|
1
|
Al-Hasan M, Mehta N, Yang JD, Singal AG. Role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of HCC. Liver Transpl 2024:01445473-990000000-00379. [PMID: 38738964 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
For many cancers, biomarkers have served as an important tool across the cancer care continuum from risk stratification and early detection to diagnosis and treatment. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) remains one of the few validated biomarkers for patients with HCC. Although AFP has shown potential for each of these steps, its performance, when used alone, has often been suboptimal. There continue to be discordant recommendations about AFP's value when combined with ultrasound for surveillance, as well as its role in diagnostic algorithms. Conversely, high AFP levels are associated with aggressive tumor biology and survival, so it remains a key factor for the selection of candidates for liver transplant. There have been immense efforts to identify and validate additional biomarkers for each of these steps in the HCC care continuum. Indeed, biomarker panels have shown promising data for HCC risk stratification and surveillance among patients with cirrhosis, as well as prognostication and detection of minimal residual disease in patients undergoing HCC treatment. Several large prospective studies are currently ongoing to evaluate the role of these emerging biomarkers in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Hasan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Fares S, Wehrle CJ, Hong H, Sun K, Jiao C, Zhang M, Gross A, Allkushi E, Uysal M, Kamath S, Ma WW, Modaresi Esfeh J, Linganna MW, Khalil M, Pita A, Kim J, Walsh RM, Miller C, Hashimoto K, Schlegel A, Kwon DCH, Aucejo F. Emerging and Clinically Accepted Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1453. [PMID: 38672535 PMCID: PMC11047909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and the sixth most diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the traditional, ubiquitous biomarker for HCC. However, there has been an increasing call for the use of multiple biomarkers to optimize care for these patients. AFP, AFP-L3, and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence II (DCP) have described clinical utility for HCC, but unfortunately, they also have well established and significant limitations. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), genomic glycosylation, and even totally non-invasive salivary metabolomics and/or micro-RNAS demonstrate great promise for early detection and long-term surveillance, but still require large-scale prospective validation to definitively validate their clinical validity. This review aims to provide an update on clinically available and emerging biomarkers for HCC, focusing on their respective clinical strengths and weaknesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Fares
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Chase J. Wehrle
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Hanna Hong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Keyue Sun
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Chunbao Jiao
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Mingyi Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Abby Gross
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Erlind Allkushi
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Melis Uysal
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Suneel Kamath
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.K.); (W.W.M.)
| | - Wen Wee Ma
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.K.); (W.W.M.)
| | - Jamak Modaresi Esfeh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (J.M.E.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Maureen Whitsett Linganna
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (J.M.E.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Mazhar Khalil
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Alejandro Pita
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Jaekeun Kim
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - R. Matthew Walsh
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Charles Miller
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Koji Hashimoto
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - David Choon Hyuck Kwon
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Federico Aucejo
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Hong H, Wehrle CJ, Zhang M, Fares S, Stitzel H, Garib D, Estfan B, Kamath S, Krishnamurthi S, Ma WW, Kuzmanovic T, Azzato E, Yilmaz E, Modaresi Esfeh J, Linganna MW, Khalil M, Pita A, Schlegel A, Kim J, Walsh RM, Miller C, Hashimoto K, Kwon DCH, Aucejo F. Circulating Tumor DNA Profiling in Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma, and Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Programmatic Proof of Concept. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:927. [PMID: 38473290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050927] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a promising, non-invasive diagnostic and surveillance biomarker in solid organ malignancy. However, its utility before and after liver transplant (LT) for patients with primary and secondary liver cancers is still underexplored. METHODS Patients undergoing LT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with ctDNA testing were included. CtDNA testing was conducted pre-transplant, post-transplant, or both (sequential) from 11/2019 to 09/2023 using Guardant360, Guardant Reveal, and Guardant360 CDx. RESULTS 21 patients with HCC (n = 9, 43%), CRLM (n = 8, 38%), CCA (n = 3, 14%), and mixed HCC/CCA (n = 1, 5%) were included in the study. The median follow-up time was 15 months (range: 1-124). The median time from pre-operative testing to surgery was 3 months (IQR: 1-4; range: 0-5), and from surgery to post-operative testing, it was 9 months (IQR: 2-22; range: 0.4-112). A total of 13 (62%) patients had pre-transplant testing, with 8 (62%) having ctDNA detected (ctDNA+) and 5 (32%) not having ctDNA detected (ctDNA-). A total of 18 (86%) patients had post-transplant testing, 11 (61%) of whom were ctDNA+ and 7 (33%) of whom were ctDNA-. The absolute recurrence rates were 50% (n = 5) in those who were ctDNA+ vs. 25% (n = 1) in those who were ctDNA- in the post-transplant setting, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.367). Six (29%) patients (HCC = 3, CCA = 1, CRLM = 2) experienced recurrence with a median recurrence-free survival of 14 (IQR: 6-40) months. Four of these patients had positive post-transplant ctDNA collected following diagnosis of recurrence, while one patient had positive post-transplant ctDNA collected preceding recurrence. A total of 10 (48%) patients had sequential ctDNA testing, of whom n = 5 (50%) achieved ctDNA clearance (+/-). The remainder were ctDNA+/+ (n = 3, 30%), ctDNA-/- (n = 1, 10%), and ctDNA-/+ (n = 1, 11%). Three (30%) patients showed the acquisition of new genomic alterations following transplant, all without recurrence. Overall, the median tumor mutation burden (TMB) decreased from 1.23 mut/Mb pre-transplant to 0.00 mut/Mb post-transplant. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ctDNA positivity experienced recurrence at a higher rate than the ctDNA- patients, indicating the potential role of ctDNA in predicting recurrence after curative-intent transplant. Based on sequential testing, LT has the potential to clear ctDNA, demonstrating the capability of LT in the treatment of systemic disease. Transplant providers should be aware of the potential of donor-derived cell-free DNA and improved approaches are necessary to address such concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Chase J Wehrle
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mingyi Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sami Fares
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Henry Stitzel
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - David Garib
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Bassam Estfan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Suneel Kamath
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Smitha Krishnamurthi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Wen Wee Ma
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Teodora Kuzmanovic
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Elizabeth Azzato
- Molecular Pathology and Cytogenomics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Emrullah Yilmaz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jamak Modaresi Esfeh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Maureen Whitsett Linganna
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mazhar Khalil
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Alejandro Pita
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jaekeun Kim
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - R Matthew Walsh
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Charles Miller
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Koji Hashimoto
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - David Choon Hyuck Kwon
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Federico Aucejo
