1
|
Pinto E, Meneghel P, Farinati F, Russo FP, Pelizzaro F, Gambato M. Efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: Does liver disease etiology have a role? Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:579-588. [PMID: 37758610 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.08.062] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is changing rapidly. After a decade of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), as the only therapeutic option for the treatment of advanced HCC, in the last few years several phase III trials demonstrated the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The combination of the anti-PD-L1 atezolizumab and the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) bevacizumab demonstrated the superiority over sorafenib and currently represents the standard of care treatment for advanced HCC. In addition, the combination of durvalumab (an anti-PD-L1) and tremelimumab (an anti-CTLA4) proved to be superior to sorafenib, and in the same trial durvalumab monotherapy showed non-inferiority compared to sorafenib. However, early reports suggest an influence of HCC etiology in modulating the response to these drugs. In particular, a lower effectiveness of ICIs has been suggested in patients with non-viral HCC (in particular non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Nevertheless, randomized controlled trials available to date have not been stratified for etiology and data suggesting a possible impact of etiology in the outcome of patients managed with ICIs derive from subgroup not pre-specified analyses. In this review, we aim to examine the potential impact of HCC etiology on the response to immunotherapy regimens for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Meneghel
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Farinati F, Russo FP. Angiogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Systemic Therapies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1115. [PMID: 37374319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets. To a large extent, intra-arterial locoregional treatments (transarterial-(chemo)embolization) rely on tumor ischemia caused by embolization of tumor feeding arteries, even though this may represent the "primum movens" of tumor recurrence through the activation of neoangiogenesis. Considering systemic therapies, the currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab and bevacizumab, in combination with the anti-PD-L1, atezolizumab) primarily target, among others, angiogenic pathways. Considering the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver cancer, in this paper, we aim to review the role of angiogenesis in HCC, addressing the molecular mechanisms, available antiangiogenic therapies and prognostic biomarkers in patients receiving these treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Giannini EG, Pieri G, Labanca S, Plaz Torres MC, Gasbarrini A, Biasini E, Campani C, Cazzagon N, Foschi FG, Mega A, Masotto A, Raimondo G, Rapaccini GL, Sacco R, Caturelli E, Guarino M, Tovoli F, Vidili G, Brunetto MR, Nardone G, Svegliati-Baroni G, Magalotti D, Azzaroli F, Cabibbo G, Di Marco M, Sangiovanni A, Trevisani F. Characteristics and survival of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:1215-1221. [PMID: 35354543 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.03.002] [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: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive and contemporary data pertaining large populations of patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are missing. AIM To describe main characteristics and outcome of PBC patients with HCC diagnosed in the new millennium. METHODS Analysing the Italian Liver Cancer registry we identified 80 PBC patients with HCC diagnosed after the year 2000, and described their clinical characteristics, access to treatment and survival. RESULTS Median age of patients was 71 years and 50.0% were males. Cirrhosis was present in 86.3% of patients, being well-compensated in 58.0%. Median HCC diameter was smaller in patients under surveillance (2.6 vs 4.0 cm, P = 0.007). Curative treatment, feasible in 50.0% of patients, was associated with improved survival compared to palliative and supportive care (42 vs 33 vs 6 months, P<0.0001). Surveillance was associated with a non-significant improved survival (36 vs 23 months), likely due to similar rate of curative treatment in patients under (51.4%) and outside surveillance (42.6%). CONCLUSIONS PBC patients with HCC are often elderly males with well-preserved liver function. Feasibility of curative treatment is high and associated with improved prognosis. Description of these patients may help focus surveillance to identify earlier tumours, increase their curability, and improve prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo G Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Giulia Pieri
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Labanca
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Corina Plaz Torres
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Roma-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Biasini
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Mega
- Gastroenterology Unit, Bolzano Regional Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Alberto Masotto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical and Molecular Hepatology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Foggia University Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Maria Guarino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli ``Federico II'', Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Vidili
