Surgical resection versus transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: a propensity score analysis

Liver transplantation and resection in patients with hepatocellular cancer and portal vein tumor thrombosis: Feasible and effective?

Patients with locally advanced hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have a dismal prognosis since limited treatment options are available for them. In recent years, effective systemic therapy, and advances in the understanding of technicalities and effectiveness of ablative therapies especially radiotherapy, have given some hope to prolong survival in them. This review summarized recent evidence in literature regarding the possible role of liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) in patients with locally advanced HCC and PVTT with no extrahepatic disease. Downstaging therapies have helped make curative resection or LT a reality in selected patients. This review emphasizes on the key points to focus on when considering surgery in these patients, who are usually relegated to palliative systemic therapy alone. Meticulous patient selection based on tumor biology, documented downstaging based on imaging and decrease in tumor marker levels, and an adequate waiting period to demonstrate stable disease, may help obtain satisfactory long-term outcomes post LR or LT in an intention to treat strategy in patients with HCC and PVTT.

Paravertebral block's effect on analgesia and inflammation in advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation

BACKGROUND

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) is an effective treatment strategy for patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis. However, it may cause severe postoperative pain and inflammatory responses. The paravertebral block (PVB) is a regional anesthetic technique that provides analgesia to the thoracic and abdominal regions.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of PVB on postoperative analgesia and inflammatory response in patients undergoing TACE combined with MWA for advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis.

METHODS

Sixty patients were randomly divided into PVB and control groups. The PVB group received ultrasound-guided PVB with 0.375% ropivacaine preoperatively, whereas the control group received intravenous analgesia with sufentanil. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the procedure. Secondary outcomes were the dose of sufentanil used, incidence of adverse events, and levels of inflammatory markers (white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin) before and after the procedure.

RESULTS

The PVB group had significantly lower VAS scores at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the procedure compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The PVB group also had a significantly lower consumption of sufentanil and a lower incidence of nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression than did the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the PVB group had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers 24 h and 48 h after the procedure (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PVB can effectively reduce postoperative pain and inflammatory responses and improve postoperative comfort and recovery in patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis treated with TACE combined with MWA.

Impact of tumor size on the outcomes of hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the impact of tumor size on the perioperative and long-term outcomes of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We reviewed the patients' data who underwent liver resection for HCC between November 2009 and 2019. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the tumor size. Group I: HCC < 5 cm, Group II: HCC between 5 to 10 cm, and Group III: HCC ≥ 10 cm in size.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifteen patients were included in the current study. Lower platelets count was noted Groups I and II. Higher serum alpha-feto protein was noted in Group III. Higher incidence of multiple tumors, macroscopic portal vein invasion, nearby organ invasion and presence of porta-hepatis lymph nodes were found in Group III. More major liver resections were performed in Group III. Longer operation time, more blood loss and more transfusion requirements were found in Group III. Longer hospital stay and more postoperative morbidities were noted in Group III, especially posthepatectomy liver failure, and respiratory complications. The median follow-up duration was 17 months (7-110 months). Mortality occurred in 100 patients (31.7%) and recurrence occurred in 147 patients (46.7%). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding recurrence free survival (Log Rank, p = 0.089) but not for overall survival (Log Rank, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

HCC size is not a contraindication for liver resection. With proper selection, safe techniques and standardized care, adequate outcomes could be achieved.

Portal vein tumour thrombosis radiotherapy improves the treatment outcomes of immunotherapy plus bevacizumab in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicentre real-world analysis with propensity score matching

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequential immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) plus bevacizumab therapy after radiotherapy for portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 113 patients with HCC with PVTT. Patients in the PVTT radiotherapy (radiotherapy + ICIs + bevacizumab) and control groups (ICIs + bevacizumab) were enrolled according to propensity score matching (PSM) analysis (1:1). The differences in progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and potential factors affecting PFS between the groups were analysed. The adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were 47 patients in the two groups after PSM (1:1). The differences in neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), CRP, and CD4, CD8, and CD4-to-CD8 ratio before and after radiotherapy for PVTT (P < 0.05) in the PVTT radiotherapy group were significant. The patients in the PVTT radiotherapy group had a longer PFS (median, 9.6 vs. 5.4 months, P < 0.001), and the PFS rates of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were 97.87% vs. 94.19%, 80.85% vs. 44.68%, 53.19% vs. 6.38%, and 23.40% vs. 0.00%, respectively (P < 0.001). There were also significant differences in the ORR (48.94% vs. 27.66%, P = 0.0339) and DCR (97.87% vs. 82.98%, P = 0.0141) between the two groups, and no serious AEs were observed. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that AFP expression, gross classification of HCC, PVTT type, extrahepatic metastasis, PVTT radiotherapy, and reduction in PVTT were independent factors influencing PFS (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sequential ICIs plus bevacizumab therapy after radiotherapy for PVTT in patients with HCC is safe and feasible and may further prolong the PFS of patients.

Postoperative adjuvant aspirin for patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus: An open-label, randomized controlled trial

Purpose

To compare the survival outcomes of postoperative adjuvant aspirin with surgery alone in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).

Methods

From June 2013 to July 2015, an open-label, randomized controlled study was conducted in patients with resectable HBV-related HCC and PVTT. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo surgical resection and postoperative adjuvant aspirin (n = 40) or hepatectomy alone (n = 40). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). The secondary end points were time to recurrence of primary tumor (t-TTR) and time to recurrence of PVTT (p-TTR). The expression levels of COX1 and COX2 in surgical specimens of the aspirin group were correlated with patients' survival.

Results

The median OS were 16.2 and 13.4 months for the adjuvant aspirin and surgery alone groups, respectively. The median t-TTR were 5.3 and 3.2 months for the adjuvant aspirin and surgery alone groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the OS and t-TTR between the two groups of patients (P = 0.078 and 0.336, respectively). The median p-TTR were 12.0 months and 5.4 months for the adjuvant aspirin group and the surgery alone group, respectively. Patients in the adjuvant aspirin group had markedly longer p-TTR (P = 0.001). Increased expressions of COX1 or COX2 in tumor tissues denoted better prognosis for patients receiving adjuvant aspirin.

Conclusion

For patients with resectable HBV-related HCC and PVTT, postoperative adjuvant aspirin significantly prolonged time to recurrence of PVTT than surgery alone. Expression of COX1 or COX2 may predict survival in these patients.

Surgical resection versus transarterial chemoembolization for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond Milan criteria: prognostic role of tumor burden score

Tumor burden score (TBS) has been recently introduced to indicate the extent of tumor burden in different cancers, but its role in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. We aimed to determine the prognostic role of TBS in patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria receiving surgical resection (SR) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). A total of 1303 newly diagnosed HCC patients beyond Milan criteria receiving SR or TACE as the primary therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Independent prognostic predictors were examined by the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. SR was associated with better overall survival compared with TACE in these patients. Multivariate Cox analysis of the entire cohort revealed that age > 66 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.145, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004-1.305, p = 0.043), serum α-fetoprotein > 200 ng/mL (HR: 1.602, 95% CI: 1.402-1.831, p < 0.001), performance status 2-4 (HR: 1.316, 95% CI: 1.115-1.553, p < 0.001), medium TBS (HR: 1.225, 95% CI:1.045-1.436, p = 0.012), high TBS (HR: 1.976, 95% CI: 1.637-2.384, p < 0.001), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 2-3 (HR: 1.529, 95% CI: 1.342-1.743, p < 0.001), presence of vascular invasion (HR: 1.568, 95% CI: 1.354-1.816, p < 0.001), and TACE (HR: 2.396, 95% CI: 2.082-2.759, p < 0.001) were linked with decreased survival. SR consistently predicted a significantly better survival in different TBS subgroups. TBS is a feasible and independent prognostic predictor in HCC beyond the Milan criteria. SR provides better long-term outcome compared with TACE in these patients independent of TBS grade, and should be considered as the primary treatment modality in this special patient group.