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Huang A, Guo DZ, Zhang X, Sun Y, Zhang SY, Zhang X, Fu XT, Wang YP, Yang GH, Sun QM, He YF, Song K, Huang XW, Yang XR, Liu WR, Ding ZB, Shi YH, Fan J, Zhou J. Serial circulating tumor DNA profiling predicts tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for liver cancer. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:254-264. [PMID: 37980313 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10594-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal residual disease (MRD) is proposed to be responsible for tumor recurrence. The role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to detect MRD, monitor recurrence, and predict prognosis in liver cancer patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) remains unrevealed. METHODS Serial blood samples were collected to profile ctDNA mutational changes. Baseline ctDNA mutational profiles were compared with those of matched tumor tissues. Correlations between ctDNA status and recurrence rate (RR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed, respectively. Dynamic change of ctDNA was monitored to predict tumor recurrence. RESULTS Baseline mutational profiles of ctDNA were highly concordant with those of tumor tissues (median, 89.85%; range 46.2-100%) in the 74 patients. Before LT, positive ctDNA status was associated with higher RR (31.7% vs 11.5%; p = 0.001) and shorter RFS than negative ctDNA status (17.8 vs 19.4 months; p = 0.019). After LT, the percentage of ctDNA positivity decreased (17.6% vs 47.0%; p < 0.001) and patients with positive ctDNA status had higher RR (46.2% vs 21.3%; p < 0.001) and shorter RFS (17.2 vs 19.2 months; p = 0.010). Serial ctDNA profiling demonstrated patients with decreased or constant negative ctDNA status had lower RR (33.3% vs 50.0%; p = 0.015) and favorable RFS (18.2 vs 15.0 months, p = 0.003) than those with increased or constant positive ctDNA status. Serial ctDNA profiling predicted recurrence months ahead of imaging evidence and serum tumor biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS ctDNA could effectively detect MRD and predict tumor recurrence in liver cancer patients undergone LT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ao Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - De-Zhen Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical in Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310030, China
- GenomiCare Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 5th Floor, Building #2, No. 111 Xiangke Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ying Sun
- GenomiCare Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 5th Floor, Building #2, No. 111 Xiangke Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shi-Yu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiu-Tao Fu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu-Peng Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guo-Huan Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qi-Man Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Feng He
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kang Song
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Wu Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei-Ren Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhen-Bin Ding
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ying-Hong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Soliman N, Saharia A, Abdelrahim M, Connor AA. Molecular profiling in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2024; 29:10-22. [PMID: 38038621 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to both summarize the current knowledge of hepatocellular carcinoma molecular biology and to suggest a framework in which to prospectively translate this knowledge into patient care. This is timely as recent guidelines recommend increased use of these technologies to advance personalized liver cancer care. RECENT FINDINGS The main themes covered here address germline and somatic genetic alterations recently discovered in hepatocellular carcinoma, largely owing to next generation sequencing technologies, and nascent efforts to translate these into contemporary practice. SUMMARY Early efforts of translating molecular profiling to hepatocellular carcinoma care demonstrate a growing number of potentially actionable alterations. Still lacking are a consensus on what biomarkers and technologies to adopt, at what scale and cost, and how to integrate them most effectively into care.
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Bardol T, Pageaux GP, Assenat E, Alix-Panabières C. Circulating Tumor DNA Clinical Applications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Trends and Future Perspectives. Clin Chem 2024; 70:33-48. [PMID: 37962158 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, liver cancers are the second most lethal malignancy after lung cancer (0.83 million deaths in 2020). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of primary liver cancer and is typically associated with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. HCC diagnosis relies on histologic examination of surgical specimens or conventional tissue biopsy material. However, standard tissue biopsies are invasive and often do not accurately reflect the tumor heterogeneity. On the other hand, the use of liquid biopsies, represented mainly by circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), has greatly increased in the past 2 decades. Indeed, liquid biopsies are a noninvasive, repeatable, and sensitive approach to studying tumor biology. CONTENT This review describes current clinical applications of ctDNA analysis in the management of patients with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and HCC. There is a substantial clinical potential of ctDNA, but interventional studies are still lacking for the moment. SUMMARY Detection of ctDNA in both asymptomatic individuals and high-risk patients (with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis) contributes to the early diagnosis of HCC. ctDNA analysis also offer tremendous information on the tumor burden and on the risk of early recurrence. The implementation of ctDNA analysis, in association with classical tumor markers (e.g., alpha-fetoprotein), may improve (a) HCC screening in high-risk patients, (b) stratification of the recurrence risk after surgery, and (c) prognosis evaluation of patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bardol
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Hospital Center, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC, MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Transplantation, Digestive and Mini-invasive Surgery Unit, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Saint Eloi University Hospital, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Saint Eloi University Hospital Center, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Hospital Center, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC, MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Kahana-Edwin S, Torpy J, Cain LE, Mullins A, McCowage G, Woodfield SE, Vasudevan SA, Shea DPT, Minoche AE, Espinoza AF, Kummerfeld S, Goldstein LD, Karpelowsky J. Quantitative ctDNA Detection in Hepatoblastoma: Implications for Precision Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 38201440 PMCID: PMC10778269 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is characterized by driver mutations in CTNNB1, making it an attractive biomarker for a liquid biopsy approach utilizing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This prospective observational study sought to ascertain the feasibility of ctDNA detection in patients with hepatoblastoma and explore its associations with established clinical indicators and biomarkers, including serum Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). We obtained 38 plasma samples and 17 tumor samples from 20 patients with hepatoblastoma. These samples were collected at various stages: 10 at initial diagnosis, 17 during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 6 post-operatively, and 5 at disease recurrence. Utilizing a bespoke sequencing assay we developed called QUENCH, we identified single nucleotide variants and deletions in CTNNB1 ctDNA. Our study demonstrated the capability to quantitate ctDNA down to a variant allele frequency of 0.3%, achieving a sensitivity of 90% for patients at initial diagnosis, and a specificity of 100% at the patient level. Notably, ctDNA positivity correlated with tumor burden, and ctDNA levels exhibited associations with macroscopic residual disease and treatment response. Our findings provide evidence for the utility of quantitative ctDNA detection in hepatoblastoma management. Given the distinct detection targets, ctDNA and AFP-based stratification and monitoring approaches could synergize to enhance clinical decision-making. Further research is needed to elucidate the interplay between ctDNA and AFP and determine the optimal clinical applications for both methods in risk stratification and residual disease detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smadar Kahana-Edwin
- Children’s Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - James Torpy
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Lucy E. Cain
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Anna Mullins
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Geoffrey McCowage
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sarah E. Woodfield
- Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Research, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgical Oncology Laboratory, Texas Children’s Surgical Oncology Program, Texas Children’s Liver Tumor Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanjeev A. Vasudevan
- Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Research, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgical Oncology Laboratory, Texas Children’s Surgical Oncology Program, Texas Children’s Liver Tumor Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dan P. T. Shea
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Andre E. Minoche
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Andres F. Espinoza
- Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Research, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgical Oncology Laboratory, Texas Children’s Surgical Oncology Program, Texas Children’s Liver Tumor Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sarah Kummerfeld
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Leonard D. Goldstein
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Jonathan Karpelowsky
- Children’s Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Paediatric Oncology and Thoracic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
|
8
|
Choi JH, Thung SN. Advances in Histological and Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2582. [PMID: 37761023 PMCID: PMC10526317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092582] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer characterized by hepatocellular differentiation. HCC is molecularly heterogeneous with a wide spectrum of histopathology. The prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor, especially in those with advanced stages. HCC remains a diagnostic challenge for pathologists because of its morphological and phenotypic diversity. However, recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics and histological subtypes of HCC. Accurate diagnosis of HCC is important for patient management and prognosis. This review provides an update on HCC pathology, focusing on molecular genetics, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joon Hyuk Choi
- Department of Pathology, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
|
9
|
Raszeja-Wyszomirska J, Macech M, Kolanowska M, Krawczyk M, Nazarewski S, Wójcicka A, Małyszko J. Free-Circulating Nucleic Acids as Biomarkers in Patients After Solid Organ Transplantation. Ann Transplant 2023; 28:e939750. [PMID: 37580899 PMCID: PMC10439677 DOI: 10.12659/aot.939750] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A number types of extracellular DNA (eg, cell-free, cfDNA) circulate in human blood, including mitochondrial, transcriptome, and regulatory DNA, usually at low concentrations. Larger amounts of cfDNA appear in any inflammatory condition, including organ damage due to a variety of reasons. The role of cfDNA in solid organ transplantation is discussed in this review as a valuable additional tool in the standard of care of transplant patients. Post-transplant monitoring requires the use of high-quality biomarkers for early detection of graft damage or rejection to be able to apply early therapeutic intervention. CfDNA complements the traditional monitoring strategies, being a risk stratification tool and an important prognostic marker. However, improving the sensitivity and specificity of cfDNA detection is necessary to facilitate personalized patient management, warranting further research in terms of measurement, test standardization, and storage, processing, and shipping. A diagnostic test (Allosure, CareDx, Inc., Brisbane, CA) for kidney, heart and lung transplant patients is now commercially available, and validation for other organs (eg, liver) is pending. To date, donor-derived cfDNA in combination with other biomarkers appears to be a promising tool in graft rejection as it is minimally invasive, time-sensitive, and cost-effective. However, improvement of sensitivity and specificity is required to facilitate personalized patient management. Whether it could be an alternate to graft biopsy remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Raszeja-Wyszomirska
- Department of Hepatology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Macech
- Department of General, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marek Krawczyk
- Department of General, Transplant, and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Nazarewski
- Department of General, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Jolanta Małyszko
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
|
10
|
Yu J, Park R, Kim R. Promising Novel Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnostic and Prognostic Insights. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1105-1127. [PMID: 37483311 PMCID: PMC10362916 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s341195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The systemic therapy landscape for hepatocellular carcinoma is rapidly evolving, as the recent approvals of checkpoint inhibitor-based regimens such as atezolizumab-bevacizumab and durvalumab-tremelimumab in advanced disease have led to an expanding therapeutic armamentarium. The development of biomarkers, however, has not kept up with the approvals of new agents. Nevertheless, biomarker research for hepatocellular carcinoma has recently been growing at a rapid pace. The most active areas of research are biomarkers for early detection and screening, accurate prognostication, and detection of minimal residual disease following curative intent therapies, and, perhaps most importantly, predictive markers to guide selection and sequencing of the individual agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. In this review, we briefly summarize the recent developments in systemic therapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma, introduce the key completed and ongoing prospective and retrospective studies evaluating diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers with high clinical relevance, highlight several potentially important areas of future research, and share our insights for each biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Yu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Robin Park
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Richard Kim
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
11
|
Manzi J, Hoff CO, Ferreira R, Glehn-Ponsirenas R, Selvaggi G, Tekin A, O'Brien CB, Feun L, Vianna R, Abreu P. Cell-Free DNA as a Surveillance Tool for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Liver Transplant. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3165. [PMID: 37370775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123165] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the world's sixth most common primary tumor site, responsible for approximately 5% of all cancers and over 8% of cancer-related deaths. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of liver cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all primary liver tumors. A major therapeutic tool for this disease is liver transplantation. Two of the most significant issues in treating HCC are tumor recurrence and graft rejection. Currently, the detection and monitoring of HCC recurrence and graft rejection mainly consist of imaging methods, tissue biopsies, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) follow-up. However, they have limited accuracy and precision. One of the many possible components of cfDNA is circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is cfDNA derived from tumor cells. Another important component in transplantation is donor-derived cfDNA (dd-cfDNA), derived from donor tissue. All the components of cfDNA can be analyzed in blood samples as liquid biopsies. These can play a role in determining prognosis, tumor recurrence, and graft rejection, assisting in an overall manner in clinical decision-making in the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joao Manzi
- School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Camilla O Hoff
- School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Raphaella Ferreira
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | - Gennaro Selvaggi
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Akin Tekin
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Christopher B O'Brien
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lynn Feun
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Rodrigo Vianna
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Phillipe Abreu
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
12
|
Kopystecka A, Patryn R, Leśniewska M, Budzyńska J, Kozioł I. The Use of ctDNA in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119342. [PMID: 37298294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in medicine, it is still a cancer with a very poor prognosis. Both imaging and liver biopsy still have important limitations, especially in very small nodules and those which show atypical imaging features. In recent years, liquid biopsy and molecular analysis of tumor breakdown products have become an attractive source of new biomarkers. Patients with liver and biliary malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), may greatly benefit from ctDNA testing. These patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, and relapses are common. Molecular analysis may indicate the best cancer treatment tailored to particular patients with specific tumor DNA mutations. Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive technique that facilitates the early detection of cancer. This review summarizes the knowledge of ctDNA in liquid biopsy as an indicator for early diagnosis and monitoring of hepatocellular cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kopystecka
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Patryn
- Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Leśniewska
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Julia Budzyńska
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ilona Kozioł
- Students' Scientific Circle on Medical Law, Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
|
13
|