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Clinica Medica Unit, University of Sassari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory and Internal Medicine Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nardone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli ``Federico II'', Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Magalotti
- Division of Internal Medicine, Neurovascular and Epatometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Azzaroli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother & Child Care, Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties, PROMISE, Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and C.R.C. "A.M. & A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease", Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Division of Medical Semeiotics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hua Y, Dong J, Hong J, Wang B, Yan Y, Li Z. Clinical applications of circulating tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968591. [PMID: 36091119 PMCID: PMC9448983 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor and ranked as the fourth cause of cancer-related mortality. The poor clinical prognosis is due to an advanced stage and resistance to systemic treatment. There are no obvious clinical symptoms in the early stage and the early diagnosis rate remains low. Novel effective biomarkers are important for early diagnosis and tumor surveillance to improve the survival of HCC patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells shed from primary or metastatic tumor and extravasate into the blood system. The number of CTCs is closely related to the metastasis of various solid tumors. CTCs escape from blood vessels and settle in target organs, then form micro-metastasis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) plays a crucial role in distant metastasis, which confers strong invasiveness to CTCs. The fact that CTCs can provide complete cellular biological information, which allows CTCs to be one of the most promising liquid biopsy targets. Recent studies have shown that CTCs are good candidates for early diagnosis, prognosis evaluation of metastasis or recurrence, and even a potential therapeutic target in patients with HCC. It is a new indicator for clinical application in the future. In this review, we introduce the enrichment methods and mechanisms of CTCs, and focus on clinical application in patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinggang Hua
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingqing Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsong Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bailin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiming Li, ; Yong Yan,
| | - Zhiming Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiming Li, ; Yong Yan,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pelizzaro F, Peserico G, D'Elia M, Cazzagon N, Russo FP, Vitale A, Giannini EG, Piccinnu M, Rapaccini GL, Di Marco M, Caturelli E, Zoli M, Sacco R, Cabibbo G, Marra F, Mega A, Morisco F, Gasbarrini A, Svegliati-Baroni G, Foschi FG, Olivani A, Masotto A, Nardone G, Raimondo G, Azzaroli F, Vidili G, Oliveri F, Trevisani F, Farinati F. Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma with a 3-months interval in "extremely high-risk" patients does not further improve survival. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:927-936. [PMID: 34580038 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An enhanced surveillance schedule has been proposed for cirrhotics with viral etiology, who are considered at extremely high-risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIMS We compared the 3- and 6-months surveillance interval, evaluating cancer stage at diagnosis and patient survival. METHODS Data of 777 HBV and HCV cirrhotic patients with HCC diagnosed under a 3-months (n = 109, 3MS group) or a 6-months (n = 668, 6MS group) surveillance were retrieved from the Italian Liver Cancer database. Survival in the 3MS group was considered as observed and adjusted for lead-time bias, and survival analysis was repeated after a propensity score matching. RESULTS The 3-months surveillance interval neither reduced the share of patients diagnosed outside the Milano criteria, nor increased their probability to receive curative treatments. The median survival of 6MS patients (55.0 months [45.9-64.0]) was not significantly different from the observed (47.0 months [35.0-58.9]; p = 0.43) and adjusted (44.9 months [33.4-56.4]; p = 0.30) survival of 3MS patients. A propensity score analysis confirmed the absence of a survival advantage for 3MS patients. CONCLUSIONS A tightening of surveillance schedule does not increase the diagnosis of early-stage tumors, the feasibility of curative treatments and the survival. Therefore, we should maintain the 6-months interval in the surveillance of viral cirrhotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Peserico
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy; Veneto Institute of Oncology, Gastroenterology Unit, Via dei Carpani 16/Z, 31033, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy
| | - Marco D'Elia
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Edoardo G Giannini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genova, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Piccinnu
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Via della Pineta Sacchetti 217, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Di Marco
- Medicine Unit, Bolognini Hospital, Via Paderno 21, 24068, Seriate, Italy
| | - Eugenio Caturelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Belcolle Hospital, Str. Sammartinese, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marco Zoli
- Internal Medicine-Zoli Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Foggia University Hospital, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother & Child Care, Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties, PROMISE, Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Mega
