Comparison between Milan and UCSF criteria for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Expanding Selection Criteria in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Long-term Follow-up of a National Registry and 2 Transplant Centers

BACKGROUND

This study compares selection criteria for liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for inclusivity and predictive ability to identify the most permissive criteria that maintain patient outcomes.

METHODS

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database was queried for deceased donor LT's for HCC (2003-2020) with 3-y follow-up; these data were compared with a 2-center experience. Milan, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 5-5-500, Up-to-seven (U7), HALT-HCC, and Metroticket 2.0 scores were calculated.

RESULTS

Nationally, 26 409 patients were included, and 547 at the 2 institutions. Median SRTR-follow-up was 6.8 y (interquartile range 3.9-10.1). Three criteria allowed the expansion of candidacy versus Milan: UCSF (7.7%, n = 1898), Metroticket 2.0 (4.2%, n = 1037), and U7 (3.5%, n = 828). The absolute difference in 3-y overall survival (OS) between scores was 1.5%. HALT-HCC (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.559, 0.551-0.567) best predicted 3-y OS although AUC was notably similar between criteria (0.506 < AUC < 0.527, Mila n = 0.513, UCSF = 0.506, 5-5-500 = 0.522, U7 = 0.511, HALT-HCC = 0.559, and Metroticket 2.0 = 0.520), as was Harrall's c-statistic (0.507 < c-statistic < 0.532). All scores predicted survival to P < 0.001 on competing risk analysis. Median follow-up in our enterprise was 9.8 y (interquartile range 7.1-13.3). U7 (13.0%, n = 58), UCSF (11.1%, n = 50), HALT-HCC (6.4%, n = 29), and Metroticket 2.0 (6.3%, n = 28) allowed candidate expansion. HALT-HCC (AUC = 0.768, 0.713-0.823) and Metroticket 2.0 (AUC = 0.739, 0.677-0.801) were the most predictive of recurrence. All scores predicted recurrence and survival to P < 0.001 using competing risk analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Less restrictive criteria such as Metroticket 2.0, UCSF, or U7 allow broader application of transplants for HCC without sacrificing outcomes. Thus, the criteria for Model for End-stage Liver Disease-exception points for HCC should be expanded to allow more patients to receive life-saving transplantation.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Evolving Role of Systemic Therapies as a Bridging Treatment to Liver Transplantation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Classically, liver transplantation (LT) can be curative for HCC tumors within the Milan criteria. Bridging strategies to reduce the dropouts from LT waiting lists and/or to downstage patients who are beyond the Milan criteria are widely utilized. We conducted a literature-based review to evaluate the role of systemic therapies as a bridging treatment to liver transplantation (LT) in HCC patients. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can be used as a systemic bridging therapy to LT in patients with contraindications for locoregional liver-directed therapies. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment can be utilized either as a monotherapy or as a combination therapy with bevacizumab or TKIs prior to LT. Acute rejection after liver transplantation is a concern in the context of ICI treatment. Thus, a safe ICI washout period before LT and cautious post-LT immunosuppression strategies are required to reduce post-LT rejections and to optimize clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, prospective clinical trials are needed to establish definitive conclusions about the utility of systemic therapy as a bridging modality prior to LT in HCC patients.

Risk assessment in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: long-term follow-up of a two-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is a well-established treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there are ongoing debates regarding outcomes and selection. This study examines the experience of LT for HCC at a high-volume centre.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database was used to identify HCC patients undergoing LT from 2000 to 2020 with more than or equal to 3-years follow-up. Data were obtained from the centre database and electronic medical records. The Metroticket 2.0 HCC-specific 5-year survival scale was calculated for each patient. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analyses were employed assessing survival between groups based on Metroticket score and individual donor and recipient risk factors.

