with specific signaling pathways vital to carcinogenesis and tumor growth rather than harming all rapidly dividing cells as in cytotoxic chemotherapy. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) system has been used to assess tumor response to therapy via changes in the size of target lesions as measured by calipers, conventional anatomically based imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging methods. However, RECIST is sometimes inaccurate in assessing the efficacy of targeted therapy drugs because of the poor correlation between tumor size and treatment-induced tumor necrosis or shrinkage. This approach might also result in delayed identification of response when the therapy does confer a reduction in tumor size. Innovative molecular imaging techniques have rapidly gained importance in the dawning era of targeted therapy as they can visualize, characterize, and quantify biological processes at the cellular, subcellular, or even molecular level rather than at the anatomical level. This review summarizes different targeted cell signaling pathways, various molecular imaging techniques, and developed probes. Moreover, the application of molecular imaging for evaluating treatment response and related clinical outcome is also systematically outlined. In the future, more attention should be paid to promoting the clinical translation of molecular imaging in evaluating the sensitivity to targeted therapy with biocompatible probes. In particular, multimodal imaging technologies incorporating advanced artificial intelligence should be developed to comprehensively and accurately assess cancer-targeted therapy, in addition to RECIST-based methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Bai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Breast Cancer, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast and Thyroid Cancers, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China
| | - Si-Qi Qiu
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Breast Diseases, Clinical Research Center, Shantou Central Hospital, 515041, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou University Medical College, 515041, Shantou, China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Breast Cancer, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast and Thyroid Cancers, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
- Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361100, Xiamen, China.
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Minamiguchi K, Nishiofuku H, Saito N, Sato T, Taiji R, Matsumoto T, Maeda S, Chanoki Y, Tachiiri T, Kunichika H, Inoue T, Marugami N, Tanaka T. Quantitative Analysis of Signal Heterogeneity in the Hepatobiliary Phase of Pretreatment Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI as a Prognostic Imaging Biomarker in Transarterial Chemoembolization for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041238. [PMID: 36831582 PMCID: PMC9954181 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041238] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the era of local and systemic therapies for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), personalized therapy has become available. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of quantitative analysis of pretreatment gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) to predict prognosis following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS This retrospective study included patients with treatment-naïve intermediate-stage HCC who underwent EOB-MRI before the initial TACE and were treated by initial TACE between February 2007 and January 2016. Signal heterogeneity in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of EOB-MRI was quantitatively evaluated by the coefficient of variation (CV). The cutoff CV value was determined using the Classification and Regression Tree algorithm. RESULTS A total of 64 patients were enrolled. In multivariate analysis, High CV (≥0.16) was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.038). In a subgroup analysis of patients within up-to-7 criteria, MST was significantly shorter in the High CV group than in the Low CV group (37.7 vs. 82.9 months, p = 0.024). In patients beyond up-to-7 criteria, MST was 18.0 and 38.3 months in the High CV and Low CV groups, respectively (p = 0.182). In both groups scanned at 1.5 T or 3.0 T, High CV was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION CV of the tumor in the HBP of EOB-MRI is a valuable prognostic factor of TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+81-744-22-3051
| | - Hideyuki Nishiofuku
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Natsuhiko Saito
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sato
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Taiji
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takeshi Matsumoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Maeda
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yuto Chanoki
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tachiiri
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hideki Kunichika
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takashi Inoue
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Nagaaki Marugami
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho 840, Kashihara City 634-8522, Japan