- Gastroenterology Unit, Bolzano Regional Hospital, Via Lorenz Böhler 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Filomena Morisco
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via della Pineta Sacchetti 217, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Giuseppe Foschi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale per gli Infermi di Faenza, Viale Stradone 9, 48018, Faenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Olivani
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Viale Antonio Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Masotto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Viale Luigi Rizzardi 4, 37024, Negrar, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nardone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical and Molecular Hepatology Unit, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Azzaroli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Vidili
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Clinica Medica Unit, University of Sassari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Filippo Oliveri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory and Internal Medicine Unit, University of Pisa, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti 43, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Medical Semeiotics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pelizzaro F, Haxhi S, Penzo B, Vitale A, Giannini EG, Sansone V, Rapaccini GL, Di Marco M, Caturelli E, Magalotti D, Sacco R, Celsa C, Campani C, Mega A, Guarino M, Gasbarrini A, Svegliati-Baroni G, Foschi FG, Olivani A, Masotto A, Nardone G, Raimondo G, Azzaroli F, Vidili G, Brunetto MR, Trevisani F, Farinati F. Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Clinical Practice: Temporal Trends and Survival Outcomes of an Iterative Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:822507. [PMID: 35174092 PMCID: PMC8841805 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.822507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the most frequently applied treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. In this study, we aimed at evaluating whether and how TACE application and repetition, as well as the related outcome, have changed over the last three decades in Italy. Methods Data of 7,184 patients with HCC were retrieved from the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) database. Patients were divided according to the period of diagnosis in six cohorts: P1 (1988–1993), P2 (1994–1998), P3 (1999–2004), P4 (2005–2009), P5 (2010–2014), and P6 (2015–2019). All the analyses were repeated in the overall patient population and in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B patients, who are the subgroup of HCC patients originally supposed to receive TACE according to guidelines. TACE was defined as either the first or the main (more effective) treatment. Results The proportion of patients receiving TACE as first or main therapy declined over time, and less than 50% of BCLC B patients were treated with chemoembolization from P3 onward. Conversely, TACE was widely used even outside the intermediate stage. Survival of TACE-treated patients progressively increased from P1 to P6. Although TACE was performed only once in the majority of patients, there was an increasing proportion of those receiving 2 or ≥3 treatments sessions over time. The overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing repeated treatments was significantly higher compared to those managed with a single TACE (median OS 40.0 vs. 65.0 vs. 71.8 months in 1, 2, and ≥3 TACE groups, respectively; p < 0.0001). However, after a first-line TACE, the adoption of curative therapies provided longer survival than repeating TACE (83.0 vs. 42.0 months; p < 0.0001), which in turn was associated with better outcomes compared to systemic therapies or best supportive care (BSC). Conclusions Despite a decline in the percentage of treated patients over time, TACE has still an important role in the management of HCC patients. The survival of TACE-treated patients gradually improved over time, probably due to a better patient selection. Iterative TACE is effective, but an upward shift to curative therapies provides better outcomes while transition to systemic therapies and BSC leads to a worse prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Selion Haxhi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Penzo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Edoardo G. Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Vito Sansone
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Donatella Magalotti
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Foggia University Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother & Child Care, Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties (PROMISE), Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Mega
- Gastroenterology Unit, Bolzano Regional Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Maria Guarino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Olivani
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Masotto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nardone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical and Molecular Hepatology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Azzaroli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Vidili