RESULTS

Five hundred sixty-nine patients met criteria. Median follow-up was 96.2 months (8.12 years; interquartile range 59.9-147.8). Three-year recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 88.6% ( n =504) and 86.6% ( n =493). Five-year RFS and OS were 78.9% ( n =449) and 79.1% ( n =450). Median Metroticket 2.0 score was 0.9 (interquartile range 0.9-0.95). Tumour size greater than 3 cm ( P =0.012), increasing tumour number on imaging ( P =0.001) and explant pathology ( P <0.001) was associated with recurrence. Transplant within Milan ( P <0.001) or UCSF criteria ( P <0.001) had lower recurrence rates. Increasing alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-values were associated with more HCC recurrence ( P <0.001) and reduced OS ( P =0.008). Chemoembolization was predictive of recurrence in the overall population ( P =0.043) and in those outside-Milan criteria ( P =0.038). A receiver-operator curve using Metroticket 2.0 identified an optimal cut-off of projected survival greater than or equal to 87.5% for predicting recurrence. This cut-off was able to predict RFS ( P <0.001) in the total cohort and predict both, RFS ( P =0.007) and OS ( P =0.016) outside Milan. Receipt of donation after brain death (DBD) grafts (55/478, 13%) or living-donor grafts (3/22, 13.6%) experienced better survival rates compared to donation after cardiac death (DCD) grafts ( n =15/58, 25.6%, P =0.009). Donor age was associated with a higher HCC recurrence ( P =0.006). Both total ischaemia time (TIT) greater than 6hours ( P =0.016) and increasing TIT correlated with higher HCC recurrence ( P =0.027). The use of DCD grafts for outside-Milan candidates was associated with increased recurrence ( P =0.039) and reduced survival ( P =0.033).

CONCLUSION

This large two-centre analysis confirms favourable outcomes after LT for HCC. Tumour size and number, pre-transplant AFP, and Milan criteria remain important recipient HCC-risk factors. A higher donor risk (i.e. donor age, DCD grafts, ischaemia time) was associated with poorer outcomes.

Contemporary Approaches to the Surgical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is on the rise primarily due to the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging. Most of these incidentally detected lesions are non-functional PNETs with a small proportion of lesions being hormone-secreting, functional neoplasms. With recent advances in surgical approaches and systemic therapies, the management of PNETs have undergone a paradigm shift towards a more individualized approach. In this manuscript, we review the histologic classification and diagnostic approaches to both functional and non-functional PNETs. Additionally, we detail multidisciplinary approaches and surgical considerations tailored to the tumor's biology, location, and functionality based on recent evidence. We also discuss the complexities of metastatic disease, exploring liver-directed therapies and the evolving landscape of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Molecular profiling in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

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.

Liver transplantation meets gastrointestinal cancer

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a standard of care for patients with end-stage liver disease, providing a life-saving intervention for patients with severely compromised liver function in both the acute and chronic setting. While LT has also become a routine procedure for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), offering a potential cure by treating both the tumor and the underlying liver disease, its relevance in the context of other malignancies such as cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA), combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) or liver metastases is still the subject of intense debate and no definite recommendations have yet been established. This review summarizes the current therapeutic standards in the context of LT for gastrointestinal malignancies and provides a reflection and outlook on current scientific and clinical developments.

2023 Update of Indian National Association for Study of the Liver Consensus on Management of Intermediate and Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Puri III Recommendations

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant treatment challenges despite considerable advancements in its management. The Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL) first published its guidelines to aid healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC in 2014. These guidelines were subsequently updated in 2019. However, INASL has recognized the need to revise its guidelines in 2023 due to recent rapid advancements in the diagnosis and management of HCC, particularly for intermediate and advanced stages. The aim is to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations tailored to the Indian context. To accomplish this, a task force was formed, and a two-day round table discussion was held in Puri, Odisha. During this event, experts in their respective fields deliberated and finalized consensus statements to develop these updated guidelines. The 2023 INASL guidelines offer a comprehensive framework for the diagnosis, staging, and management of intermediate and advanced HCC in India. They represent a significant step forward in standardizing clinical practices nationwide, with the primary objective of ensuring that patients with HCC receive the best possible care based on the latest evidence. The guidelines cover various topics related to intermediate and advanced HCC, including biomarkers of aggressive behavior, staging, treatment options, and follow-up care.

