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Poudel S, Gupta S, Saigal S. Basics and Art of Immunosuppression in Liver Transplantation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101345. [PMID: 38450290 PMCID: PMC10912712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is one of the most challenging areas in the medical field. Despite that, it has already been established as a standard treatment option, especially in decompensated cirrhosis and selected cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and acute liver failure. Complications due to graft rejection, including mortality and morbidity, have greatly improved over time due to better immunosuppressive agents and management protocols. Currently, immunosuppression in liver transplant patients makes use of the best possible combinations of effective agents to achieve optimal immunosuppression for long-term graft survival. Induction agents are no longer used routinely, and the aim is to provide minimal immunosuppression in the maintenance phase. Currently available immunosuppressive agents are mainly classified as biological and pharmacological agents. Though the protocols may vary among the centers and over time, the basics of effective use usually remain similar. Most protocols use the combination of multiple agents with different mechanisms of action to reduce the dose and minimize the side effects. Along with the improvement in operative and perioperative techniques, this art of immunosuppression has contributed to the recent progress made in the outcomes of liver transplants. In this review, we will discuss the various types of immunosuppressive agents currently in use, the different protocols of immunosuppression used, and the art of optimal use for achieving maximum immunosuppression without increasing toxicity. We will also discuss the practical aspects of various immunosuppression regimens, including drug monitoring, and briefly discuss the concepts of immunosuppression minimization and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekhar Poudel
- Fellow Transplant Hepatology, Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Gupta
- Liver Transplant and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Principal Director and Head, Transplant Hepatology, Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
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Ossami Saidy RR, Kollar S, Czigany Z, Dittrich L, Raschzok N, Globke B, Schöning W, Öllinger R, Lurje G, Pratschke J, Eurich D, Uluk D. Detrimental impact of immunosuppressive burden on clinical course in patients with Cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2024; 26:e14196. [PMID: 38010975 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14196] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infection and reactivation remain a relevant complication after liver transplantation (LT). The recipient and donor serum CMV-IgG-status has been established for risk stratification when choosing various pharmaceutical regimens for CMV-prophylaxis in the last two decades. However, factors influencing course of CMV-infection in LT remain largely unknown. In this study, the impact of immunosuppressive regimen was examined in a large cohort of patients. METHODS All patients that underwent primary LT between 2006 and 2018 at the Charité-Universitaetsmedizin, Berlin, were included. Clinical course as well as histological and laboratory findings of patients were analyzed our prospectively maintained database. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis for impact of variables on CMV-occurrence was conducted, and survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS Overall, 867 patients were included in the final analysis. CMV-infection was diagnosed in 325 (37.5%) patients after transplantation. Significantly improved overall survival was observed in these patients (Log rank = 0.03). As shown by correlation and regression tree classification and regression tree analysis, the recipient/donor CMV-IgG-status with either positivity had the largest influence on CMV-occurrence. Analysis of immunosuppressive burden did not reveal statistical impact on CMV-infection, but statistically significant inverse correlation of cumulative tacrolimus trough levels and survival was found (Log rank < .001). Multivariate analysis confirmed these findings (p = .02). DISCUSSION CMV-infection remains of clinical importance after LT. Undergone CMV-infection of either recipient or donor requires prophylactic treatment. Additionally, we found a highly significant, dosage-dependent impact of immunosuppression (IS) on long-term outcomes for these patients, underlying the importance of minimization of IS in liver transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Raul Ossami Saidy
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kollar
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltan Czigany
- Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luca Dittrich
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nathanael Raschzok
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Academy, Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brigitta Globke
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzel Schöning
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Öllinger
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Lurje
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis Eurich
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Deniz Uluk
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Anisetti B, Ahmed AK, Coston T, Gardner L, Majeed U, Reynolds J, Babiker H. Delayed brain metastasis in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following liver transplantation: a case report highlighting the predictive value of microvascular invasion. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023; 16:864-870. [PMID: 37532904 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01839-1] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant challenge after liver transplantation, affecting approximately 10-23% of patients with a median onset of 13 months post-transplantation. Extrahepatic involvement, such as lung, bone, adrenal glands, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and central nervous system (CNS), is commonly observed among transplant recipients with HCC recurrence. Notably, vascular invasion (VI), including microvascular invasion (MiVI) and macrovascular invasion (MVI), substantially increase the risk of recurrence by 2.42- and 7.82-fold, respectively. This article presents a unique case of a 72-year-old male patient with a history of HCV-related cirrhosis and HCC who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Six years later, he presented to the emergency department following a fall, which led to the discovery of a pathologic fracture of T7 and an incidental intracranial mass during imaging. Subsequent biopsy confirmed metastatic HCC in the T7 lesion, while magnetic resonance imaging revealed two enhancing brain masses. One mass measured 4.8 cm in the left occipitotemporal lobe, and the other measured 1.7 cm in the right frontal gyrus. Notably, the patient had exhibited MiVI and a mildly elevated alpha-fetoprotein level (AFP) of 7.6 ng/mL at the time of his OLT. This case underscores the predictive value of MiVI in HCC recurrence post-OLT. Accordingly, extended post-transplantation surveillance is crucial for patients with HCC and MiVI. Moreover, this report highlights the uncommon occurrence of delayed brain metastasis following OLT in a patient with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhrugun Anisetti