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18
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Tian BW, Yan LJ, Ding ZN, Liu H, Han CL, Meng GX, Xue JS, Dong ZR, Yan YC, Hong JG, Chen ZQ, Wang DX, Li T. Evaluating liver function and the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109519. [PMID: 36459922 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have underlying cirrhosis and a compromised liver function. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as an important approach for HCC treatment. The purpose of our study was to explore the prognostic significance of liver function in HCC patients receiving ICIs. METHODS Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the relationship between liver function and overall survival (OS)/progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS 41 articles with 4483 patients with HCC were included. The pooled results revealed that either Child-Pugh score (OS:HR = 2.01,95 %CI:1.69-2.38; PFS:HR = 1.39,95 %CI:1.15-1.68) or albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score (OS:HR = 2.04,95 %CI:1.55-2.69; PFS:HR = 1.42,95 %CI:1.21-1.67) can predict the patient prognosis. The Child-Pugh score has some degree of subjectivity, and the ALBI score can better stratify patients. Therefore, the ALBI score was used to evaluate patients' liver function and determine treatment options. Further subgroup analysis found that the results of prospective studies were statistically significant only for the ALBI score with regards to OS (HR = 1.69,95 %CI:1.26-2.26). Meanwhile, the effect of liver function on the efficacy of ICIs in the large-sample studies was not as obvious as that in small-sample studies. Moreover, the incidence of adverse events did not significantly increase in patients with impaired liver function. CONCLUSION Poor liver function is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with HCC receiving ICIs. The ALBI score is simpler and reliable for patient stratification than the Child-Pugh score. Although the survival time of patients with impaired liver function may be relatively short, ICIs still have great potential for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Wen Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Cheng-Long Han
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Guang-Xiao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Jun-Shuai Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Jian-Guo Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Dong-Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital and The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China.
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Lu M, Qu Q, Xu L, Zhang J, Liu M, Jiang J, Shen W, Zhang T, Zhang X. Prediction for Aggressiveness and Postoperative Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Acad Radiol 2022; 30:841-852. [PMID: 36577606 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the predictive value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features on the pathologic grade, microvascular invasion (MVI), and cytokeratin-19 (CK19) expression in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), and to evaluate their association with postoperative recurrence of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 147 patients with surgically confirmed HCCs who underwent gadoxetic-enhanced MRI. The lesions were evaluated quantitatively in terms of the relative enhancement ratio (RER), and qualitatively based on imaging features and clinical parameters. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the value of these parameters in predicting the pathologic grade, MVI, and CK19 in HCC. Predictive factors for postoperative recurrence were determined using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Peritumoral enhancement (odds ratio [OR], 3.396; p = 0.025) was an independent predictor of high pathologic grades. Serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist (PIVKA) level > 40 mAU/mL (OR, 3.763; p = 0.018) and peritumoral hypointensity (OR, 4.343; p = 0.003) were independent predictors of MVI. Predictors of CK19 included serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level > 400 ng/mL (OR, 4.576; p = 0.005), rim enhancement (OR, 5.493; p = 0.024), and lower RER (OR, 0.013; p = 0.011). Peritumoral hypointensity (hazard ratio [HR], 1.957; p = 0.027) and poor pathologic grades (HR, 2.339; p = 0.043) were independent predictors of recurrence. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the value of preoperative gadoxetic-enhanced MRI in predicting aggressive pathological features of HCC. Poor pathologic grades and peritumoral hypointensity may independently predict the recurrence of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtian Lu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qi Qu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiyun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Maotong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jifeng Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Shen
- Philips Healthcare Shanghai, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xueqin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, NO. 60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226006, Jiangsu, China.