Transarterial chemoembolization plus immune checkpoint inhibitor as postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A multicenter cohort study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on three centers from June 2018 to December 2020. Patients were divided into the PA-TACE (n = 48) and PA-TACE plus ICI groups (n = 42). The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were depicted by Kaplan-Meier method, and the differences between the two groups were compared using log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for RFS and OS. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for AEs (CTCAE) version 5.0.

RESULTS

The median RFS of the PA-TACE plus ICI group was significantly longer than the PA-TACE group (12.76 months vs. 8.11 months; P = 0.038). The median OS of the PA-TACE plus ICI group was also significanfly better than the PA-TACE group (24.5 months vs. 19.1 months; P = 0.032). PA-TACE plus ICI treatment was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32-0.9, P = 0.019) and OS (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26-0.86, P = 0.014). Only one patient experienced grade ≥3 immune-related AEs in the PA-TACE plus ICI group.

CONCLUSIONS

PA-TACE plus ICI treatment had better efficacy in preventing recurrence and prolonging survival than PA-TACE alone for HCC patients with PVTT after R0 resection. This novel treatment modality may be an appropriate option for HCC with PVTT.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic vascular invasion: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of different treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and macroscopic vascular invasion.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed to evaluate various treatment modalities for HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion, including liver resection (LR), liver transplantation (LT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), transarterial radioembolization (TARE), radiotherapy (RT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and antineoplastic systemic therapy (AnST).

RESULTS

After applying the selection criteria, 31 studies were included. The surgical resection (SR) group (including LR and LT) had a similar mortality rate to the non-surgical resection (NS) group (RD = -0.01; 95% CI -0.05 to 0.03). The SR group had a higher rate of complications (RD = 0.06; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.12) but a higher 3-year overall survival (OS) rate than the NS group (RD = 0.12; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.20). The network analysis revealed that the overall survival was lower in the AnST group. LT and LR had similar survival benefits. The meta-regression suggested that SR has a greater impact on the survival of patients with impaired liver function.

DISCUSSION

Most likely, LT has a significant impact on long-term survival and consequently would be a better option for HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion in patients with impaired liver function. LT and LR offer a higher chance of long-term survival than NS alternatives, although LR and LR are associated with a higher risk of procedure-related complications.

Favorable Prognostic Factors for Survival Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis After Hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate prognostic factors of recurrence and survival associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 161 patients with HCC with PVTT who underwent hepatectomy between January 2003 and January 2014 at the Asan Medical Center. Regression analyses were conducted to identify favorable predictive factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 15.9 months, while 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS was 65.0%, 38.4%, and 36.0%, respectively, and 1-year RFS was 25.5%. There were no significant differences in OS and RFS between the patients with portal vein invasion (Vp) 1-2 and Vp3-4 PVTT. Patients with intrahepatic recurrence had significantly better overall survival than patients with extrahepatic recurrence. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation were the most effective treatments for intrahepatic metastasis, and surgery was the most effective treatment for extrahepatic metastasis. On multivariate analysis, absence of esophageal varices, maximal tumor size < 5 cm, tumor location in single lobe, and anatomical resection were favorable prognostic factors for OS and R0 resection, and absence of microvascular invasion was a favorable prognostic factor for RFS.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcome of patients with HCC with PVTT can be improved under consideration of favorable prognostic factors including absence of esophageal varices, maximal tumor size < 5 cm, tumor location in single lobe, and anatomical resection, R0 resection, and absence of microvascular invasion. In addition, recurrent HCC required aggressive management to prolong overall survival.

Subclassification of advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion: combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy as an alternative first-line treatment

Background/Aim

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines recommend systemic therapy as the only first-line treatment for patients with BCLC stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) despite its heterogeneity of disease extent. We aimed to identify patients who might benefit from combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiation therapy (RT) by subclassifying BCLC stage C.

Methods

A total of 1,419 treatment-naïve BCLC stage C patients with macrovascular invasion (MVI) who were treated with combined TACE and RT (n=1,115) or systemic treatment (n=304) were analyzed. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Factors associated with OS were identified and assigned points by the Cox model. The patients were subclassified into three groups based on these points.

Results

The mean age was 55.4 years, and 87.8% were male. The median OS was 8.3 months. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of Child-Pugh B, infiltrative-type tumor or tumor size ≥10 cm, main or bilateral portal vein invasion, and extrahepatic metastasis with poor OS. The sub-classification was categorized into low (point ≤1), intermediate (point=2), and high (point ≥3) risks based on the sum of points (range, 0-4). The OS in the low, intermediate, and high-risk groups was 22.6, 8.2, and 3.8 months, respectively. In the low and intermediate-risk groups, patients treated with combined TACE and RT exhibited significantly longer OS (24.2 and 9.5 months, respectively) than those who received systemic treatment (6.4 and 5.1 months, respectively; P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Combined TACE and RT may be considered as a first-line treatment option for HCC patients with MVI when classified into low- and intermediate-risk groups.

A study of the clinical profile, predictors, prognostic features, and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma having macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is considered a negative prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. There is divergent opinion regarding management of these patients worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the clinical profile, predictors, prognostic features, and survival of patients of HCC with PVTT.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve HCC patients with and without PVTT were analyzed retrospectively using a prospectively accrued dataset. Patients with PVTT were further divided as per treatment groups for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Of 508 patients, 46.1% had radiological evidence of PVTT at presentation. On logistic regression, serum albumin (odds ratio [OR]=0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.44-0.96; p= 0.031); international normalized ratio (OR = 3.78,95% CI = 1.42-10.00; p=0.008); alpha-feto protein >400 ng/mL (OR=3.58, 95%CI = 2.00-6.40; p <0.001); size of largest tumor nodule >5 cm (OR =6.37, 95%CI =2.03-19.99; p =0.002); and male gender (OR =1.84, 95%CI = 1.01-3.33; p = 0.045) were independent predictors for PVTT. Patients with PVTT amenable to aggressive therapies had significantly better median overall survival (in months) as compared to those receiving sorafenib or best supportive care only (13.1, 3.9, and 1.8 respectively, p<0.0001). Treatment modality received (p<0.001) and extrahepatic metastasis (p=0.006) were independent predictors of mortality in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Size of largest tumor nodule >5 cm and alpha-fetoprotein >400 ng/mL are strongly associated with the presence of PVTT in patients with HCC. A multidisciplinary approach may identify a subgroup of patients who can be offered aggressive therapies like surgery and/or locoregional therapy with significant survival benefit.

Should associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy be applied to hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients with cirrhosis? A multi-center study

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) can be performed in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with cirrhosis. We explored the efficacy of ALPPS in HCC patients.