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
| | - Ahmed K Ahmed
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Tucker Coston
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Lindsay Gardner
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Umair Majeed
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Jordan Reynolds
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Hani Babiker
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
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Eurich D, Schlickeiser S, Ossami Saidy RR, Uluk D, Rossner F, Postel M, Schoening W, Oellinger R, Lurje G, Pratschke J, Reinke P, Gruen N. How to Estimate the Probability of Tolerance Long-Term in Liver Transplant Recipients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6546. [PMID: 37892685 PMCID: PMC10607917 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206546] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Operational tolerance as the ability to accept the liver transplant without pharmacological immunosuppression is a common phenomenon in the long-term course. However, it is currently underutilized due to a lack of simple diagnostic support and fear of rejection despite its recognized benefits. In the present work, we present a simple score based on clinical parameters to estimate the probability of tolerance. PATIENTS AND METHODS In order to estimate the probability of tolerance, clinical parameters from 82 patients after LT who underwent weaning from the IS for various reasons at our transplant center were extracted from a prospectively organized database and analyzed retrospectively. Univariate testing as well as multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the association of clinical variables with tolerance in the real-world setting. RESULTS The most important factors associated with tolerance after multivariable logistic regression were IS monotherapy, male sex, history of hepatocellular carcinoma pretransplant, time since LT, and lack of rejection. These five predictors were retained in an approximate model that could be presented as a simple scoring system to estimate the clinical probability of tolerance or IS dispensability with good predictive performance (AUC = 0.89). CONCLUSION In parallel with the existence of a tremendous need for further research on tolerance mechanisms, the presented score, after validation in a larger collective preferably in a multicenter setting, could be easily and safely applied in the real world and already now address all three levels of prevention in LT patients over the long-term course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Eurich
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Ramin Raul Ossami Saidy
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Deniz Uluk
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Florian Rossner
- Department of Pathology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Postel
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Wenzel Schoening
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Robert Oellinger
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Georg Lurje
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Department of Surgery, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (R.R.O.S.); (D.U.); (M.P.); (W.S.); (R.O.); (G.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (P.R.)
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Natalie Gruen
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Domouchtsidou A, Beckmann F, Marenbach B, Mueller SP, Best J, Herrmann K, Horn PA, Barsegian V, Lindemann M. In Patients Treated by Selective Internal Radiotherapy, Cellular In Vitro Immune Function Is Predictive of Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4055. [PMID: 37627082 PMCID: PMC10452121 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164055] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with liver malignancies, the cellular immune function was impaired in vitro after selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT). Because immunosuppression varied substantially, in the current study, we investigated in 25 SIRT patients followed up for ten years whether the lymphocyte function was correlated with survival. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with four microbial antigens (tuberculin, tetanus toxoid, Candida albicans and CMV) before therapy and at four time points thereafter, and lymphocyte proliferation was determined by H3-thymidine uptake. The median sum of the responses to these four antigens decreased from 39,464 counts per minute (CPM) increment (range 1080-204,512) before therapy to a minimum of 700 CPM increment on day 7 after therapy (0-93,187, p < 0.0001). At all five time points, the median survival in patients with weaker responses was 2- to 3.5-fold shorter (p < 0.05). On day 7, the median survival in patients with responses below and above the cutoff of a 2 CPM increment was 185 and 523 days, respectively (χ2 = 9.4, p = 0.002). In conclusion, lymphocyte function could be a new predictor of treatment outcome after SIRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aglaia Domouchtsidou
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.D.); (F.B.); (B.M.); (P.A.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, General Anticancer Oncological Hospital “Agios Savvas”, 115 22 Athens, Greece
| | - Ferdinand Beckmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.D.); (F.B.); (B.M.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Beate Marenbach
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.D.); (F.B.); (B.M.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Stefan P. Mueller
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.P.M.); (K.H.); (V.B.)
| | - Jan Best
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.P.M.); (K.H.); (V.B.)
| | - Peter A. Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.D.); (F.B.); (B.M.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Vahé Barsegian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (S.P.M.); (K.H.); (V.B.)