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20
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Fahmy D, Alksas A, Elnakib A, Mahmoud A, Kandil H, Khalil A, Ghazal M, van Bogaert E, Contractor S, El-Baz A. The Role of Radiomics and AI Technologies in the Segmentation, Detection, and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246123. [PMID: 36551606 PMCID: PMC9777232 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246123] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic neoplasm. Thanks to recent advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is potential to improve detection, segmentation, discrimination from HCC mimics, and monitoring of therapeutic response. Radiomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and derived tools have already been applied in other areas of diagnostic imaging with promising results. In this review, we briefly discuss the current clinical applications of radiomics and AI in the detection, segmentation, and management of HCC. Moreover, we investigate their potential to reach a more accurate diagnosis of HCC and to guide proper treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Fahmy
- Diagnostic Radiology Department, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alksas
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Ahmed Elnakib
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Ali Mahmoud
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Heba Kandil
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Faculty of Computer Sciences and Information, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Khalil
- College of Technological Innovation, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 4783, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Ghazal
- Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering Department, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eric van Bogaert
- Department of Radiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sohail Contractor
- Department of Radiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Ayman El-Baz
- Bioengineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Correspondence:
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He P, Wan H, Wan J, Jiang H, Yang Y, Xie K, Wu H. Systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: Existing and emerging biomarkers for treatment response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1015527. [PMID: 36483039 PMCID: PMC9723250 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1015527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to asymptomatic patients in the early stage, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and lose the opportunity for radical resection. In addition, for patients who underwent procedures with curative intent for early-stage HCC, up to 70% of patients may have disease recurrence within 5 years. With the advent of an increasing number of systemic therapy medications, we now have more options for the treatment of HCC. However, data from clinical studies show that with different combinations of regimens, the objective response rate is approximately 40%, and most patients will not respond to treatment. In this setting, biomarkers for predicting treatment response are of great significance for precise treatment, reducing drug side effects and saving medical resources. In this review, we summarized the existing and emerging biomarkers in the literature, with special emphasis on the pathways and mechanism underlying the prediction value of those biomarkers for systemic treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui He
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Wan
- Department of Pancreatitis Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunlin Xie
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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22
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Chartampilas E, Rafailidis V, Georgopoulou V, Kalarakis G, Hatzidakis A, Prassopoulos P. Current Imaging Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163997. [PMID: 36010991 PMCID: PMC9406360 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The role of imaging in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has significantly evolved and expanded beyond the plain radiological confirmation of the tumor based on the typical appearance in a multiphase contrast-enhanced CT or MRI examination. The introduction of hepatobiliary contrast agents has enabled the diagnosis of hepatocarcinogenesis at earlier stages, while the application of ultrasound contrast agents has drastically upgraded the role of ultrasound in the diagnostic algorithms. Newer quantitative techniques assessing blood perfusion on CT and MRI not only allow earlier diagnosis and confident differentiation from other lesions, but they also provide biomarkers for the evaluation of treatment response. As distinct HCC subtypes are identified, their correlation with specific imaging features holds great promise for estimating tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. This review presents the current role of imaging and underlines its critical role in the successful management of patients with HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Radiology has traditionally played a central role in HCC management, ranging from screening of high-risk patients to non-invasive diagnosis, as well as the evaluation of treatment response and post-treatment follow-up. From liver ultrasonography with or without contrast to dynamic multiple phased CT and dynamic MRI with diffusion protocols, great progress has been achieved in the last decade. Throughout the last few years, pathological, biological, genetic, and immune-chemical analyses have revealed several tumoral subtypes with diverse biological behavior, highlighting the need for the re-evaluation of established radiological methods. Considering these changes, novel methods that provide functional and quantitative parameters in addition to morphological information are increasingly incorporated into modern diagnostic protocols for HCC. In this way, differential diagnosis became even more challenging throughout the last few years. Use of liver specific contrast agents, as well as CT/MRI perfusion techniques, seem to not only allow earlier detection and more accurate characterization of HCC lesions, but also make it possible to predict response to treatment and survival. Nevertheless, several limitations and technical considerations still exist. This review will describe and discuss all these imaging modalities and their advances in the imaging of HCC lesions in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers. Sensitivity and specificity rates, method limitations, and technical considerations will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Chartampilas