METHODS

Data of 54 patients who underwent ALPPS between August 2014 and July 2020 at three centers were collected. Adverse factors affecting their prognosis were analyzed and subsequently compared with 184 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

RESULTS

Overall survival rates of the ALPPS group at 1, 3, and 5 years were 70.6%, 38.4%, and 31.7%, respectively; corresponding disease-free survival rates were 50.5%, 22.4%, and 19.2%, respectively. The ALPPS group had a significantly greater long-term survival rate than the TACE group (before propensity score matching, P < 0.001; after propensity score matching, P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that multifocal lesions (P = 0.018) and macroscopic vascular invasion (P = 0.001) were prognostic factors for HCC patients who underwent ALPPS. After the propensity score matching, the multifocal lesions (P = 0.031), macroscopic vascular invasion (P = 0.003), and treatment type (ALPPS/TACE) (P = 0.026) were the factors adversely affecting the prognosis of HCC patients.

CONCLUSION

ALPPS was feasible in hepatitis B virus-related HCC patients with cirrhosis and resulted in better survival than TACE.

Case report: Primary hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus characterized by active tumor immune microenvironment achieving a complete response following treatment of combined immunotherapy

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a frequent complication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC patients with PVTT have the characteristics of less treatment tolerance and poor prognosis. Immunotherapy, especially combined immunotherapy, has been successfully used in advanced HCC. However, there are no recognized universally indicators that can predict response or resistance to immunotherapy for HCC. Herein, we reported a 58-year-old HCC patient with PVTT, cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis, who achieved complete response (CR) after combined immunotherapy (camrelizumab combined with sorafenib or regorafenib), according to his high enrichment of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS). In this case, we revealed the characteristics of the baseline tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in a HCC patient who responded well to combined immunotherapy, suggesting that TIME can be used to assist in clinical decision making of immunotherapy for HCC.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-Center 3-Year Experience from Somalia

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the relationship between prognosticators representing tumor aggressiveness and socio-demographic, laboratory, and imaging findings in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We retrospectively searched patients with HCC between January 2017 and December 2019 in our tertiary referral hospital. The tumor-related factors and liver damage indicators and their relationship to indicate the value of prognosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 268 HCC patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.8 : 1. The mean age was 52.6 years. The patient with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was older, had higher liver laboratory parameters (AST, ALT, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin), and had larger tumor size. Patients with the larger tumor size had a higher AFP level, had more tumor multifocality. The majority of patients were in Child's A (73.6%) and B (17.2%) classes. The laboratory parameters of HCC patients were increased in Child's C compared to other groups of Child-Pugh classification.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of PVT and large-sized tumor in patients with HCC indicated a poorer prognosis than non-PVT group and small tumor sizes.

Treatments of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: Current Status and Controversy

The proportions of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) varies greatly in different countries or regions, ranging from 13% to 45%. The treatment regimens for PVTT recommended by HCC guidelines in different countries or regions also vary greatly. In recent years, with the progress and development of surgical concepts, radiotherapy techniques, systematic therapies (for example, VEGF inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors), patients with HCC involving PVTT have more treatment options and their prognoses have been significantly improved. To achieve the maximum benefit, both clinicians and patients need to think rationally about the indications of treatment modalities, the occurrence of severe adverse events, and the optimal fit for the population. In this review, we provide an update on the treatment modalities available for patients with HCC involving PVTT. Trials with large sample size for patients with advanced or unresectable HCC are also reviewed.

A New Tumor Burden Score and Albumin-Bilirubin Grade-Based Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) varies widely due to variable tumor extent and liver reserve. We aimed to develop and validate a new prognostic model based on tumor burden score (TBS) and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade for HCC. We prospectively identified 3794 HCC patients who were randomized into derivation and validation groups. Survival predictors were evaluated by a multivariate Cox model. The TBS-ALBI system allocated two points for high TBS and ALBI grade 3, and one point each for the presence of ascites, serum α-fetoprotein ≥ 400 ng/mL, vascular invasion or distant metastasis, performance status 2-4, medium TBS, and ALBI grade 2, with a maximal score of 8 points. Significant survival differences were found across different TBS-ALBI score groups in the validation cohort (all p < 0.001). The TBS-ALBI system had the lowest corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) and the highest homogeneity compared with other proposed staging models. The discriminative ability of the TBS-ALBI system was consistently stable across different viral etiologies, cancer stages, and treatment strategies. Conclusions: This new TBS-ALBI system is a feasible and robust prognostic system in comparison with other systems; it is a user-friendly tool for long-term outcome assessment independent of treatment modality and cancer stage in HCC.

Comparison of a preoperative MR-based recurrence risk score versus the postoperative score and four clinical staging systems in hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To establish a risk score integrating preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) and clinical parameters to predict recurrence after hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to compare its performance with that of a postoperative score and four clinical staging systems.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with surgically confirmed HCC who underwent preoperative EOB-MRI between July 2015 and November 2020 were retrospectively included. Two recurrence risk scores, one incorporating only preoperative variables and the other incorporating all preoperative and postoperative variables, were constructed via Cox regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients (derivation set, n = 150; test set, n = 64) were included. Six preoperative variables, namely tumor number, infiltrative appearance, corona enhancement, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, and sex, were independently associated with recurrence. After adding postoperative features, microvascular invasion and tumor differentiation were additional significant variables in lieu of corona enhancement and AFP level. Using the above variables, the preoperative score achieved a C-index of 0.741 on the test set, which was comparable with that of the postoperative score (0.729; p = 0.235). The preoperative score yielded a larger time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at 1 year (0.844) than three existing systems (0.734-0.742; p < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, the preoperative score stratified patients into two prognostically distinct risk strata with low and high risks of recurrence (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The preoperative score integrating EOB-MRI features, AFP and AST levels, and sex improves recurrence risk estimation in HCC.

KEY POINTS

• The preoperative risk score incorporating three EOB-MRI findings, AFP and AST levels, and sex achieved comparable performance with that of the postoperative score for predicting recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with HCC. • Two risk strata with low and high risks of recurrence were obtained based on the preoperative score. • The preoperative score may help tailor pretreatment decision-making and facilitate candidate selection for adjuvant clinical trials.

A new staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with portal vein tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND

A new staging system for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) was developed by incorporating the good points of the BCLC classification of HCC, and by improving on the currently existing classifications of HCC associated with PVTT.

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate analysis with Wald χ² test were used to determinate the clinical prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC and PVTT in the training cohort. Then the conditional inference trees analysis was applied to establish a new staging system.

RESULTS

A training cohort of 2,179 patients from the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and a validation cohort of 1,550 patients from four major liver centers in China were enrolled into establishing and validating a new staging system. The system was established by incorporating liver function, general health status, tumor resectability, extrahepatic metastasis and extent of PVTT. This staging system had a good discriminatory ability to separate patients into different stages and substages. The median OS for the two cohorts were 57.1 (37.2-76.9), 12.1 (11.0-13.2), 5.7 (5.1-6.2), 4.0 (3.3-4.6) and 2.5 (1.7-3.3) months for the stages 0 to IV, respectively (P<0.001) in the training cohort. The corresponding figures for the validation cohort were 6.4 (4.9-7.9), 2.8 (1.3-4.4), 10.8 (9.3-12.4), and 1.5 (1.3-1.7) months for the stages II to IV, respectively (P<0.001). The mean survival for stage 0 to 1 were 37.6 (35.9-39.2) and 30.4 (27.4-33.4), respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A new staging system was established which provided a good discriminatory ability to separate patients into different stages and substages after treatment. It can be used to supplement the other HCC staging systems.