Li Y, Wu J, Li E, Xiao Z, Lei J, Zhou F, Yin X, Hu D, Mao Y, Wu L, Wenjun L. TP53 mutation detected in circulating exosomal DNA is associated with prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:439-445. [PMID: 35921289 PMCID: PMC9354767 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2094666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosome DNA (exoDNA) can be used for liquid biopsy. This study was the first to use droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect tumor-specific mutations in exoDNA and to evaluate the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. 60 HCC patients were enrolled in the study. We used ddPCR to detect c.747 G > T mutation in TP53 gene. We analyzed the correlation between detectable mutation in exoDNA and clinicopathologic characteristics using Multivariate logistics regression analysis. We performed Cox regression to assess the correlation between mutation frequency (mutant droplets/total droplets, MD/TD) and prognostic. We found that 48 of 60 patients had c.747 G > T mutation in TP53 gene in exoDNA (80.0%). We found that detectable mutation in exoDNA and age were associated with microvascular invasion (MVI) (P < .01). The ROC curve analysis revealed that the best cutoff value of mutation frequency to predict MVI was 67% (sensitivity 48.15%, specificity 93.94%,), the corresponding AUC was 0.761 (95%CI, 0.640–0.866; P < .01). Furthermore, we found that patients suffered high-frequency mutation (>67%) had shorted median recurrence-free survival (RFS) with 63 days (range, 53–202 days), compared with 368 days (range, 51–576 days) for patients with low-frequency mutation (<67%) (HR:4.61; 95% CI, 1.70–12.48; P = 0 .003). We also found that high-frequency mutation was associated with poor prognosis though patients had better pathological characteristics, such as AFP (<400 ng/mL), Liver cirrhosis (Negative), Tumor thrombus (Negative), Tumor numbers (Single) and Post-operation TACE (Executed). We provided evidence that the mutations in exoDNA might be used to predict patients with poor RFS. Abbreviations: TP53: Tumor protein p53; ExoDNA: Exosomal DNA; HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; ddPCR: Droplet digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); MD/TD: The ratio of mutant droplets/total droplets; AFP: Alpha-fetoprotein; MVI: Microvascular invasion; RFS: Recurrence-free survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junjun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Enliang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhouqing Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiangbao Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilei Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Linquan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liao Wenjun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
|
14
|
Circulating biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:670-681. [PMID: 35676420 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The treatment of HCC remains challenging and is largely predicated on early diagnosis. Surveillance of high-risk groups using abdominal ultrasonography, with or without serum analysis of α-fetoprotein (AFP), can permit detection of early, potentially curable tumours, but is limited by its insensitivity. Reviewed here are two current approaches that aim to address this limitation. The first is to use old re-emerged empirically derived biomarkers such as AFP, now applied within statistical models. The second is to use circulating nucleic acid biomarkers, which include cell-free DNA (for example, circulating tumour DNA, cell-free mitochondrial DNA and cell-free viral DNA) and cell-free RNA, applying modern molecular biology-based technologies and machine learning techniques closely allied to the underlying biology of cancer. Taken together, these approaches are likely to be complementary. Both hold considerable promise for achieving earlier diagnosis as well as offering additional functionalities including improved monitoring of therapy and prediction of response thereto.
Collapse
|
|
15
|
Pallozzi M, Di Tommaso N, Maccauro V, Santopaolo F, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR, Pompili M. Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194631. [PMID: 36230554 PMCID: PMC9559710 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194631] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The search for non-invasive biomarkers is a hot topic in modern oncology, since a tissue biopsy has significant limitations in terms of cost and invasiveness. The treatment perspectives have been significantly improved after the approval of immunotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma; therefore, the quick identification of responders is crucial to define the best therapeutic strategy. In this review, the current knowledge on the available non-invasive biomarkers of the response to immunotherapy is described. Abstract The treatment perspectives of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have deeply changed after the introduction of immunotherapy. The results in responders show improved survival compared with Sorafenib, but only one-third of patients achieve a significant benefit from treatment. As the tumor microenvironment exerts a central role in shaping the response to immunotherapy, the future goal of HCC treatment should be to identify a proxy of the hepatic tissue condition that is easy to use in clinical practice. Therefore, the search for biomarkers that are accurate in predicting prognosis will be the hot topic in the therapeutic management of HCC in the near future. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy may expand the patient population that will benefit from it, and help researchers to find new combination regimens to improve patients’ outcomes. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the prognostic non-invasive biomarkers related to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on serological markers and gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pallozzi
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Natalia Di Tommaso
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Maccauro
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.R.P.); (M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
16
|
Temraz S, Nasr R, Mukherji D, Kreidieh F, Shamseddine A. Liquid Biopsy Derived Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor DNA as Novel Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:507-518. [PMID: 35758097 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2094706] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is made at a relatively advanced stage resulting in poor prognosis. Alpha-fetoprotein and liver ultrasound have limited accuracy as biomarkers in HCC. Liver biopsy provides information on tumor biology; however, it is invasive and holds high threat of tumor seeding. Thus, more accurate and less invasive approaches are needed. AREAS COVERED Highly sensitive liquid biopsy assays have made possible the detection and analysis of cells or organelles such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and tumor-derived exosomes. Here, we focus on CTCs and ctDNA components of liquid biopsy and their clinical application as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers in HCC. Unlike tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy involves attaining a sample at several time frames in an easy and a non-invasive manner. They have been efficacious in detecting and classifying cancer, in predicting treatment response, in monitoring disease relapse and in identifying mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies. EXPERT OPINION Although interesting and highly promising, liquid biopsy techniques still have many obstacles to overcome before their wide spread clinical application sees the light. It is expected that these techniques will be incorporated into traditional methodologies for better diagnostic, predictive and prognostic results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Temraz
- Department of internal medicine, Hematology/Oncology division, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of internal medicine, Hematology/Oncology division, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kreidieh
- Department of internal medicine, Hematology/Oncology division, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of internal medicine, Hematology/Oncology division, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
|
17
|
Azhie A, Grant RC, Herman M, Wang L, Knox JJ, Bhat M. Phase II clinical trial of cabozantinib for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. Future Oncol 2022; 18:2173-2191. [PMID: 35287469 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-1635] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in 15-20% of liver transplant recipients, and it tends to be more aggressive due to underlying immunosuppression. The multikinase inhibitor cabozantinib has been shown to be effective for the treatment of advanced HCC. However, there is no study evaluating this medication in patients with recurrent HCC. Adult patients with measurable biopsy-proven recurrent HCC are eligible for enrollment provided they are not amenable to curative treatments and no prior treatment with cabozantinib. In this study, 60 mg once daily cabozantinib will be administered orally. Participants will receive study treatment as long as they continue to experience clinical benefit or until there is unacceptable toxicity. Tumor measurements will be repeated every 8 weeks to evaluate response. The primary end point of this study will be the disease control rate at 4 months after treatment. The secondary end points will be overall survival, progression-free survival and safety profile of cabozantinib. Furthermore, potential biomarkers will be evaluated to identify their role in tumor progression. The total duration of this trial is expected to be 3 years. We anticipate that this trial will show the effectiveness and safety of cabozantinib in the treatment of post-liver transplant recurrent HCC. Cabozantinib is expected to be an effective treatment due to its activity against many protein kinases, including MET and AXL which are not inhibited by sorafenib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Azhie