Contemporary applications of Y90 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres has been widely adopted for the treatment of HCC. Recent advances in yttrium-90 (90Y) dosimetry have led to durable local responses. Radiation segmentectomy has become a viable alternative to thermal ablation for early-stage HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer 0 and A) and has been commonly used as a bridge to transplant. TARE is also commonly used for downstaging to transplant using traditional lobar dosimetry and radiation segmentectomy techniques. Radiation lobectomy has a dual role in local tumor control and induction of contralateral liver lobe hypertrophy as a bridge to resection for patients with an inadequate future liver remnant. TARE continues to provide disease control for patients with limited vascular invasion and may be an alternative to systemic therapy for patients with localized advanced disease. The potential synergy between TARE and immunotherapy has been recognized, and prospective studies evaluating this combination are needed for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B and C HCC.

Incremental value of radiomics-based heterogeneity to the existing risk criteria in predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the radiomics-based intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) and the recurrence risk in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation (LT), and to assess its incremental to the Milan, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Metro-Ticket 2.0, and Hangzhou criteria.

METHODS

A multicenter cohort of 196 HCC patients were investigated. The endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS) after LT. A CT-based radiomics signature (RS) was constructed and assessed in the whole cohort and in the subgroups stratified by the Milan, UCSF, Metro-Ticket 2.0, and Hangzhou criteria. The R-Milan, R-UCSF, R-Metro-Ticket 2.0, and R-Hangzhou nomograms which combined RS and the four existing risk criteria were developed respectively. The incremental value of RS to the four existing risk criteria in RFS prediction was evaluated.

RESULTS

RS was significantly associated with RFS in the training and test cohorts as well as in the subgroups stratified by the existing risk criteria. The four combined nomograms showed better predictive capability than the existing risk criteria did with higher C-indices (R-Milan [training/test] vs. Milan, 0.745/0.765 vs. 0.677; R-USCF vs. USCF, 0.748/0.767 vs. 0.675; R-Metro-Ticket 2.0 vs. Metro-Ticket 2.0, 0.756/0.783 vs. 0.670; R-Hangzhou vs. Hangzhou, 0.751/0.760 vs. 0.691) and higher clinical net benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomics-based ITH can predict outcomes and provide incremental value to the existing risk criteria in HCC patients after LT. Incorporating radiomics-based ITH in HCC risk criteria may facilitate candidate selection, surveillance, and adjuvant trial design.

KEY POINTS

• Milan, USCF, Metro-Ticket 2.0, and Hangzhou criteria may be insufficient for outcome prediction in HCC after LT. • Radiomics allows for the characterization of tumor heterogeneity. • Radiomics adds incremental value to the existing criteria in outcome prediction.

Use of machine learning models for identification of predictors of survival and tumour recurrence in liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading indications for liver transplantation (LT) however, selection criteria remain controversial. We aimed to identify survival factors and predictors for tumour recurrence using machine learning (ML) methods. We also compared ML models to the Cox regression model.

Methods

Thirty pretransplant donor and recipient general and tumour specific parameters were analysed from 170 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation for HCC between March 2013 and December 2019 at the University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Data was also processed through Coxnet (a regularized Cox regression model), Random Survival Forest (RSF), Survival Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Survival Gradient Boosting models, which included pre-processing, variable selection, imputation of missing data, training and cross-validation of the models. The cross-validated concordance index (CI) was used as an evaluation metric and to determine the best performing model.

Results

Kaplan-Meier curves for 5-year survival time showed survival probability of 80% for recipient survival and 82% for graft survival. The 5-year HCC recurrence was observed in 19% of patients. The best predictive accuracy was observed in the RSF model with CI of 0.72, followed by the Survival SVM model (CI 0.70). Overall ML models outperform the Cox regression model with respect to their limitations. Random Forest analysis provided several relevant outcome predictors: alpha fetoprotein (AFP), donor C-reactive protein (CRP), recipient age and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Cox multivariate analysis showed similarities with RSF models in identifying detrimental variables. Some variables such as donor age and number of transarterial chemoembolization treatments (TACE) were pointed out, but these were not influential in our RSF model.