Comparison of treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein thrombosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Sorafenib, hepatectomy, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are the recommended treatment for portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a multi-treatment meta-analysis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the survival benefit of different treatments options on PVTT patients.

Methods

We systematically analyzed 12 randomized controlled trials (4,265 participants) from 2012 to 2019, which compared any of the following treatment options on PVTT patients: TACE, sorafenib, hepatectomy, sorafenib + TACE, hepatectomy + TACE, and sorafenib + hepatectomy. The main outcome was the 1-year survival rate of patients.

Results

The results of the rank probability of effectiveness showed that sorafenib + TACE was more likely to be the most effective treatment, sorafenib + TACE group was ranged rank 1 when compared with the others [hepatectomy group: odds ratio (OR): 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–18.26; hepatectomy + TACE group: OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.01–13.59; sorafenib group: OR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.01–2.29, sorafenib + hepatectomy group: OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.00–24.88; and TACE group: OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.02–9.88]. The second most effect treatment option was hepatectomy alone.

Discussion

Sorafenib + TACE is more likely to be the most effective treatment option, while hepatectomy alone is the second effective treatment option.

Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma - The Changing Tides

Portal vein involvement is considered one of the most fearful complications of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is associated with aggressive tumor biology (high grade), high tumor burden (number and size of lesions), high levels of serum markers (AFP), poor liver function (deranged LFT), and poor performance status of patients. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system places HCC patients with PVTT in advanced stage (BCLC Stage-C). This group contains a fairly heterogeneous patient population, previously considered candidates for palliative systemic therapy with sorafenib. However, this provided modest overall survival (OS) benefit. The results of a recent Phase III (IMbrave150) trial favor the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab over sorafenib as a standard of care in advanced unresectable HCC. While only lenvatinib proved to be non-inferior against sorafenib in a phase III (REFLECT trial), regorafenib (RESORCE trial), ramucirumab (REACH-2), and cabozantinib (CELESTIAL) have been approved second-line therapy in phase III clinical trials. Recently, the data on the prospect of other modalities in the management of HCC with PVTT is mounting with favorable results. Targeting multiple pathways in the HCC cascade using a combination of drugs and other modalities such as RT, TACE, TARE, and HAIC appear effective for systemic and loco-regional control. The quest for the ideal combination therapy and the sequence set is still widely unanswered and prospective trials are lacking. With the armament of available therapeutic options and the advances and refinements in the delivery system, down-staging patients to make them eligible for curative resection has been reported. In a rapidly evolving treatment landscape, performing surgery when appropriate, in the form of LR and even LT to achieve cure does not seem farfetched. Likewise, adjuvant therapy and prompt management of the recurrences holds the key to prolong OS and DFS. This review discusses the management options of HCC patients with PVTT.

Outcomes of Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Portal Vein Invasion

BACKGROUND

To evaluate our experience of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients associated with macroscopic portal vein invasion (PVI).

METHODS

Consecutive HCC patients who underwent liver resection for HCC between November 2009 & June 2019 were included. To overcome selection bias between patients with and without macroscopic PVI, we performed 1:1 match using propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

Macroscopic PVI was detected in 37 patients (12.8%). We divided our patients into two groups according to the presence of macroscopic PVI. After PSM, 36 patients of PVI group were matched with 36 patients from Non-PVI group. After PSM, both groups were well balanced regarding tumor site, number, liver resection extent and type. Longer operation time and more blood loss were noted in PVI group. Higher incidence of post-operative morbidities occurred in PVI group especially, post-hepatectomy liver dysfunction. The 1-, 2-, and 3-y overall survival rates for Non-PVI group were 85.3%, 64.6%, and 64.6% & 69.8%, 42%, and 0% for PVI group, respectively (P = 0.009). There were no significant differences regarding the recurrence rate, site, and its management. The 1-, 2-, and 3-y disease-free survival (DFS) rates for Non-PVI group were 81.7%, 72.3%, and 21.7% & 67.7%, 42.3%, and 0% for PVI group, respectively (P = 0.172).

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of advanced HCCs with macroscopic PVI is feasible, and associated with comparable DFS but poorer overall survival, compared to patients without PVI.

Comparing Real World, Personalized, Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Recommendations with BCLC Algorithm: 321-Patient Analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment allocation, deviation from BCLC first-treatment recommendation, and outcomes following multidisciplinary, individualized approach.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve HCC discussed at multidisciplinary tumor board (MDT) between 2010 and 2013 were included to allow minimum 5 years of follow-up. MDT first-treatment recommendation (resection, transplant, ablation, transarterial radioembolization (Y90), transarterial chemoembolization, sorafenib, palliation) was documented, as were subsequent treatments. Overall survival (OS) analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis, stratified by BCLC stage.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty-one patients were treated in the 4-year period. Median age was 62 years, predominantly male (73%), hepatitis C (41%), and Y90 initial treatment (52%). There was a 76% rate of BCLC-discordant first-treatment. Median OS was not reached (57% alive at 10 years), 51.0 months, 25.4 months and 13.4 months for BCLC stages A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Deviation from BCLC guidelines was very common when individualized, MDT treatment recommendations were made. This approach yielded expected OS in BCLC A, and exceeded general guideline expectations for BCLC B, C and D. These results suggest that while guidelines are helpful, implementing a more personalized approach that incorporates center expertise, patient-specific characteristics, and the known multi-directional treatment allocation process, improves patient outcomes.

The Prognostic Comparison Between Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus and Bile Duct Cancer Thrombus After Liver Resection

Background and Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often invades the portal vein and its branches to form portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), and it rarely spreads into the bile ducts to cause bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT). However, the clinical prognosis of patients with the two types of tumor thrombus is different. In this manuscript, we plan to compare the prognosis of HCC with PVTT and BDTT for further clinical treatment.

Patients and Methods

A total of 60 patients including 48 HCC cases with PVTT and 12 HCC cases with BDTT were enrolled in the study. The medical records were collected from participants. The follow-up was performed in 3 years post-hepatectomy. Statistical analysis was performed to explore the relationship between tumor thrombus with clinicopathological characteristics, to determine the significant preoperative factors influencing overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR), and to establish the survival and recurrent curves.

Results

HCC with BDTT or PVTT often combined with viral hepatitis B, accompanied by varying degrees of cirrhosis, and high AFP level (68.3%), complete tumor capsule (76.7%), and larger tumor size (85.0%). Furtherly, patients with HCC and BDTT tended to have higher total bilirubin (TB) and more possibility of lymph node metastases. The multivariate Cox hazard analyses also revealed that both tumor size and tumor thrombus could be taken as independent prognostic indicators of HCC patients. Survival curves showed that the 1-, 2- and 3-year OS or DFS rates of HCC patients with BDTT were significantly lower than those of HCC patients with PVTT, respectively.

Conclusion

Tumor thrombus is an independent risk factor for poor survival and high recurrence in HCC. HCC patients with BDTT had shorter overall survival and higher tumor recurrence rate compared to HCC patients with PVTT.

Surgical Resection: Old Dog, Any New Tricks?