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Robert C Grant
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Michael Herman
- Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Oakville, Ontario, L6M 0L8, Canada
| | - Lisa Wang
- Biostatistics Division, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Jennifer J Knox
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2N2, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
|
18
|
Alese OB, Cook N, Ortega-Franco A, Ulanja MB, Tan L, Tie J. Circulating Tumor DNA: An Emerging Tool in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-20. [PMID: 35471832 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_349143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is tumor-derived fragmented DNA in the bloodstream that has come from primary or metastatic cancer sites. Neoplasm-specific genetic and epigenetic abnormalities are increasingly being identified through liquid biopsy: a novel, minimally invasive technique used to isolate and analyze ctDNA in the peripheral circulation. Liquid biopsy and other emerging ctDNA technologies represent a paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics because they allow for the detection of minimal residual disease in patients with early-stage disease, improve risk stratification, capture tumor heterogeneity and genomic evolution, and enhance ctDNA-guided adjuvant and palliative cancer therapy. Moreover, ctDNA can be used to monitor the tumor response to neoadjuvant and postoperative therapy in patients with metastatic disease. Using clearance of ctDNA as an endpoint for escalation/de-escalation of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients considered to have high-risk disease has become an important area of research. The possibility of using ctDNA as a surrogate for treatment response-including for overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-free survival-is an attractive concept; this surrogate will arguably reduce study duration and expedite the development of new therapies. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the applications of ctDNA for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal tumors. Gastrointestinal cancers-including tumors of the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, and pancreas-account for one-quarter of global cancer diagnoses and contribute to more than one-third of cancer-related deaths. Given the prevalence of gastrointestinal malignancies, ctDNA technology represents a powerful tool to reduce the global burden of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olatunji B Alese
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Natalie Cook
- Experimental Cancer Medicine Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Ortega-Franco
- Experimental Cancer Medicine Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark B Ulanja
- Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Charles, LA
| | - Lavinia Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeanne Tie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Division of Personalized Oncology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
|
19
|
Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumour DNA in Asian Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8019652. [PMID: 35251214 PMCID: PMC8893997 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8019652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a noninvasive method of detecting tumours, and its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is controversial. We conducted a systematic review of published research data to evaluate the prognostic value of ctDNA in HCC patients. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched to identify eligible studies reporting disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) stratified by ctDNA prior to January 2022. We evaluated the quality and design of these studies. The hazard ratio (HR) was used to combine the survivorship curve and univariate and multivariate results of the included studies. RESULTS In total, 8 articles were included, encompassing 577 HCC patients. The results of survival curve analysis showed that ctDNA was related to poor OS and DFS, and the effect sizes were HR = 2.44, 95% CI (1.42, 4.20), P=0.001; HR = 2.63, 95% CI (1.96, 3.53), P < 0.001. The univariate analysis results showed that ctDNA was related to poor OS (HR = 4.48, 95% CI (1.17, 13.70), P=0.003). The combined results of multivariate analysis showed that ctDNA was related to a shorter risk of OS (HR = 3.74, 95% CI (1.45, 9.65), P=0.006). The univariate and multivariate descriptive analysis results showed that ctDNA was related to shorter DFS, and the effect sizes were HR = 3.28, 95% CI (1.23, 11.30), P=0.011; HR = 3.01, 95% CI (1.11, 10.5), P < 0.001. CONCLUSION The evidence provided by this analysis suggests that ctDNA may be a prognostic biomarker and is negatively correlated with the survival of HCC patients. Mutations in the TERT and SOCS3 promoters in ctDNA are associated with poor prognosis and are expected to become good targets for liquid biopsy and to help select treatment strategies.
Collapse
|
|
20
|
Ye K, Fan Q, Yuan M, Wang D, Xiao L, Long G, Chen R, Fang T, Li Z, Zhou L. Prognostic Value of Postoperative Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With Early- and Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:834992. [PMID: 35311090 PMCID: PMC8931326 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.834992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Majority of patients with resected early- and intermediate-stage liver cancer will experience postoperative recurrence. This study aimed to investigate the application of ctDNA sequencing in the postoperative period of hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 96 patients with liver cancer were enrolled in this study. Postoperative peripheral blood samples were collected from all patients after surgery and analyzed using hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing. Identification of at least one somatic mutation in the peripheral blood was defined as ctDNA+. Five genetic features in tumor tissues were associated with disease-free survival (DFS) using Lasso-Cox model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.813 and 0.882 in training and validation cohorts, respectively. The recurrence rate in ctDNA+ and ctDNA- groups was 60.9% and 27.8%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the postoperative ctDNA was an independent prognostic predictor of DFS (HR [hazard ratio]: 6.074, 95% Cl [confidence interval]: 2.648-13.929, P<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR: 4.829, 95% CI: 1.508-15.466, P=0.008). Combined ctDNA with AFP improved prediction performance. The median DFS was 2.0, and 8.0 months in ctDNA+/AFP-H and ctDNA+/AFP-L groups, respectively; while ctDNA-/AFP-H and ctDNA-/AFP-L groups had not reached the median time statistically (Log-rank test, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, ctDNA- patients had better prognosis than ctDNA+ patients irrespective of tumor stage. Postoperative ctDNA sequencing has great prognostic value in patients with liver cancer. Patients with positive ctDNA should receive more intensive disease monitoring and more aggressive treatment strategies to improve the survival time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinqiao Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Tumour Surgery, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Mingming Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo Long
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rongrong Chen
- Department of Medicine, Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Tongdi Fang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zengbo Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ledu Zhou ,
| |
Collapse
|
|
21
|
Lyu X, Tsui YM, Ho DWH, Ng IOL. Liquid Biopsy Using Cell-Free or Circulating Tumor DNA in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1611-1624. [PMID: 35183803 PMCID: PMC9048068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) is a fatal cancer worldwide and often is detected at an advanced stage when treatment options are very limited. This drives the development of techniques and platforms for early detection of HCC. In recent years, liquid biopsy has provided a means of noninvasive detection of cancers. By detecting plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) released from dying cancer cells, the presence of HCC can be detected in a noninvasive manner. In this review, we discuss the molecular characteristics of ctDNA and its various molecular landscapes in HCC. These include the mutational landscape, single-nucleotide variations, copy number variations, methylation landscape, end motif/coordinate preference, hepatitis B virus integration, and mitochondrial DNA mutations. The consistency between the plasma ctDNA and the tumor tissue genomic DNA mutational profile is pivotal for the clinical utility of ctDNA in the clinical management of HCC. With strategic use of genetic information provided from plasma ctDNA profiling and procedure standardization to facilitate implementation in clinical practice, better clinical management would become permissible through more efficient detection and diagnosis of HCC, better prognostication, precision-matched treatment guidance, and more reliable disease monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Daniel Wai-Hung Ho, PhD, Department of Pathology, L704, Laboratory Block, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. fax: (852) 2819-5375.