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Vasileios Rafailidis
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vivian Georgopoulou
- Radiology Department, Ippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalarakis
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Division of Radiology, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Adam Hatzidakis
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panos Prassopoulos
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Kudo M. Durvalumab plus tremelimumab in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2022; 11:592-596. [PMID: 36016731 PMCID: PMC9396100 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-22-143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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24
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Katabathina VS, Khanna L, Surabhi VR, Minervini M, Shanbhogue K, Dasyam AK, Prasad SR. Morphomolecular Classification Update on Hepatocellular Adenoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Radiographics 2022; 42:1338-1357. [PMID: 35776676 DOI: 10.1148/rg.210206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCAs) are a highly heterogeneous group of liver tumors with diverse pathomolecular features and prognoses. High-throughput gene sequencing techniques have allowed discovery of distinct genetic and molecular underpinnings of these tumors and identified distinct subtypes that demonstrate varied clinicobiologic behaviors, imaging findings, and complications. The combination of histopathologic findings and molecular profiling form the basis for the morphomolecular classification of liver tumors. Distinct HCA subtypes with characteristic imaging findings and complications include HNF1A-inactivated, inflammatory, β-catenin-activated, β-catenin-activated inflammatory, and sonic hedgehog HCAs. HCCs can be grouped into proliferative and nonproliferative subtypes. Proliferative HCCs include macrotrabecular-massive, TP53-mutated, scirrhous, clear cell, fibrolamellar, and sarcomatoid HCCs and combined HCC-cholangiocarcinoma. Steatohepatitic and β-catenin-mutated HCCs constitute the nonproliferative subtypes. iCCAs are classified as small-duct and large-duct types on the basis of the level of bile duct involvement, with significant differences in pathogenesis, molecular signatures, imaging findings, and biologic behaviors. Cross-sectional imaging modalities, including multiphase CT and multiparametric MRI, play an essential role in diagnosis, staging, treatment response assessment, and surveillance. Select imaging phenotypes can be correlated with genetic abnormalities, and identification of surrogate imaging markers may help avoid genetic testing. Improved understanding of morphomolecular features of liver tumors has opened new areas of research in the targeted therapeutics and management guidelines. The purpose of this article is to review imaging findings of select morphomolecular subtypes of HCAs, HCCs, and iCCAs and discuss therapeutic and prognostic implications. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkata S Katabathina
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 (V.S.K., L.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (V.R.S., S.R.P.); Departments of Pathology (M.M.) and Radiology (A.K.D.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa; and Department of Radiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY (K.S.)
| | - Lokesh Khanna
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 (V.S.K., L.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (V.R.S., S.R.P.); Departments of Pathology (M.M.) and Radiology (A.K.D.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa; and Department of Radiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY (K.S.)
| | - Venkateswar R Surabhi
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 (V.S.K., L.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (V.R.S., S.R.P.); Departments of Pathology (M.M.) and Radiology (A.K.D.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa; and Department of Radiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY (K.S.)
| | - Marta Minervini
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 (V.S.K., L.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (V.R.S., S.R.P.); Departments of Pathology (M.M.) and Radiology (A.K.D.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa; and Department of Radiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY (K.S.)
| | - Krishna Shanbhogue
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 (V.S.K., L.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (V.R.S., S.R.P.); Departments of Pathology (M.M.) and Radiology (A.K.D.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa; and Department of Radiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY (K.S.)
| | - Anil K Dasyam
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 (V.S.K., L.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (V.R.S., S.R.P.); Departments of Pathology (M.M.) and Radiology (A.K.D.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa; and Department of Radiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY (K.S.)
| | - Srinivasa R Prasad
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 (V.S.K., L.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex (V.R.S., S.R.P.); Departments of Pathology (M.M.) and Radiology (A.K.D.), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa; and Department of Radiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY (K.S.)