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have many treatment options. For patients with surgical indication, consideration of future liver remnant and the surgical complexity of the procedure is essential. A new 3-level complexity classification categorizing 11 liver resection procedures predicts surgical complexity and postoperative morbidity better than reported classifications. Preoperative portal vein embolization can mitigate the risk of hepatic insufficiency. For small HCCs, both liver resection and ablation are effective. New medical treatment options are promising and perioperative use of these drugs may further improve outcomes for patients undergoing liver resection and lead to changes in current treatment guidelines.

Value of surgical resection compared to transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A meta-analysis of hazard ratios from five observational studies

Backgrounds/Aims

Although systemic therapy is recommended in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), treatment options for advanced HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) are debatable. Recent studies have recommended other treatments, such as surgical resection (SR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) between the two modalities using previous reports in order to compare the two treatment options.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on previously reported data that compared the survival benefits of SR and TACE in patients with advanced HCC with PVTT. Thereafter, the meta-analysis was performed to determine the cumulative HR between the two different treatment groups. We used the HR and 95% CI directly from the original data, when available; however, if these data were unavailable, reconstruction was performed with the secondary data from the original Kaplan-Meier survival curve.

Results

A total of seven studies were eligible; however, 2 were excluded from the meta-analysis. The remaining 5 studies that included 1422 patients (SR group=559, TACE group=863) were studied for the meta-analysis. The median OS was longer in the SR group (8.2-64 months in SR vs. 6.6-32 months in TACE), proving that SR offered survival benefits. Moreover, the HR for the OS in the TACE group was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.43-1.88) compared to SR group, depicting that TACE was a less favorable option compared to SR.

Conclusions

There is evidence that SR may be a better viable option for advanced HCC with PVTT.

Clinical impact of Hypofractionated carbon ion radiotherapy on locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving a major branch of the portal or hepatic vein is in a locally advanced stage and remains difficult to cure. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) in locally advanced HCC (LAHCC).

Methods

The data of 11 consecutive patients with LAHCC who received C-ion RT were analyzed. The C-ion RT doses of 52.8 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) and 60.0 Gy (RBE) were delivered in 4 fractions for standard cases, and the 60.0 Gy dose was delivered in 12 fractions for close-to-gastrointestinal-tract cases. Survival and local control probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The median follow-up duration after C-ion RT was 36.4 months. The median age at the time of registration for C-ion RT was 76 years. The median tumor size was 53 mm. The numbers of treatment-naive and recurrent HCC patients were 1 and 10, respectively. Direct invasion of the major branch of the portal vein, hepatic vein, or both portal and hepatic veins was observed in three, five, and three patients, respectively. The 3-year overall survival, local control, and progression-free survival rates were 64, 78, and 18%, respectively. No patient developed radiation-induced liver diseases or grade 3 or higher toxicities in the acute and late phases.

Conclusions

C-ion RT showed favorable clinical outcomes with a high rate of local control and minimal toxicities in LAHCC. Our findings suggest that C-ion RT is a promising multidisciplinary treatment option in LAHCC.

Systematic review of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy versus sorafenib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is very poor. This study aimed to evaluate hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) versus sorafenib (SORF) in the treatment of HCC with PVTT.

METHODS

Studies were identified online in Embase and MEDLINE before October 31, 2019. The end-points were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), and safety.

RESULTS

Six studies with 417 cases were included in this systematic review. Meta-analyses demonstrated that HAIC is superior to SORF with respect to OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.66, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.73, P = 0.001) irrespective of research territoriality and study quality. Our systematic review also demonstrated that HAIC is superior to SORF with respect to DCR. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the advantage is more obvious in the treatment of types III-IV PVTT with respect to OS (HR: 0.29, P < 0.001) and PFS(HR: 0.39, P < 0.001). HAIC caused more grades 3-4 neutropenia (HR: 10.71), anemia (HR: 7.55), leukopenia (HR: 10.38), and thrombocytopenia (HR: 13.09) than SORF. However, HAIC caused fewer cases of grades 3-4 aspartate aminotransferase rising (HR: 0.21), diarrhea (HR: 0.14), and hand-foot syndrome (HR: 0.14) than SORF.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrated that HAIC is superior to SORF in HCC with PVTT with respect to OS, PFS, and DCR, especially in HCC with types III-IV PVTT. HAIC caused more myelosuppression, whereas SORF is associated with diarrhea and hand-foot syndrome. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Actual long-term survival in HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombus after liver resection: a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) offers a chance of cure, although survival is often limited. The actual 3-year survival and its associated prognostic factors have not been reported.

METHODS

A nationwide database of HCC patients with PVTT who underwent liver resection with 'curative' intent was analyzed. The clinicopathologic characteristics, the perioperative, and survival outcomes for the actual long-term survivors were compared with the non-long-term survivors (patients who died within 3 years of surgery). Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors associated with long-term survival outcomes.

RESULTS

The study included 1590 patients with an actuarial 3-year survival of 16.6%, while the actual 3-year survival rate was 11.7%. There were 171 patients who survived for at least 3 years after surgery and 1290 who died within 3 years of surgery. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that total bilirubin > 17.1 μmol/l, AFP > 400 ng/ml, types of hepatectomy, extent of PVTT, intraoperative blood loss > 400 ml, tumor diameter > 5 cm, tumor encapsulation, R0 resection, liver cirrhosis, adjuvant TACE, postoperative early recurrence (< 1 year), and recurrence treatments were independent prognostic factors associated with actual long-term survival.

CONCLUSION

One in nine HCC patients with PVTT reached the long-term survival milestone of 3 years after resection. Major hepatectomy, controlling intraoperative blood loss, R0 resection, adjuvant TACE, and 'curative' treatment for initial recurrence should be considered for patients to achieve better long-term survival outcomes.

Transarterial Chemoembolization and Sorafenib Combined with Microwave Ablation for Advanced Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Preliminary Investigation of Safety and Efficacy

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization and sorafenib (TACE-S) combined with microwave ablation (TACE-S-MWA) for the treatment of patients with advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Between January 2015 and December 2018, 152 consecutive advanced HCC patients, who underwent TACE-S-MWA (MWA group, n=77) or TACE-S (Non-MWA group, n=75), were investigated. Overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP) and safety were compared between the two groups. Prognostic factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

Baseline patient characteristics were balanced between the two groups. MWA group was associated with a higher OS (median, 19.0 vs 13.0 months; P<0.001) and a longer TTP (median, 6.0 vs 3.0 months; P<0.001) compared with non-MWA group. Multivariate analyses showed that portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) (P=0.002), duration of sorafenib (P<0.001), and MWA treatment (P=0.011) were independently associated with OS. MWA treatment strategy (P<0.001) was a significant predictor of TTP. There were no treatment-related mortalities in either group. The rates of minor complications (42.9% vs 38.7%, P=0.599) and major complications (1.29% vs 1.33%, P=0.985) in the MWA group were similar to those in the non-MWA group.

Conclusion

TACE-S-MWA was safe and effective for advanced primary HCC. TACE-S-MWA resulted in better OS and TTP than did TACE-S for treatment of patients with advanced primary HCC.

Is hepatic resection better than transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis?

Background

The management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) remains controversial. We compared the outcomes of hepatic resection (HR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

Comprehensive online databases search was performed. Comparative studies measuring survival in HCC patients with PVTT undergoing HR versus TACE were included. Pooled risk ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for overall survival (OS) at 1, 3, and 5 years. Study quality and heterogeneity was assessed.