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Irene Oi-Lin Ng, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Room 7-13, Block T, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. fax: 852-28872-5197.
| |
Collapse
|
|
22
|
Xin Z, Li J, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Song J, Chen P, Bai L, Chen H, Zhou J, Chen J, Ying B. Cancer Genomic Alterations Can Be Potential Biomarkers Predicting Microvascular Invasion and Early Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:783109. [PMID: 35155229 PMCID: PMC8828586 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.783109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High recurrence incidence and poor survival after hepatectomy are enormous threats to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, which can be caused by microvascular invasion (MVI). However, it is difficult to predict preoperative MVI status. In this study, we focus on cancer genomic alterations to comprehensively explore potential MVI and early recurrence biomarkers and provide clues to the mechanisms of HCC invasion and metastasis. Methods Forty-one patients with initially suspected HCC who were undergoing hepatectomy were finally enrolled. High-throughput targeted sequencing was performed on genomic alterations in their preoperative plasma and surgical fresh tumor tissues utilizing the 1,021-gene panel. Results HCC patients without MVI had longer RFS than MVI ones (p < 0.0001). The mutant incidence of genes like KEAP1, TP53, HIST1H3D, NFKBIA, PIK3CB, and WRN was higher in both MVI and early-recurrence patients than their counterparts. Besides, the alteration rates of Rap1 and Ras signaling pathways were significantly higher in MVI patients than NMVI ones (p < 0.05), and a similar trend of differences was also found in early-recurrence/non-recurrence comparison. The maximal variant allele frequency (VAF) of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was statistically higher in MVI patients than NMVI ones (0.038 vs. 0.012, p = 0.0048). With the cutoff value of 0.018, ctDNA maximal VAF could potentially predict the presence of MVI with an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.693–0.998, p = 0.0062). Conclusion The integration of a panel containing specific mutated genes and ctDNA maximal VAF for predicting MVI and early recurrence of HCC may achieve better performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodan Xin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Haili Zhang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajia Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Piaopiao Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Binwu Ying
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med+ Molecular Diagnostics Institute of West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
|
23
|
Reddy T, Esmail A, Chang JC, Ghobrial RM, Abdelrahim M. Utility of Cell-Free DNA Detection in Transplant Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030743. [PMID: 35159010 PMCID: PMC8833373 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transplant oncology is an emerging field in cancer treatment that applies transplant medicine, surgery, and oncology to improve cancer patient survival and quality of life. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history and emergence of cfDNA technology, its applications to specifically monitor tumor burden at pre-and post-liver transplant stages, and evaluate transplant rejection. The use of ctDNA to evaluate transplant rejection has been extensively studied in non-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diseases. Emerging studies have also investigated the use of ctDNA detection in evaluating HCC tumor burden pre-and post-surgery as well as transplant rejection. However, extensive studies still need to be conducted to evaluate the role of ctDNA detection in the medical management of transplant oncology patients. Abstract Transplant oncology is an emerging field in cancer treatment that applies transplant medicine, surgery, and oncology to improve cancer patient survival and quality of life. A critical concept that must be addressed to ensure the successful application of transplant oncology to patient care is efficient monitoring of tumor burden pre-and post-transplant and transplant rejection. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detection has emerged as a vital tool in revolutionizing the management of cancer patients who undergo organ transplantation. The advances in cfDNA technology have provided options to perform a pre-transplant evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) and post-transplant evaluation of cancer recurrence and transplant rejection. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history and emergence of cfDNA technology, its applications to specifically monitor tumor burden at pre-and post-transplant stages, and evaluate transplant rejection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tejaswini Reddy
- Section of GI Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.R.); (A.E.)
- Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Abdullah Esmail
- Section of GI Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.R.); (A.E.)
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Jenny C. Chang
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Section of Breast, Department of Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rafik Mark Ghobrial
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, JC Walter Jr Center for Transplantation, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maen Abdelrahim
- Section of GI Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.R.); (A.E.)