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25
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TKIs beyond immunotherapy predict improved survival in advanced HCC. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 149:2559-2574. [PMID: 35773429 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04115-w] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE For patients with advanced HCC, predictors of immunotherapy response are scarce, and the benefits of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment after immunotherapy are unclear. We explored whether clinical features, such as target lesion response, immune-mediated toxicity, or subsequent TKI therapy predict immunotherapy response. METHODS We retrospectively studied 77 patients with advanced HCC receiving immunotherapy. Patient characteristics and outcomes were assessed using various statistical methods, including the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier methods. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used for multivariable survival analysis. RESULTS For all patients, median overall survival (mOS) was 13 months (95% CI 8-19), and median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 6 months (95% CI 4-10). Patients with partial response (PR) and stable disease (SD) compared to progressive disease (PD) had prolonged mPFS (27 vs. 5 vs. 1 month(s), p < 0.0001) and mOS (not met vs. 11 vs. 3 months, p < 0.0001). Patients with vs. without immune-mediated toxicities trended towards longer mPFS (9 vs. 4 months p = 0.133) and mOS (17 vs. 9 months; p = 0.095). Patients who did vs. did not receive a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) after immunotherapy had a significantly improved mOS (19 vs. 5 months, p = 0.0024)). Based on multivariate modeling, the hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival (OS) of patients receiving TKI vs. no TKI was 0.412 (p = 0.0043). CONCLUSION We show that disease control predicts prolonged mOS and mPFS. Furthermore, TKI therapy administered after immunotherapy predicts prolonged mOS in patients with advanced HCC.
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Kudo M. Combination Immunotherapy with Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Antibody plus Anti-VEGF Antibody May Promote Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Including in the Noninflamed Subclass. Liver Cancer 2022; 11:185-191. [PMID: 35949296 PMCID: PMC9218634 DOI: 10.1159/000524977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Hamaguchi K, Miyanishi K, Osuga T, Tanaka S, Ito R, Sakamoto H, Kubo T, Ohnuma H, Murase K, Takada K, Nagayama M, Kimura Y, Mizuguchi T, Takemasa I, Kato J. Association between Hepatic Oxidative Stress Related Factors and Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in NAFLD-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092066. [PMID: 35565198 PMCID: PMC9102393 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may reduce the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are first-line therapeutic agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Following gadoxetate-enhanced MRI, HCC lesions may exhibit equal or higher signal intensities in the hepatobiliary phase than normal tissue. Thus, MRI could be used to monitor the therapeutic effect of antitumor agents. In this study, we investigated the relationship between intrahepatic iron overload markers and oxidative stress and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We found that for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-induced HCC, MRI yielded a sensitivity of 57.2% and a specificity of 100%. Serum ferritin > 77.5 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 85.7%. We conclude that serum ferritin levels may further improve the accuracy with which activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling can be predicted. Abstract We investigated the association between iron overload, oxidative stress (8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine: 8-oxo-dG scores), Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation (expression of glutamine synthetase: GS), and tumor hyperintensity in the Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI hepatobiliary phase (relative enhancement ratio: RER). This was a retrospective analysis of 94 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent surgical resection. In HBV-, HCV-, and alcohol-associated HCC, serum ferritin levels in the high and low RER groups were equivalent. In contrast, ferritin levels were elevated in the ‘high RER’ group of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-HCC. As predictors of GS positivity, high RER had a sensitivity of 57.2% and a specificity of 100%. High serum ferritin had a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 85.7%. All cases with serum ferritin ≥275.5 ng/mL and high RER were 8-oxo-dG- and iron staining-positive. Additionally, GS positivity was seen in all cases with “serum ferritin levels above the upper limits or iron staining-positive” and ‘8-oxo-dG high’ cases. Therefore, combining serum ferritin levels with RER may increase the accuracy with which activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is predicted in NAFLD-HCC. We suggest that 8-oxo-dG accumulates following increased oxidative stress due to hepatic tissue iron deposition; this may activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and trigger carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Hamaguchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Koji Miyanishi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-11-611-2111 (ext. 32540); Fax: +81-11-612-7987
| | - Takahiro Osuga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Shingo Tanaka
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
- Department of Infection Control and Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Ryo Ito
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Hiroki Sakamoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Tomohiro Kubo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Hiroyuki Ohnuma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Kazuyuki Murase
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Kohichi Takada
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Minoru Nagayama
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (M.N.); (Y.K.); (T.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Yasutoshi Kimura
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (M.N.); (Y.K.); (T.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Toru Mizuguchi
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (M.N.); (Y.K.); (T.M.); (I.T.)