Results

Six studies comprising 1,320 patients were included. HR was done in 526 (39.8%) patients and TACE in 794 (60.2%) patients. Meta-analysis of all included studies showed improved OS in HR compared to TACE patients at 1-year (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.16-1.92, P=0.002), 3-year (OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.55-7.12, P=0.002) and 5-year (OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.42-10.77, P=0.008). Survival benefit conferred by HR was 7-33 months. This benefit was mostly noted in tumors with PVTT types I and II and those with single lesions. Age, ECOG status, and STROBE score did not contribute to differences in survival.

Conclusions

Long-term survival outcomes of HCC with PVTT are superior in patients undergoing hepatectomy compared to TACE. Further experience with randomized clinical trials may be warranted to confirm these findings.

Resection might be a meaningful choice for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, the presence of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is considered to indicate an advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with nearly no cure. Hepatic resection and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have recently been recommended for treatment of HCC with PVTT.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to compare the overall survival between patients with HCC and PVTT undergoing hepatectomy, TACE or conservative treatment including sorafenib chemotherapy. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All relevant studies were considered. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for comparison of the cumulative overall survival. Ten retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

RESULTS

Overall survival was not higher in the hepatectomy group than TACE group. But survival rate was higher in hepatectomy group than conservative group. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that hepatectomy was superior in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than in patients with main portal vein invasion. In patients without main PVTT, hepatectomy has showed more benefit than TACE. However, there has been no significant difference between the hepatectomy and TACE groups among patients with main PVTT.

CONCLUSION

For patients with resectable HCC and PVTT, hepatectomy might be more effective in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than TACE or conservative treatment.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis: Beyond the known frontiers

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignant tumors worldwide: Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) occurs in about 35%-50% of patients and represents a strong negative prognostic factor, due to the increased risk of tumor spread into the bloodstream, leading to a high recurrence risk. For this reason, it is a contraindication to liver transplantation and in several prognostic scores sorafenib represents its standard of care, due to its antiangiogenetic action, although it can grant only a poor prolongation of life expectancy. Recent scientific evidences lead to consider PVTT as a complex anatomical and clinical condition, including a wide range of patients with different prognosis and new treatment possibilities according to the degree of portal system involvement, tumor biological aggressiveness, complications caused by portal hypertension, patient's clinical features and tolerance to antineoplastic treatments. The median survival has been reported to range between 2.7 and 4 mo in absence of therapy, but it can vary from 5 mo to 5 years, thus depicting an extremely variable scenario. For this reason, it is extremely important to focus on the most adequate strategy to be applied to each group of PVTT patients.

A comparison of carbon ion radiotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization treatment outcomes for single hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching study

BACKGROUND

We compared clinical outcomes of carbon ion radiotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Data of 477 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone carbon ion radiotherapy or transarterial chemoembolization between April 2007 and September 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment naïve patients with single HCC, who underwent carbon ion radiotherapy or transarterial chemoembolization as a primary treatment were included. Clinical outcomes of the treatments were compared after utilizing propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Of 124 patients who received carbon ion radiotherapy and 353 patients who received transarterial chemoembolization, 31 and 23 patients met our inclusion criteria, respectively. After utilizing propensity score matching, 17 matched pairs of patients from each treatment group were analyzed. The median follow-up durations after carbon ion radiotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization were 43 and 32 months, respectively. The 3-year overall survival, local control, and progression-free survival rates in the carbon ion radiotherapy versus transarterial chemoembolization groups were 88% versus 58% (p < 0.05), 80% versus 26% (p < 0.01), and 51% versus 15% (p < 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbon ion radiotherapy showed more favorable clinical outcomes than did transarterial chemoembolization for patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma after matching patient characteristics utilizing propensity score matching. Further studies with larger patient numbers are required to confirm our results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN000036455 : date of registration 22 March 2019, retrospectively registered.

An Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus Scoring System as an Aid to Decision Making on Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Multicenter Study

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a significant poor prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with PVTT limited to a first-order branch of the main portal vein (MPV) or above could benefit from negative margin (R0) liver resection (LR). An Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (EHBH)/PVTT scoring system was established to predict the prognosis of HCC patients with PVTT after R0 LR and guide selection of subgroups of patients that could benefit from LR. HCC patients with PVTT limited to a first-order branch of the MPV or above who underwent R0 LR as an initial therapy were included. The EHBH-PVTT score was developed from a retrospective cohort in the training cohort using a Cox regression model and validated in a prospective internal validation cohort and three external validation cohorts. There were 432 patients in the training cohort, 285 in the prospective internal validation cohort, and 286, 189, and 135 in three external validation cohorts, respectively. The score was calculated using total bilirubin, α-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor diameter, and satellite lesions. The EHBH-PVTT score differentiated two groups of patients (≤/>3 points) with distinct long-term prognoses (median overall survival [OS], 17.0 vs. 7.9 months; P < 0.001). Predictive accuracy, as determined by the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs; 0.680-0.721), was greater than that of the other commonly used staging systems for HCC and PVTT. Conclusion: The EHBH-PVTT scoring system was more accurate in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients with PVTT than other staging systems after LR. It selected appropriate HCC patients with PVTT limited to a first-order branch of the MPV or above for LR. It can be used to supplement the other HCC staging systems.

Short-term and long-term outcomes of liver resection for HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a sign of advanced stage disease, which is associated with poor prognosis. Liver resection (LR) may provide better prognosis in selected patients. In the present study, we aimed to assess information from HCC patients with PVTT who died within 3 months or 2 years after LR in order to identify preoperative factors correlated to short-term or long-term survival, by which inappropriate selection of patients for LR might be avoided in the future.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study consisting of 487 consecutive cases of HCC patients with PVTT was performed from 2008 to 2010 at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital. Medical records, including laboratory values, imaging results and treatment information, were obtained from participants. Study endpoints were survival at 3 months and 2 years post-hepatectomy. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the significant pre-operative factors influencing short-term or long-term survival.

RESULTS

In multivariable analysis, α-fetoprotein, total bilirubin and radiologic ascites were significantly associated with short-term survival, while α-fetoprotein level, clinical significant portal hypertension, extent of PVTT and tumor differentiation were factors significantly associated with long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent risk factors of poor short-term survival were the liver function-associated, such as factors radiologic ascites and total bilirubin, while tumor differentiation indicating the tumor biology was associated with longer-term survival. In addition, α-fetoprotein was a risk factor associated with both short-term and longer-term survivals.