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Clinica Medica Unit, University of Sassari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory and Internal Medicine Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Medical Semeiotics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fabio Farinati,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Trevisani F, Giannini EG. The ITA.LI.CA Consortium: How multicentre collaboration helped shape the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on the basis of real-world evidence. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27 Suppl 1:100564. [PMID: 34688886 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The growing diffusion of digitalisation and informatics has promoted the creation and analysis of large databases able to provide solid information. Analyses of "big data" generated by real-world practice are particularly useful for knowing incidence and mortality, disparities, temporal trends of diseases, identifying risk factors, predicting future scenarios, obtaining inputs for cost-effectiveness and treatment benefit modelling, designing new studies, and monitoring rare diseases. Although randomised controlled trials (RCTs) represent the gold-standard for generating evidence about new diagnostic, preventive or therapeutic procedures, their results should be integrated with real-world data to personalise patient management. Indeed, a substantial proportion of patients observed in field-practice have characteristics that prevent the access to RCTs or, when included, form sub-groups too small to provide robust post-hoc analyses. Furthermore, as RCTs are resource-consuming and designed to maximize the probability of success, they are generally performed in expert centres of high-income areas, excluding economically-deprived regions which could complementarily contribute to the medical progress as huge sources of real-world data. These considerations fuelled the creation in 1998 of the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) consortium, with the aim to merge data of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) managed in several centres. This cooperation permitted to analyse a multicentre, large cohort of HCC patients. Since then, the ITA.LI.CA group has progressively expanded to currently include 24 centres, and its database counts more than 9,000 patients. This article describes the history of the ITA.LI.CA consortium and presents its scientific production whose results greatly contributed to the incessant improvement of HCC management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franco Trevisani
- Medical Semeiotics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Edoardo G Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Effect of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Programmes on Overall Survival in a Mixed Cirrhotic UK Population: A Prospective, Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132770. [PMID: 34202593 PMCID: PMC8269358 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is recommended by national and international guidelines. However, there are no trial data on whether surveillance improves clinical outcomes in a UK cirrhosis population of mixed aetiology. Our aim was to determine the impact of, and adherence to, surveillance on overall survival. Methods: We prospectively collected data on consecutive patients diagnosed with HCC between January 2009 and December 2015 at two large UK centres. We assessed outcomes depending on whether they had been entered into an HCC surveillance programme, and if they had adhered to that. Results: Out of 985 patients diagnosed with HCC in this study, 40.0% had been enrolled in a surveillance programme. Of these, 76.6% were adherent with surveillance and 24.4% were not. Adherence to surveillance was significantly associated with improved overall survival, even when accounting for lead-time bias using different approaches (HR for 270 days lead-time adjustment 0.64, 0.53 to 0.76, p < 0.001). Conclusions: When adjusted for lead-time bias, HCC surveillance is associated with improved overall survival; however, the beneficial effect of surveillance on survival was lower than reported in studies that did not account fully for lead-time bias.
Collapse
|
9
|
Pelizzaro F, Cardin R, Penzo B, Pinto E, Vitale A, Cillo U, Russo FP, Farinati F. Liquid Biopsy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Are We Now? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2274. [PMID: 34068786 PMCID: PMC8126224 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related death worldwide. Diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers are urgently needed in order to improve patient survival. Indeed, the most widely used biomarkers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), have limited accuracy as both diagnostic and prognostic tests. Liver biopsy provides an insight on the biology of the tumor, but it is an invasive procedure, not routinely used, and not representative of the whole neoplasia due to the demonstrated intra-tumoral heterogeneity. In recent years, liquid biopsy, defined as the molecular analysis of cancer by-products, released by the tumor in the bloodstream, emerged as an appealing source of new biomarkers. Several studies focused on evaluating extracellular vesicles, circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA and non-coding RNA as novel reliable biomarkers. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the most relevant available evidence on novel circulating biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic monitoring. Liquid biopsy seems to be a very promising instrument and, in the near future, some of these new non-invasive tools will probably change the clinical management of HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Romilda Cardin
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Barbara Penzo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Elisa Pinto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.P.); (R.C.); (B.P.); (E.P.); (F.P.R.)
| |
Collapse
|