- Postgraduate School of Health Science and Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (M.N.); (Y.K.); (T.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Junji Kato
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan; (K.H.); (T.O.); (S.T.); (R.I.); (H.S.); (T.K.); (H.O.); (K.M.); (K.T.); (J.K.)
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Sasaki R, Nagata K, Fukushima M, Haraguchi M, Miuma S, Miyaaki H, Soyama A, Hidaka M, Eguchi S, Shigeno M, Yamashima M, Yamamichi S, Ichikawa T, Kugiyama Y, Yatsuhashi H, Nakao K. Evaluating the Role of Hepatobiliary Phase of Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting Treatment Impact of Lenvatinib and Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab on Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030827. [PMID: 35159095 PMCID: PMC8834002 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy has high response rates in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) has been reported to be useful as an imaging biomarker for detecting β-catenin mutations. We evaluated whether pretreatment in the hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI could predict the therapeutic effect of lenvatinib (n = 33) and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (n = 35). The visual assessment and relative enhancement ratio (RER) of the largest HCC lesions were evaluated using the hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI. In the lenvatinib group, progression-free survival (PFS) was not differently stratified using EOB-MRI. In the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab group, the heterogeneous type had significantly shorter PFS than the homogenous type, and the hyperintensity (RER ≥ 0.9) type had significantly shorter PFS than the hypointensity type. Hence, the hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI was useful for predicting the therapeutic effect of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy on unresectable HCC. Abstract Background: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy has high response rates in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) has been reported to be useful as an imaging biomarker for detecting β-catenin mutations. We evaluated whether the pretreatment of the hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI could predict the therapeutic effect of lenvatinib and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. Methods: This study included 68 patients (lenvatinib group (n = 33) and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab group (n = 35)). The visual assessment and relative enhancement ratio (RER) of the largest HCC lesions were evaluated using the hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI. Results: The hyperintensity type (RER ≥ 0.9) was 18.2% in the lenvatinib group and 20.0% in the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab group. In the lenvatinib group, progression-free survival (PFS) was not different between the heterogeneous and homogenous types (p = 0.688) or between the hyperintensity and hypointensity types (p = 0.757). In the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab group, the heterogeneous type had significantly shorter PFS than the homogenous type (p = 0.007), and the hyperintensity type had significantly shorter PFS than the hypointensity type (p = 0.012). Conclusions: The hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI was useful for predicting the therapeutic effect of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy on unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryu Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (K.N.); (M.F.); (M.H.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (K.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-958-19-7481
| | - Kazuyoshi Nagata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (K.N.); (M.F.); (M.H.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Masanori Fukushima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (K.N.); (M.F.); (M.H.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Masafumi Haraguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (K.N.); (M.F.); (M.H.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Satoshi Miuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (K.N.); (M.F.); (M.H.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (K.N.); (M.F.); (M.H.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Akihiko Soyama
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (A.S.); (M.H.); (S.E.)
| | - Masaaki Hidaka
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (A.S.); (M.H.); (S.E.)
| | - Susumu Eguchi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (A.S.); (M.H.); (S.E.)
| | - Masaya Shigeno
- Department Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Japanese Red Cross, Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital, 3-15 Mori-machi, Nagasaki City 852-8511, Nagasaki, Japan;
| | - Mio Yamashima
- Department Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, 6-39 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki City 850-8798, Nagasaki, Japan; (M.Y.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| | - Shinobu Yamamichi
- Department Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, 6-39 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki City 850-8798, Nagasaki, Japan; (M.Y.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| | - Tatsuki Ichikawa
- Department Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, 6-39 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki City 850-8798, Nagasaki, Japan; (M.Y.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| | - Yuki Kugiyama
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Department of Hepatology, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura City 856-8562, Nagasaki, Japan; (Y.K.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Department of Hepatology, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura City 856-8562, Nagasaki, Japan; (Y.K.); (H.Y.)
| | - Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City 852-8501, Nagasaki, Japan; (K.N.); (M.F.); (M.H.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (K.N.)