In-hospital Mortality after Surgical Resection in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus

Background: Survival benefit of surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) has been approved recently. However, risk factors for in-hospital mortality in these patients remain unclear. We aimed to determine risk factors and reduce the mortality of these patients. Methods: We analyzed data for 521 of all 1531 HCC patients with PVTT underwent surgery. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality after surgical resection. Univariate and Multivariate cox-regression were performed to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The methods of Kaplan-Meier, bootstrap and ten-fold-cross validation were applied to validate the risk factors. Results: 521 of 1531 patients in 2004-2012 occurred for the diagnosis of HCC associated with PVTT and underwent surgical resection as a training cohort. Other 325 patients in 2013-2016 were included as a validation cohort. Overall mortality of postoperative in-patients was 3.3% (17/521) and 2.8 % (9/325), respectively. Univariate analysis of mortality revealed that frequency of hospitalization, total albumin, different types of PVTT, bleeding volume, blood transfusion, resection volume, and tumor volume were related with mortality. Therefore, the bootstrap validation reflected that the risk factors of multivariate cox regression in model1(frequency of hospitalization, bleeding volume, and tumor volume) and model 2 (frequency of hospitalization, bleeding volume and total albumin) were stable with mortality in hospital. Ten-fold cross-validation of cox regression analysis showed that the mean C-statistic with 95%CI of model1 and model2 respectively were 0.887(0.779-0.976) and 0.867(0.789-0.966) for predicting in-hospital mortality. Consistency results of models were in the training cohort and validation cohort. Conclusion: Total albumin, tumor volume, intraoperative bleeding and frequency of hospitalization were independent predictive factors for in-hospital mortality in HCC patients with PVTT under surgery. Further study is warranted to utilize these factors to lower in-hospital mortality.

A systematic review comparing outcomes of surgical resection and non-surgical treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is very poor. According to most HCC guidelines, sorafenib, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or other non-surgical treatments are recommended as the first-line therapy for these patients. However, selected patients with HCC and PVTT can undergo surgical resection (SR). The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of SR with Non-SR for such patients.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library were searched for studies which compared SR with Non-SR for HCC and PVTT published before December 2017.

RESULTS

4810 patients from 7 studies who were enrolled in this meta-analysis were divided into the SR group (n = 2 344, 49%) and the Non-SR group (n = 2 476, 51%). The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates of the SR group when compared with the Non-SR group, were 0.57 (95% CI 0.48-0.67, P <0.001), 0.66 (95% CI 0.56-0.77, P <0.001) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.57-0.81, P <0.001), respectively. On subgroup analysis, the pooled HRs for the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates of the SR group when compared with the TACE group, were 0.62 (95% CI 0.54-0.71, P <0.001), 0.74 (95% CI 0.66-0.83, P <0.001) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.70-0.87, P <0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed SR resulted in better OS than TACE, or other Non-SR treatments, for patients with HCC and PVTT. SR should be considered in selected patients with resectable HCC and PVTT.

Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade-based nomogram to predict tumor recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tumor recurrence after curative resection is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but large-scale long-term prediction on an individual basis has seldom been reported. We aimed to construct an albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade-based nomogram to predict tumor recurrence in patients with HCC undergoing surgical resection.

METHODS

A total 1038 patients with newly diagnosed HCC undergoing curative resection between 2002 and 2016 were enrolled. Baseline characteristics, tumor status and severity of liver functional reserve were collected. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to predict tumor recurrence and construct the nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by the discrimination and calibration tests.

RESULTS

After a mean follow up time of 30 months, 510 (49%) patients developed tumor recurrence. The cumulative recurrence-free survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 79%, 51%, 38% and 26%, respectively. In the Cox multivariate model, ALBI grade 2-3, multiple tumors, tumor size equal or large than 2 cm, serum ɑ-fetoprotein level equal or greater than 20 ng/ml and total tumor volume equal or larger than 227 cm³ were independent risk factors associated with tumor recurrence. A nomogram was constructed based on these five variables. Internal validation with 10,380 bootstrapped sample sets had a good concordance of 0.607 (95% of confidence interval: 0.587-0.627). The calibration plots for 1-, 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival well matched the idealized 45-degree line.

CONCLUSIONS

ALBI is a feasible marker for tumor recurrence. This easy-to-use ALBI grade-based nomogram may predict tumor recurrence for individual HCC patient undergoing surgical resection.

Better surgical treatment method for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a disease that is not uncommon, but the treatments vary drastically between Eastern and Western countries. In Europe and America, the first line of treatment is systemic therapy such as sorafenib and the surgical treatment is not a recommend option. While an increasing number of studies from China and Japan have suggested that surgical treatment results in better outcomes when compared to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), sorafenib, or other nonsurgical treatments, and two classification systems, Japanese Vp classification and Chinese Cheng’s classification, were very useful to guide the surgical treatment. We have also found that surgical treatment may be more effective, as we have performed surgical treatment for HCC-PVTT patients over a period of approximately 15 years and achieved good results with the longest surviving time being 13 years and onward. In this study, we review the efficacy and principles of current surgical treatments and introduce our new, more effective surgical technique named “thrombectomy first”, which means the tumor thrombus in the main portal vein, the bifurcation or the contralateral portal vein should be removed prior to liver resection. Thus, compression and crushing of PVTT during the operation could be avoided and new intrahepatic metastases caused by tumor thrombus to the remnant liver minimized. The new technique is even beneficial to the prognosis of Cheng’s classification Types III and IV PVTT. The vital tips and tricks for the surgical approach are described.

How small is TOO small? New liver constraint is needed- Proton therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with small normal liver

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with small normal liver volume (NLV) treated with proton beam therapy (PBT) and introduced estimated standard liver volume (eSLV) as a new constraint.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HCC patients with NLV < 800 cm3 and no distant metastasis who received treatment in our proton center were included. The doses of PBT were mainly 72.6 Gray equivalents (GyE) in 22 fractions and 66 GyE in 10 fractions according to tumor locations. The Urata equation was used to calculate eSLV.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were treated between November 2015 and December 2016. The 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 40.4% and 81.8%, respectively. The 1-year in-field failure-free rate was 95.5%. NLV ranged from 483.9 to 795.8 cm3 (median = 673.8 cm3), eSLV ranged from 889.3 to 1290.0 cm3 (median = 1104.5 cm3), and the resulting NLV/eSLV ratio ranged from 44.3 to 81.2% (median = 57.7%). Non-irradiated liver volume (NILV) ranged from 232.9 to 531.6 cm3 (median = 391.2 cm3). The NILV/eSLV ratio ranged from 21.2 to 48.0% (median = 33.3%). NLV in the patients who received <30 GyE (rV30) ranged from 319.1 to 633.3 cm3 (median = 488.2 cm3), and their rV30/eSLV ratio ranged from 30.7 to 58.0%. None of our patients developed liver failure. One patient with initial abnormal liver enzyme levels developed non-classic radiation-induced liver disease (RILD).

CONCLUSION

From the viewpoint of minimal liver toxicity occurring in our patients with NLV < 800 cm3, conventional liver constraints involving the use of absolute volume could not accurately predict the risk of RILD. It is reasonable to start using individualized constraints with eSLV for HCC patients undergoing PBT. According to the study results, an NILV/eSLV ratio of >20% and an rV30/eSLV ratio of >30% are acceptable.

Comparison of hepatic resection and transarterial chemoembolization for UICC stage T3 hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching study

BACKGROUND

The optimal therapeutic strategy in UICC stage T3 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients that maximizes both safety and long-term outcome has not yet been determined. Our aim was to compare clinical outcomes following hepatic resection (HR) versus transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for stage T3 HCC.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2013, 1179 patients with T3 HCC who underwent HR or TACE were divided into two groups, HR group (n = 280) or TACE group (n = 899). The clinical outcomes were compared before and after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The propensity model matched 244 patients in each group for further analyses. After matching, medium overall survival (OS), 1, 3, and 5-year OS rates in TACE group were 11.8 (95%CI, 9.9-13.7) months, 49.6, 16.5, and 8.4%, respectively; which in HR group were 17.8 (95% CI, 14.8-20.8) months, 63.1, 33.3, and 26.4%, respectively; (log rank = 19.908, P < 0.01). Patients in HR group were more likely to develop pleural effusion, compared with those in TACE group (0.4% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.01). However, no significant differences in other adverse events (AEs) were found between two groups. Similar results were also demonstrated prior to the matched analysis. Multivariate analysis indicated that prothrombin time (PT), tumor size, tumor numbers, UICC staging status, and initial treatment were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that TACE was an option for UICC T3 HCC patients. However, HR seemed to be safe and yield a survival benefit compared with TACE, especially for patients with a good underlying liver function.