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Helios Kliniken, 19049 Schwerin, Germany
| | - Monika Lindemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 179, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.D.); (F.B.); (B.M.); (P.A.H.)
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A Reduction of Calcineurin Inhibitors May Improve Survival in Patients with De Novo Colorectal Cancer after Liver Transplantation. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58121755. [PMID: 36556957 PMCID: PMC9785597 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: After liver transplantation (LT), long-term immunosuppression (IS) is essential. IS is associated with de novo malignancies, and the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increased in LT patients. We assessed course of disease in patients with de novo CRC after LT with focus of IS and impact on survival in a retrospective, single-center study. Materials and Methods: All patients diagnosed with CRC after LT between 1988 and 2019 were included. The management of IS regimen following diagnosis and the oncological treatment approach were analyzed: Kaplan−Meier analysis as well as univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: A total of 33 out of 2744 patients were diagnosed with CRC after LT. Two groups were identified: patients with restrictive IS management undergoing dose reduction (RIM group, n = 20) and those with unaltered regimen (maintenance group, n = 13). The groups did not differ in clinical and oncological characteristics. Statistically significant improved survival was found in Kaplan−Meier analysis for patients in the RIM group with 83.46 (8.4−193.1) months in RIM and 24.8 (0.5−298.9) months in the maintenance group (log rank = 0.02) and showed a trend in multivariate cox regression (p = 0.054, HR = 14.3, CI = 0.96−213.67). Conclusions: Immunosuppressive therapy should be reduced further in patients suffering from CRC after LT in an individualized manner to enable optimal oncological therapy and enable improved survival.
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The Role of Immunosuppression for Recurrent Cholangiocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122890. [PMID: 35740555 PMCID: PMC9221145 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), or biliary tract cancer (BTC), remains controversial regarding high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. Oncological follow-up may benefit from tumor-inhibiting properties of mTOR inhibitors (mTORI), shown with improved survival for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after LT. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrence and survival in relation to tumor type and type of immunosuppression (IS). LT patients with CCA or mixed HCC/CCA (mHCC/CCA) (n = 67) were retrospectively analyzed. Endpoints were the time from LT to recurrence (n = 44) and survival after recurrence. Statistically significant impairment in survival for recurrent CCA (rCCA) was shown in patients not eligible for surgical resection (HR 2.46 (CI: 1.2−5.1; p = 0.02). Histological proven grading >1 and N1 status at initial transplantation were associated with impaired survival (HR 0.13 (CI: 0.03−0.58); p < 0.01 and HR 3.4 (CI: 1.0−11.65); p = 0.05). Reduced IS after tumor recurrence improved survival (HR 4.2/CI: 1.3−13.6; p = 0.02). MTORI initiation before recurrence or after had no significant impact on survival. Our data thereby indicate, similar to findings in recurrent HCC after LT, that patients with rCCA after LT benefit from a reduction in IS upon recurrence.
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Pesthy S, Wegener E, Ossami Saidy RR, Timmermann L, Uluk D, Aydin M, Dziodzio T, Schoening W, Lurje G, Öllinger R, Frost N, Fehrenbach U, Rückert JC, Neudecker J, Pratschke J, Eurich D. Reducing Immunosuppression in Patients with De Novo Lung Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation Could Significantly Prolong Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112748. [PMID: 35681728 PMCID: PMC9179580 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112748] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is an established treatment for selected patients with end-stage liver disease resulting in a subsequent need for long-term immunosuppressive therapy. With cumulative exposure to immunosuppression (IS), the risk for the development of de novo lung carcinoma increases. Due to limited therapy options and prognosis after diagnosis of lung cancer, the question of the mode and extent of IS in this particular situation is raised. (2) Methods: All patients diagnosed with de novo lung cancer in the follow-up after LT were identified from the institution's register of liver allograft recipients (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany) transplanted between 1988 and 2021. Survival analysis was performed based on the IS therapy following diagnosis of lung cancer and the oncological treatment approach. (3) Results: Among 3207 adult LTs performed in 2644 patients at our institution, 62 patients (2.3%) developed de novo lung carcinoma following LT. Lung cancer was diagnosed at a median interval of 9.7 years after LT (range 0.7-27.0 years). Median survival after diagnosis of lung carcinoma was 13.2 months (range 0-196 months). Surgical approach with curative intent significantly prolonged survival rates compared to palliative treatment (median 67.4 months vs. 6.4 months). Reduction of IS facilitated a significant improvement in survival (median 38.6 months vs. 6.7 months). In six patients (9.7%) complete IS weaning was achieved with unimpaired liver allograft function. (4) Conclusion: Reduction of IS therapy after the diagnosis of de novo lung cancer in LT patients is associated with prolonged survival. The risk of acute rejection does not appear to be increased with restrictive IS management. Therefore, strict reduction of IS should be an early intervention following diagnosis. In addition, surgical resection should be attempted, if technically feasible and oncologically meaningful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Pesthy
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-450-652316
| | - Elisa Wegener
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Ramin Raul Ossami Saidy
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Lea Timmermann
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Deniz Uluk
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Mustafa Aydin
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Tomasz Dziodzio
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
- BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzel Schoening
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Georg Lurje
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Robert Öllinger
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Nikolaj Frost
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Uli Fehrenbach
- Department of Radiology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Jens-Carsten Rückert
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Jens Neudecker
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
| | - Dennis Eurich
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (E.W.); (R.R.O.S.); (L.T.); (D.U.); (M.A.); (T.D.); (W.S.); (G.L.); (R.Ö.); (J.-C.R.); (J.N.); (J.P.); (D.E.)