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- Cockrell Center of Advanced Therapeutics Phase I program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
|
24
|
Risk Factors Affecting the Recurrence-Free Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatectomy: a Meta-analysis. Indian J Surg 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12262-022-03287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
|
|
25
|
Boniface CT, Spellman PT. Blood, Toil, and Taxoteres: Biological Determinates of Treatment-Induce ctDNA Dynamics for Interpreting Tumor Response. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610103. [PMID: 35665409 PMCID: PMC9160182 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Collection and analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is one of the few methods of liquid biopsy that measures generalizable and tumor specific molecules, and is one of the most promising approaches in assessing the effectiveness of cancer care. Clinical assays that utilize ctDNA are commercially available for the identification of actionable mutations prior to treatment and to assess minimal residual disease after treatment. There is currently no clinical ctDNA assay specifically intended to monitor disease response during treatment, partially due to the complex challenge of understanding the biological sources of ctDNA and the underlying principles that govern its release. Although studies have shown pre- and post-treatment ctDNA levels can be prognostic, there is evidence that early, on-treatment changes in ctDNA levels are more accurate in predicting response. Yet, these results also vary widely among cohorts, cancer type, and treatment, likely due to the driving biology of tumor cell proliferation, cell death, and ctDNA clearance kinetics. To realize the full potential of ctDNA monitoring in cancer care, we may need to reorient our thinking toward the fundamental biological underpinnings of ctDNA release and dissemination from merely seeking convenient clinical correlates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T. Boniface
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Christopher T. Boniface, ; Paul T. Spellman,
| | - Paul T. Spellman
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Christopher T. Boniface, ; Paul T. Spellman,
| |
Collapse
|
|
26
|
Ao H, Xin Z, Jian Z. Liquid biopsy to identify biomarkers for immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomark Res 2021; 9:91. [PMID: 34930486 PMCID: PMC8686238 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00348-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The past years have witnessed the vigorous development of immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) protein and its ligand, PD-L1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Indeed, ICIs have largely revolutionized the management and improved the prognosis of patients with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, biomarker-based stratification of HCC patients for optimal response to ICI treatment is still of unmet need and again, there exists the necessity to dynamically monitor treatment effect in real-time manner. The role of conventional biomarkers in immunotherapy surveillance is largely limited by spatial and temporal tumor heterogeneity whereas liquid biopsy seems to be promising to circumvent tumor heterogeneity to identify candidate patients who may response to immunotherapy, to dynamically monitor treatment effect and to unveil resistance mechanism. Herein, we provide a thorough review about the potential utility of liquid biopsy in immunotherapy for HCC and discuss its future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huang Ao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhang Xin
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhou Jian
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
|
27
|
Moati E, Taly V, Garinet S, Didelot A, Taieb J, Laurent-Puig P, Zaanan A. Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Current Knowledge and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4743. [PMID: 34638228 PMCID: PMC8507552 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are major health burdens worldwide and biomarkers are needed to improve the management of these diseases along their evolution. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising non-invasive blood and other bodily-fluid-based biomarker in cancer management that can help clinicians in various cases for the detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and personalization of treatment in digestive oncology. In addition to the well-studied prognostic role of ctDNA, the main real-world applications appear to be the assessment of minimal residual disease to further guide adjuvant therapy and predict relapse, but also the monitoring of clonal evolution to tailor treatments in metastatic setting. Other challenges such as predicting response to treatment including immune checkpoint inhibitors could also be among the potential applications of ctDNA. Although the level of advancement of ctDNA development in the different tumor localizations is still inhomogeneous, it might be now reliable enough to be soon used in clinical routine for colorectal cancers and shows promising results in other GI cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Moati
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Institut du Cancer Paris Carpem, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France; (E.M.); (J.T.)
| | - Valerie Taly
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS1138, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université de Paris, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, CNRS SNC 5096, 75006 Paris, France; (V.T.); (S.G.); (A.D.); (P.L.-P.)
| | - Simon Garinet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS1138, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université de Paris, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, CNRS SNC 5096, 75006 Paris, France; (V.T.); (S.G.); (A.D.); (P.L.-P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Institut du Cancer Paris Carpem, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Audrey Didelot
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS1138, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université de Paris, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, CNRS SNC 5096, 75006 Paris, France; (V.T.); (S.G.); (A.D.); (P.L.-P.)
| | - Julien Taieb
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Institut du Cancer Paris Carpem, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France; (E.M.); (J.T.)
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS1138, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université de Paris, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, CNRS SNC 5096, 75006 Paris, France; (V.T.); (S.G.); (A.D.); (P.L.-P.)
| | - Pierre Laurent-Puig
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS1138, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université de Paris, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, CNRS SNC 5096, 75006 Paris, France; (V.T.); (S.G.); (A.D.); (P.L.-P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Institut du Cancer Paris Carpem, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aziz Zaanan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Institut du Cancer Paris Carpem, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France; (E.M.); (J.T.)
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS1138, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université de Paris, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, CNRS SNC 5096, 75006 Paris, France; (V.T.); (S.G.); (A.D.); (P.L.-P.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
28
|
Bai S, Yang P, Xie Z, Li J, Lei Z, Xia Y, Qian G, Zhang B, Pawlik TM, Lau WY, Shen F. Preoperative Estimated Risk of Microvascular Invasion is Associated with Prognostic Differences Following Liver Resection Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Early Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:8174-8185. [PMID: 34409542 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-09901-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine prognostic differences between liver resection (LR) and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on preoperative predicted microvascular invasion (MVI) risk. METHODS Data on consecutive patients who underwent LR (n = 1344) or PRFA (n = 853) for hepatitis B virus-related HCC within the Milan criteria (MC) were analyzed. A preoperative nomogram was used to estimate MVI risk. Overall survival (OS), time to recurrence, and patterns of recurrence were compared using propensity score matching. RESULTS The concordance indices of the nomogram to predict MVI were 0.813 and 0.781 among LR patients with HCC within the MC or ≤ 3 cm, respectively. LR and PRFA resulted in similar 5-year recurrence and OS for patients with nomogram-predicted low-risk of MVI. LR provided better 5-year recurrence and OS versus PRFA for patients with high-risk of MVI (71.6% vs. 80.7%, p = 0.013; 47.9% vs. 34.0%, p = 0.002, for HCC within the MC; 62.3% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.020; 63.6% vs. 38.3%, p = 0.015, for HCC ≤ 3 cm). Among high-risk patients, LR was associated with lower recurrence and improved OS compared with PRFA, on multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-0.97, and HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.88, for HCC within the MC; HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.81, and HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.84, for HCC ≤ 3 cm], and resulted in less early and local recurrence than PRFA (42.4% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.007, and 31.2% vs. 46.1%, p = 0.007, for HCC within the MC; 27.9% vs. 50.8%, p = 0.016, and 15.6% vs. 39.5%, p = 0.046, for HCC ≤ 3 cm). CONCLUSIONS LR was oncologically superior over PRFA for early HCC patients with predicted high-risk of MVI. LR was associated with better local disease control than PRFA in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Bai
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery II, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinghua Yang
- Department of Biliary Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihao Xie
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengqing Lei
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guojun Qian
- Department of Ultrasound Interventional Therapy, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baohua Zhang
- Department of Biliary Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, the Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Wan Yee Lau
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
|
29
|
Lin SY, Chang TT, Steffen JD, Chen S, Jain S, Song W, Lin YJ, Su YH. Detection of CTNNB1 Hotspot Mutations in Cell-Free DNA from the Urine of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1475. [PMID: 34441409 PMCID: PMC8393790 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The beta-catenin gene, CTNNB1, is among the most frequently mutated in HCC tissues. However, mutational analysis of HCC tumors is hampered by the difficulty of obtaining tissue samples using traditional biopsy. Here, we explored the feasibility of detecting tumor-derived CTNNB1 mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from the urine of HCC patients. Using a short amplicon qPCR assay targeting HCC mutational hotspot CTNNB1 codons 32-37 (exon 3), we detected CTNNB1 mutations in 25% (18/73) of HCC tissues and 24% (15/62) of pre-operative HCC urine samples in two independent cohorts. Among the CTNNB1-mutation-positive patients with available matched pre- and post-operative urine (n = 13), nine showed apparent elimination (n = 7) or severalfold reduction (n = 2) of the mutation in urine following tumor resection. Four of the seven patients with no detectable mutations in postoperative urine remained recurrence-free within five years after surgery. In contrast, all six patients with mutation-positive in post-operative urine recurred, including the two with reduced mutation levels. This is the first report of association between the presence of CTNNB1 mutations in pre- and post-operative urine cfDNA and HCC recurrence with implications for minimum residual disease detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selena Y. Lin
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.D.S.); (S.C.); (S.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Ting-Tsung Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Jamin D. Steffen
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.D.S.); (S.C.); (S.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Sitong Chen
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.D.S.); (S.C.); (S.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Surbhi Jain
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.D.S.); (S.C.); (S.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Wei Song
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.D.S.); (S.C.); (S.J.); (W.S.)