Should transarterial chemoembolization be given before or after intensity-modulated radiotherapy to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus? a propensity score matching study

Background and Objective

To compare the survival outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) before or after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods

During the study period, the survival outcomes of HCC patients with PVTT who underwent TACE before (TACE-RT) or after IMRT (RT-TACE) were compared. Using propensity score matching (PSM), matched pairs of patients were compared.

Results

There were 76 patients in the TACE-RT group and 36 patients in the RT-TACE group. Using a 2:1 matching, 75 patients were included into this study after PSM: 50 patients in the TACE-RT group and 25 patients in the RT-TACE group. Before PSM, patients in the RT-TACE group showed significantly better survival when compared with the TACE-RT group (median survival, 13.2 months vs.7.4 months; P = 0.014) for patients with main trunk PVTT, and after PSM, the corresponding median survival was 13.2 months vs.7.4 months (P = 0.020). When compared with TACE-RT, RT-TACE had a significantly lower rate of worsening in liver function (9.5% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.044) for patients with main trunk PVTT.

Conclusions

For HCC patients with main trunk PVTT, IMRT followed by TACE yielded better survival outcomes and liver function when compared to TACE followed by IMRT.

Prognostic Factors for Survival After Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Sorafenib in the Treatment of BCLC Stage B and C Hepatocellular Carcinomas

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze prognostic factors for survival after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages B and C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data of 198 patients with BCLC stage B and C HCCs who underwent TACE combined with sorafenib between June 2012 and January 2017 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Survival curves were detected using log-rank test. Univariate analysis was performed using log-rank test with respect to 11 prognostic factors potentially affecting survival. All statistically significant prognostic factors identified by univariate analysis were entered into a Cox proportion hazards regression model to identify independent predictors of survival. P values were two-sided and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

By the end of this study, the median follow-up duration was 43.6 months. The median overall survival (OS) of the patients was 21.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.94-25.05), and the 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 72%, 43%, 28%, and 4%, respectively. Tumor size (χ² = 33.607, P < 0.0001), tumor number (χ² = 4.084, P = 0.043), Child-Pugh class (χ² = 33.187, P < 0.0001), BCLC stage (χ² = 50.224, P < 0.0001), portal vein tumor thrombus (χ² = 88.905, P < 0.0001), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (χ² = 98.007, P < 0.0001), extrahepatic spread (χ² = 34.980, P < 0.0001), TACE times (χ² = 8.350, P = 0.015), and sorafenib treatment strategy (χ² = 81.593, P < 0.0001) were found to be significantly associated with OS by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that BCLC stage (95% CI: 1.133-3.982, P = 0.019), extrahepatic spread (95% CI: 1.136-2.774, P = 0.012), and sorafenib treatment duration (95% CI: 0.352-0.574, P = 0.000) were independent prognostic factors associated with OS. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that extrahepatic spread was a risk factor, and sorafenib treatment and superior BCLC stage were protective factors. Therefore, the study indicated that TACE combined with sorafenib was an effective and safe treatment for patients with BCLC stage B HCC without extrahepatic spread.

Comparison of twelve liver functional reserve models for outcome prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing surgical resection

Various noninvasive liver functional reserve models have been proposed, but their prognostic ability in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the performance of twelve noninvasive liver reserve models in HCC patients undergoing surgical resection. A total of 645 patients undergoing resection were prospectively identified and retrospectively analyzed. Tumor recurrence, overall survival, and independent prognostic factors were evaluated by the Cox proportional hazards model. Of the twelve models, the King’s score showed the highest homogeneity and lowest corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) value, suggesting a better predictive ability for tumor recurrence. In multivariate Cox analysis, we confirmed that King’s score, tumor size and serum alpha-fetoprotein level were independent predictors associated with recurrence. In survival prediction, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) revealed the highest homogeneity and lowest value among twelve invasive models, indicating a better prognostic performance. In the Cox model, ALBI grade, tumor burden, alpha-fetoprotein, vascular invasion, diabetes mellitus and performance status were independent predictors linked with overall survival. In summary, the currently used liver function models have differential predictive ability for HCC patients undergoing surgical resection. The King’s score is a feasible tool to predict tumor recurrence, whereas ALBI grade is a more robust model for prognostic prediction.

Using nomogram of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system for treatment selection in patients with stage C hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The nomogram of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been used for outcome prediction. Patients with BCLC stage C HCC often undergo anti-cancer therapy against current treatment guidelines in real world practice. We aimed to use the nomogram to provide guidance on treatment selection for BCLC stage C patients.

Methods

A total of 1317 patients with stage C HCC were retrospectively analyzed and divided into four groups by nomogram points. One-to-one matched pairs between patients receiving different treatments were generated by the propensity score with matching model within these groups. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test.

Results

Patients with higher nomogram points were more often treated with targeted or supportive therapies (p <  0.001). Patients receiving targeted or supportive therapies had a decreased survival compared to patients undergoing aggressive treatments (surgical resection, ablation, transarterial chemo-embolization or transplantation) across all four groups (p <  0.001). After matching for baseline differences in the propensity model, patients receiving different treatments had comparable age, gender, etiology of liver disease, tumor burden, severity of cirrhosis and performance status. Survival analyses were re-performed and disclosed that patients with nomogram points < 15 had better overall outcome after aggressive treatments (p <  0.05). For patients with nomogram points > 15, there was no significant difference in survival between patients receiving two different treatment strategies.

Conclusions

The nomogram of BCLC system is a feasible tool to help stage C HCC patients to select primary anti-cancer treatment in pursuance of better overall survival.

The prognostic value of microvascular invasion in early-intermediate stage hepatocelluar carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is well established as a negative prognostic factor for hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC). However, its prognostic value in different subgroups of Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Four hundred fifty-eight MVI-negative and 204 MVI-positive patients who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. After propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, 187 pairs of matched patients were generated. Long-term survival was compared by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Patients with MVI commonly had more advanced tumors. All the patients with MVI had significantly worse survival rate compared to the patients without MVI before and after PSM(p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, BCLC stage A HCC patients without MVI had better prognosis than those with MVI before and after PSM (p < 0.001 and p = 0.024). For BCLC stage B HCCs, long-term survival was significantly better for patients without MVI before PSM(p = 0.001). However, the overall survival (OS) rate was comparable between both groups after PSM (p = 0.682), although MVI-positive group had a higher rate of recurrence (p = 0.011).. Surgery type, satellite lesions, tumor size, and serum ALT level were statistically significant factors associated with survival in MVI-positive group. Tumor number, tumor size and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were predictors of survival in MVI-negative group.

Conclusions

Its prognostic value in different subgroups of BCLC stages differed. MVI is an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with BCLC stage A. For BCLC stage B HCCs, MVI-positive group had poor prognosis through more advanced HCCs.