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9
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Al-Ameri A, Yu X, Zheng S. Predictors of post-recurrence survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients following liver transplantation: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 36:100676. [PMID: 34999555 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on predictors of post-recurrence survival (PRS) of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) have not been reviewed and analysed systematically. We aimed to systematically analyse all published data on the predictors for PRS. METHODS In accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, online search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was done for all reports that evaluate the predictors of PRS based on multivariate analyses. Cumulative analyses of hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding 95% CIs were conducted to assess the potential predictors of PRS. RESULTS Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the 11,868 patients involved, 1921 (16%) had HCC recurrence within a median time of 16 months. The following were recurrence and tumour-related predictors: time to recurrence (<1 year; HR: 1.97; p < 0.001), AFP level at recurrence(≥100 ng/ml; HR: 1.82; p < 0.001), multiple recurrence (HR: 1.22; p < 0.001), bone recurrence (HR: 2.10; p < 0.001), poor differentiation (HR: 1.52; p < 0.001), intrahepatic recurrence (HR: 0.91; p = 0.03), extrahepatic recurrence (HR: 1.87; p < 0.001), Milan criteria at LT (HR: 1.34; p < 0.001), microvascular invasion (HR: 1.59; p < 0.001), multiorgan recurrence (HR: 1.28; p < 0.001), and recurrent HCV infection (HR: 1.21; p < 0.001). The treatment-related predictors were as follows: surgical resection (HR: 0.33; p < 0.001), mTOR inhibitors (HR: 0.63; p < 0.001), sorafenib (HR: 1.00; p = 0.01), palliative treatment (HR: 3.07; p < 0.001), RFA (HR: 0.47; p < 0.001), and radiotherapy (HR: 1.19; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Systematic evaluation of these predictors could guide surgeons to design risk-adapted algorithms for the management of post-LT HCC recurrence to construct reliable predictive models and to design future prospective studies or clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulahad Al-Ameri
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobo Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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10
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Yilmaz S, Ince V. The Importance of the Immunosuppressive Regime on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:1350-1355. [PMID: 34611833 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00716-9] [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] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) occurs in approximately 20% of recipients and these patients have median about one year survival after diagnosis. Some immunosuppressive drugs can cause development of HCC recurrence, on the other hand some immunosuppressive drugs may have a positive effect for preventing HCC recurrence. Thus, immunosuppression (IS) modification may play a role in preventing HCC recurrence. METHODS In this review, we analyzed IS treatment strategy in two parts: before HCC recurrence following LT and after HCC recurrence following LT, and after HCC recurrence following LT. RESULTS There is no proven, optimal IS protocol to prevent HCC recurrence after transplantation. Therefore, individualized immunosuppressive treatments should be tailored to the biological behaviour of HCC. Forcing the immune tolerance in terms of recurrence can probably be expressed as the most appropriate post LT period. Once HCC recurrence has developed after transplantation, again, there is no commonly accepted, optimal IS treatment, but there is a tendency to switch to IS modifications that include mTORi by minimizing CNIs and MMF. CONCLUSION There is a need for well-designed, randomized, controlled clinical studies with larger numbers of patients on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezai Yilmaz
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Volkan Ince
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.
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