Conclusions

Using ML methods in addition to classical statistical analysis, it is possible to develop sufficient prognostic models, which, compared to established risk scores, could help us quantify survival probability and make changes in organ utilization.

The Role of Ablative Techniques in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Indications and Outcomes

The management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains complex and will continue to rely on the multidisciplinary input of hepatologists, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and radiotherapists. With the appropriate staging of patients and selection of suitable treatments, the outcomes for HCC are improving. Surgical treatments encompassing both liver resection and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are the definitive curative-intent options. However, patient suitability, as well as organ availability, pose essential limitations. Consequently, non-surgical options, such as ablative techniques, play an increasingly important role, especially in small HCCs, where overall and disease-free survival can be comparable to surgical resection. Ablative techniques are globally recommended in recognised classification systems, showing increasingly promising results. Recent technical refinements, as well as the emerging use of robotic assistance, may expand the treatment paradigm to achieve improved oncological results. At present, in very early stage and early stage unresectable disease, percutaneous thermal ablation is considered the treatment of choice. Owing to their different features, various ablative techniques, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryotherapy ablation and irreversible electroporation, have been shown to confer different comparative advantages and applicability. We herein review the role of available ablative techniques in the current complex multidisciplinary management of HCC, with a main focus on the indications and outcomes, and discuss future perspectives.

Bridging and downstaging with TACE in early and intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma: Predictors of receiving a liver transplant

Background and Aims

In patients with surgically unresectable early and intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), only liver transplant (LT) offers a cure. Locoregional therapies, such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), are widely used to bridge patients waiting for an LT or downstage tumors beyond Milan Criteria (MC). However, there are no formal guidelines on the number of TACE procedures patients should receive. Our study explores the extent to which repeated TACE might offer diminishing gains toward LT.

Approach

We retrospectively analyzed 324 patients with BCLC stage A and B HCC who had received TACE with the intention of disease downstaging or bridging to LT. In addition to baseline demographics, we collected data on LT status, survival, and the number of TACE procedures. Overall survival (OS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and correlative studies were calculated using chi-square or Fisher's exact test.

Results

Out of 324 patients, 126 (39%) received an LT, 32 (25%) of whom had responded favorably to TACE. LT significantly improved OS: HR 0.174 (0.094-0.322, P < .001). However, the LT rate significantly decreased if patients received ≥3 vs < 3 TACE procedures (21.6% vs 48.6%, P < .001). If their cancer was beyond MC after the third TACE, the LT rate was 3.7%.

Conclusions

An increased number of TACE procedures may have diminishing returns in preparing patients for LT. Our study suggests that alternatives to LT, such as novel systemic therapies, should be considered for patients whose cancers are beyond MC after three TACE procedures.

Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index May Be a Strong Predictor of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence Following Liver Transplantation

Purpose

Malnutrition is a major risk factor of immune dysfunction and poor outcome in cancer patients. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), which is established by serum albumin level and peripheral lymphocyte count, was shown to correlate with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients following liver resection and non-surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of preoperative PNI in liver transplantation (LT) patients with HCC.

Patients and Methods

A total of 123 HCC patients that underwent LT were included in the analysis. The prognostic impact of preoperatively assessed clinical factors including the PNI on post-LT outcome was analyzed by uni- and multivariate analysis.

Results

Post-transplant tumor recurrence rates were 5.1% in high-PNI (> 42) and 55.6% in low-PNI (≤ 42) patients (p < 0.001). Preoperative high-PNI could be identified as a significant and independent promoter of both recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.12, 95% CI: 3.40–30.10; p < 0.001) and overall survival (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.02–2.79; p = 0.004) following LT. Apart from that low-PNI proved to be a significant and independent predictor of microvascular tumor invasion (OR = 7.71, 95% CI: 3.17–18.76; p < 0.001). In contrast, no tumor morphology features including the Milan criteria revealed an independent prognostic value.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that preoperative PNI correlates with biological tumor aggressiveness and outcome following LT in HCC patients and may therefore be useful for refining oncologic risk stratification.