| | - Yih-Jyh Lin
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Medical College and Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsiu Su
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
30
|
Fujii Y, Ono A, Hayes CN, Aikata H, Yamauchi M, Uchikawa S, Kodama K, Teraoka Y, Fujino H, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Miki D, Okamoto W, Kawaoka T, Tsuge M, Imamura M, Chayama K. Identification and monitoring of mutations in circulating cell-free tumor DNA in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with lenvatinib. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:215. [PMID: 34174931 PMCID: PMC8235843 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02016-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background There has been a recent surge in interest in predicting biological effects associated with genomic alterations in order to implement personalized cancer treatment strategies. However, no reports have yet evaluated the utility of profiling blood-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with lenvatinib (LEN). Method We retrospectively performed ctDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis in 24 patients with advanced HCC at baseline and 4 weeks after initiation of LEN. Association of the changes in variant allele frequencies (VAFs) during treatment and clinical outcome were evaluated. Results In total, 131 single nucleotide variants, 17 indels, and 23 copy number variations were detected as somatic alterations in 28, 6, and 12 genes, respectively in 23 of 24 patients. The most frequently altered genes were TP53 (54%), CTNNB1 (42%), TERT (42%), ATM (25%), and ARID1A (13%). The reduction in the mean frequency of variants (VAFmean) following 4 weeks of LEN treatment was associated with longer progression-free survival. The specificity and sensitivity of the reduction of VAFmean for predicting partial response were 0.67 and 1.0, respectively, which were higher than those of serum α-fetoprotein level (0.10 and 0.93, respectively). No association between the mutation status at baseline and the effectiveness of LEN was observed. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that somatic alterations could be detected in the majority of advanced HCC patients by ctDNA profiling and that ctDNA-kinetics during LEN treatment was a useful marker of disease progression. These results suggest that ctDNA profiling is a promising method that provides valuable information in clinical practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02016-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasutoshi Fujii
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - C Nelson Hayes
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Uchikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuji Teraoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hatsue Fujino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Wataru Okamoto
- Cancer Treatment Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. .,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. .,RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
|
31
|
Li Y, Zheng Y, Wu L, Li J, Ji J, Yu Q, Dai W, Feng J, Wu J, Guo C. Current status of ctDNA in precision oncology for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:140. [PMID: 33902698 PMCID: PMC8074474 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01940-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The conventional method used to obtain a tumor biopsy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is invasive and does not evaluate dynamic cancer progression or assess tumor heterogeneity. It is thus imperative to create a novel non-invasive diagnostic technique for improvement in cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment selection, response assessment, and predicting prognosis for HCC. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a non-invasive liquid biopsy method that reveals cancer-specific genetic and epigenetic aberrations. Owing to the development of technology in next-generation sequencing and PCR-based assays, the detection and quantification of ctDNA have greatly improved. In this publication, we provide an overview of current technologies used to detect ctDNA, the ctDNA markers utilized, and recent advances regarding the multiple clinical applications in the field of precision medicine for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, number 1291, Jiangning road, Putuo, Shanghai, 200060, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, number 1291, Jiangning road, Putuo, Shanghai, 200060, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jie Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, number 1291, Jiangning road, Putuo, Shanghai, 200060, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, number 1291, Jiangning road, Putuo, Shanghai, 200060, China.
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, number 1291, Jiangning road, Putuo, Shanghai, 200060, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang road, Jing'an, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
|
32
|
Ge Z, Helmijr JCA, Jansen MPHM, Boor PPC, Noordam L, Peppelenbosch M, Kwekkeboom J, Kraan J, Sprengers D. Detection of oncogenic mutations in paired circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101073. [PMID: 33915518 PMCID: PMC8100622 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In paired analysis CTCs were detected in 27% and ctDNA in 77% of HCC patients. The TERT promoter mutation C228T was present in all patients with one or more ctDNA mutations, or detectable CTCs. CtDNA (or TERT C228T) positivity was associated with macrovascular invasion and poor survival of advanced HCC patients.
Background and aims Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may be used for diagnostic or prognostic purposes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to determine whether CTCs or ctDNA are suitable to determine oncogenic mutations in HCC patients. Methods Twenty-six mostly advanced HCC patients were enrolled. 30 mL peripheral blood from each patient was obtained. CellSearch system was used for CTC detection. A sequencing panel covering 14 cancer-relevant genes was used to identify oncogenic mutations. TERT promoter C228T and C250T mutations were determined by droplet digital PCR. Results CTCs were detected in 27% (7/26) of subjects but at low numbers (median: 2 cells, range: 1–15 cells) and ctDNA in 77% (20/26) of patients. Mutations in ctDNA were identified in several genes: TERT promoter C228T (77%, 20/26), TP53 (23%, 6/26), CTNNB1 (12%, 3/26), PIK3CA (12%, 3/26) and NRAS (4%, 1/26). The TERT C228T mutation was present in all patients with one or more ctDNA mutations, or detectable CTCs. The TERT C228T and TP53 mutations detected in ctDNA were present at higher levels in matched primary HCC tumor tissue. The maximal variant allele frequency (VAF) of ctDNA was linearly correlated with largest tumor size and AFP level (Log10). CtDNA (or TERT C228T) positivity was associated with macrovascular invasion, and positivity of ctDNA (or TERT C228T) or CTCs (≥ 2) correlated with poor patient survival. Conclusions Oncogenic mutations could be detected in ctDNA from advanced HCC patients. CtDNA analysis may serve as a promising liquid biopsy to identify druggable mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhouhong Ge
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Jean C A Helmijr
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice P H M Jansen
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick P C Boor
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Noordam
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel Peppelenbosch
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Kwekkeboom
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco Kraan
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dave Sprengers
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|