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Aoki T, Nishida N, Kudo M. Clinical Significance of the Duality of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020444. [PMID: 35053606 PMCID: PMC8773595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors has been approved as a first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), indicating a critical role of ICIs in the treatment of HCC. However, 20% of patients do not respond effectively to ICIs; mutations in the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are known to contribute to primary resistance to ICIs. From this point of view, non-invasive detection of Wnt/β-catenin activation should be informative for the management of advanced HCC. Wnt/β-catenin mutations in HCC have a dual aspect, which results in two distinct tumor phenotypes. HCC with minimal vascular invasion, metastasis, and good prognosis is named the “Jekyll phenotype”, while the poorly differentiated HCC subset with frequent vascular invasion and metastasis, cancer stem cell features, and high serum Alpha fetoprotein levels, is named the “Hyde phenotype”. To differentiate these two HCC phenotypes, a combination of the hepatobiliary phase of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-PET/CT may be useful. The former is applicable for the detection of the Jekyll phenotype, as nodules present higher enhancement on the hepatobiliary phase, while the latter is likely to be informative for the detection of the Hyde phenotype by showing an increased glucose uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-72-366-0221 (ext. 3149); Fax: +81-72-367-2880
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Aoki T, Nishida N, Kudo M. Current Perspectives on the Immunosuppressive Niche and Role of Fibrosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Development of Antitumor Immunity. J Histochem Cytochem 2022; 70:53-81. [PMID: 34751050 PMCID: PMC8721576 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211056853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the mainstay of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, they are ineffective in some cases. Previous studies have reported that genetic alterations in oncogenic pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin are the important triggers in HCC for primary refractoriness. T-cell exhaustion has been reported in various tumors and is likely to play a prominent role in the emergence of HCC due to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction. Immunosuppressive cells including regulatory T-cells and tumor-associated macrophages infiltrating the tumor are associated with hyperprogressive disease in the early stages of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. In addition, stellate cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts create an abundant desmoplastic environment by producing extracellular matrix. This strongly contributes to epithelial to mesenchymal transition via signaling activities including transforming growth factor beta, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hippo pathway. The abundant desmoplastic environment has been demonstrated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma to suppress cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, PD-L1 expression, and neoantigen expression, resulting in a highly immunosuppressive niche. It is possible that a similar immunosuppressive environment is created in HCC with advanced fibrosis in the background liver. Although sufficient understanding is required for the establishment of immune therapies of HCC, further investigations are still required in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Naoshi Nishida, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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31
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Kudo M. Changing the Treatment Paradigm for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5475. [PMID: 34771637 PMCID: PMC8582435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy was approved worldwide for use in 2020. A 30% objective response rate with 8% complete response (CR) was achieved in a phase 3 IMbrave150 trial. Here, the change in the treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy is reviewed. The phase 3 IMbrave150 clinical trial was successful because of the direct antitumor effect of bevacizumab, which shifted the suppressive immune microenvironment to a responsive immune microenvironment, in addition to its synergistic effects when combined with atezolizumab. The analysis of CR cases was effective in patients with poor conditions, particularly tumor invasion in the main portal trunk (Vp4), making the combination therapy a breakthrough for HCC treatment. The response rate of the combination therapy was 44% against intermediate-stage HCC. Such a strong tumor-reduction effect paves the way for curative conversion (ABC conversion) therapy and, therefore, treatment strategies for intermediate-stage HCC may undergo a significant shift in the future. As these treatment strategies are effective in maintaining liver function, even in elderly patients, the transition frequency to second-line treatments could also be improved. These strategies may be effective against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma and WNT/β-catenin mutations to a certain degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
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