Are Current National Review Board Downstaging Protocols for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Too Restrictive?

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective strategy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To qualify for standardized LT model for end-stage liver disease exception points, the United Network for Organ Sharing National Liver Review Board (NLRB) requires that the presenting and final HCC tumor burden be within the University of California San Francisco criteria, which were recently expanded (within expanded UCSF [W-eUCSF]). Current NLRB criteria may be too restrictive because it has been shown previously that the initial burden does not predict LT failure when tumors downstage to UCSF. This study aims to assess LT outcomes for HCC initially presenting beyond expanded UCSF (B-eUCSF) criteria in a large multicenter collaboration.

STUDY DESIGN

Comparisons of B-eUCSF and W-eUCSF candidates undergoing LT at seven academic institutions between 2001 and 2017 were made from a multi-institutional database. Survival outcomes were compared by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 1,846 LT recipients with HCC, 86 (5%) met B-eUCSF criteria at initial presentation, with the remainder meeting W-eUCSF criteria. Despite differences in tumor burden, B-eUCSF candidates achieved comparable 1-, 5- and 10-year overall (89%, 70%, and 55% vs 91%, 74%, and 60%, respectively; p = 0.2) and disease-free (82%, 60%, and 53% vs 89%, 71%, and 59%, respectively; p = 0.07) survival to patients meeting W-eUCSF criteria after LT. Despite increased tumor recurrence in B-eUCSF vs W-eUCSF patients (24% vs 10%, p = 0.0002), post-recurrence survival was similar in both groups (p = 0.69).

CONCLUSION

Transplantation for patients initially presenting with HCC B-eUSCF criteria offers a survival advantage similar to those with tumors meeting W-eUCSF criteria at presentation. The current NLRB policy is too stringent, and considerations to expand criteria should be discussed.

Long-Term Outcomes of Living Donor Versus Deceased Donor Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Although living donor liver transplant has become a vital treatment option in hepatocellular carcinoma, controversy remains on whether recurrence and survival rates are different versus deceased donor recipients. Here, we compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between recipients of living and deceased donor liver transplants for hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our comparisons used data from the United Network of Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

RESULTS

There were 385 living donor and 25 274 deceased donor liver transplant recipients with diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Transplant list wait times of ≥6 months were more common in deceased donor(55.9%) versus living donor recipients (45.2%; P < .001). Both recipient groups were comparable with regard to alpha-fetoprotein level <200 ng/mL (P = .18). Only a small percentage in both groups had ≥3 total tumors (P = .73); both groups had similar low transplants outside of Milan criteria (P = .45). Overall, 1-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates for deceased versus living donor recipients were similar (91.2% vs 92%, 74% vs 76.4%, 58.9% vs 56.5%; P = .69). On multivariate analysis, Black/African American race/ethnicity was associated with worse outcomes than White race/ethnicity as reference (P < .001), whereas Hispanic and Asian race/ethnicity were more protected. Hepatitis C virus as liver disease etiology was associated with worse outcomes than other etiologies. Tumor characteristics, ≥3 lesions, tumor size, and higher alpha-fetoprotein levels were associated with worse outcomes. Living donor transplant was not associated with higher hazard of death. Among living donor recipients only, largest tumor size was associated with higher risk of death (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival was similarin between the living donor versus deceased donor recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma. With changes in Model for End-Stage Liver Disease exception policies for hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States, living donor transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma could expand the donor pool.

Significant association between serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2-binding protein and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical treatment

Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein (WFA⁺-M2BP) is a novel marker for evaluating fibrosis and predicting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of WFA⁺-M2BP in the prognosis of HCC patients after curative surgery remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of serum WFA⁺-M2BP in HCC patients after curative resection and liver transplantation. We enrolled 460 HCC patients (357 resection and 103 transplantation) to analyze the risk factors for HCC recurrence and patient's survival. We employed time-to-event models using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses and calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted HRs with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The levels of WFA⁺-M2BP were 0.19-14.51 COI (median 1.08) in patients of hepatectomy and 0.47-19.90 COI (median 6.0) in transplant patients. The levels of WFA⁺-M2BP in liver transplant patients is much higher than that of hepatectomy patients. Overall, liver fibrotic stage was positively correlated to WFA⁺-M2BP levels (P<0.0001). This study demonstrated that elevated WFA⁺-M2BP level (COI ≥0.75) was associated with a higher HCC recurrence rate in the resection group (P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that an elevated WFA⁺-M2BP level (COI ≥1.43) is associated with a higher mortality risk after surgical resection (P=0.0088) in the univariate analysis only. In liver transplant patients, WFA⁺-M2BP level (COI ≥3.81) did not predict HCC recurrence at all, but was associated poor survival after transplantation, with a borderline significance (P=0.0943). Serum WFA⁺-M2BP is a reliable marker for liver fibrosis in the present study. It is also reliable marker to predict prognosis of HCC after surgical resection. However, the prognostic role of WFA⁺-M2BP in HCC related transplants is equivocal, which is different from that of surgical resection.

Liver transplantation in malignant disease

Liver transplantation for malignant disease has gained increasing attention as part of transplant oncology. Following the implementation of the Milan criteria, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the first generally accepted indication for transplantation in patients with cancer. Subsequently, more liberal criteria for HCC have been developed, and research on this topic is still ongoing. The evident success of liver transplantation for HCC has led to the attempt to extend its indication to other malignancies. Regarding perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, more and more evidence supports the use of liver transplantation, especially after neoadjuvant therapy. In addition, some data also show a benefit for selected patients with very early stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a very rare but nonetheless established indication for liver transplantation in primary liver cancer. In contrast, patients with hepatic angiosarcoma are currently not considered to be optimal candidates. In secondary liver tumors, neuroendocrine cancer liver metastases are an accepted but comparability rare indication for liver transplantation. Recently, some evidence has been published supporting the use of liver transplantation even for colorectal liver metastases. This review summarizes the current evidence for liver transplantation for primary and secondary liver cancer.

State-of-the-art surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed primary liver tumor with an increasing incidence worldwide. Management of patients with HCC is largely dictated by the presence of cirrhosis, disease stage, underlying liver function, and patient performance status.

PURPOSE

We provide an update on key aspects of surgical treatment options for patients with HCC. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: Liver resection and transplantation remain cornerstone treatment options for patients with early-stage disease and constitute the only potentially curative options for HCC. Selection of patients for surgical treatment should include a thorough evaluation of tumor characteristics and biology, as well as evidence-based use of various available treatment options to achieve optimal long-term outcomes for patients with HCC.

Revisiting Surgical Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Microvascular Invasion

Although liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) are widely considered as potentially curative therapies for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, there is still high risk of tumor recurrence in majority of HCC patients. Previous studies demonstrated that the presence of microvascular invasion (MVI), which was defined as the presence of tumor emboli within the vessels adjacent to HCC, was one of the key factors of early HCC recurrence and poor surgical outcomes after LR or LT. In this review, we evaluated the impact of current MVI status on surgical outcomes after curative therapies and aimed to explore the surgical strategies for HCC based on different MVI status with evidence from pathological examination. Surgical outcomes of HCC patients with MVI have been described as a varied range after curative therapies due to a broad spectrum of current definitions for MVI. Therefore, an international consensus on the validated definition of MVI in HCC is urgently needed to provide a more consistent evaluation and reliable prediction of surgical outcomes for HCC patients after curative treatments. We concluded that MVI should be further sub-classified into MI (microvessel invasion) and MPVI (microscopic portal vein invasion); for HCC patients with MPVI, local R0 resection with a narrow or wide surgical margin will get the same surgical results. However, for HCC patients with MI, local surgical resection with a wide and negative surgical margin will get better surgical outcomes. Nowadays, MVI status can only be reliably confirmed by histopathologic evaluation of surgical specimens, limiting its clinical application. Taken together, preoperative assessment of MVI is of utmost significance for selecting a reasonable surgical modality and greatly improving the surgical outcomes of HCC patients, especially in those with liver cirrhosis.