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Fares S, Wehrle CJ, Hong H, Sun K, Jiao C, Zhang M, Gross A, Allkushi E, Uysal M, Kamath S, Ma WW, Modaresi Esfeh J, Linganna MW, Khalil M, Pita A, Kim J, Walsh RM, Miller C, Hashimoto K, Schlegel A, Kwon DCH, Aucejo F. Emerging and Clinically Accepted Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1453. [PMID: 38672535 PMCID: PMC11047909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and the sixth most diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the traditional, ubiquitous biomarker for HCC. However, there has been an increasing call for the use of multiple biomarkers to optimize care for these patients. AFP, AFP-L3, and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence II (DCP) have described clinical utility for HCC, but unfortunately, they also have well established and significant limitations. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), genomic glycosylation, and even totally non-invasive salivary metabolomics and/or micro-RNAS demonstrate great promise for early detection and long-term surveillance, but still require large-scale prospective validation to definitively validate their clinical validity. This review aims to provide an update on clinically available and emerging biomarkers for HCC, focusing on their respective clinical strengths and weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Fares
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Chase J. Wehrle
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Hanna Hong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Keyue Sun
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Chunbao Jiao
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Mingyi Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Abby Gross
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Erlind Allkushi
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Melis Uysal
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Suneel Kamath
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.K.); (W.W.M.)
| | - Wen Wee Ma
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.K.); (W.W.M.)
| | - Jamak Modaresi Esfeh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (J.M.E.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Maureen Whitsett Linganna
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (J.M.E.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Mazhar Khalil
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Alejandro Pita
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Jaekeun Kim
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - R. Matthew Walsh
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Charles Miller
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Koji Hashimoto
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - David Choon Hyuck Kwon
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Federico Aucejo
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
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Krendl FJ, Bellotti R, Sapisochin G, Schaefer B, Tilg H, Scheidl S, Margreiter C, Schneeberger S, Oberhuber R, Maglione M. Transplant oncology - Current indications and strategies to advance the field. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100965. [PMID: 38304238 PMCID: PMC10832300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) was originally described by Starzl as a promising strategy to treat primary malignancies of the liver. Confronted with high recurrence rates, indications drifted towards non-oncologic liver diseases with LT finally evolving from a high-risk surgery to an almost routine surgical procedure. Continuously improving outcomes following LT and evolving oncological treatment strategies have driven renewed interest in transplant oncology. This is not only reflected by constant refinements to the criteria for LT in patients with HCC, but especially by efforts to expand indications to other primary and secondary liver malignancies. With new patient-centred oncological treatments on the rise and new technologies to expand the donor pool, the field has the chance to come full circle. In this review, we focus on the concept of transplant oncology, current indications, as well as technical and ethical aspects in the context of donor organs as precious resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J. Krendl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ruben Bellotti
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benedikt Schaefer
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Scheidl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Margreiter
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rupert Oberhuber
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Maglione
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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Hill A, Olumba F, Chapman W. Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Surg Clin North Am 2024; 104:103-111. [PMID: 37953029 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2023.09.002] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment of many patients with HCC. To be successful, patients must undergo careful multidisciplinary evaluation and neoadjuvant treatment for bridging or downstaging. Patients with stable disease for 6 months are listed for transplant, after which regular surveillance is required to detect recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Hill
- Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 8109-05-06, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Franklin Olumba
- Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, MSC 8109-05-06, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - William Chapman
- Division of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Section of Transplantation, MSC 8109-05-06, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Devillers MJC, Pluimers JKF, van Hooff MC, Doukas M, Polak WG, de Man RA, Sonneveld MJ, Boonstra A, den Hoed CM. The Role of PIVKA-II as a Predictor of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence-Free Survival after Liver Transplantation in a Low Alpha-Fetoprotein Population. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:4. [PMID: 38201435 PMCID: PMC10778448 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AFP and the RETREAT score are currently used to predict HCC recurrence after LT. However, superior discriminating models are needed for low AFP populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of PIVKA-II on recurrence-free survival after LT in a low AFP population and microvascular invasion on explant. METHODS A retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients transplanted for HCC between 1989 and 2019 in the Erasmus MC University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was used. AFP and PIVKA-II levels were determined in serum samples collected at the time of transplantation. Data on tumor load and microvascular invasion were retrieved from patients' records. RESULTS The study cohort consisted of 121 patients, with HCC recurrence in 15 patients (12.4%). The median AFP was 7.7 ng/mL (4.4-20.2), and the median PIVKA-II was 72.0 mAU/mL (41.0-213.5). Patients with low AFP (≤8 ng/mL) and PIVKA-II (≤90 mAU/mL) had a 5-year recurrence-free survival of 100% compared to 85.7% in patients with low AFP and high PIVKA-II (p = 0.026). Regardless of the AFP level, patients within the Milan criteria (based on explant pathology) with a low PIVKA-II level had a 5-year recurrence-free survival of 100% compared to patients with a high PIVKA-II level of 81.1% (p = 0.002). In patients with microvascular invasion, the AUC for PIVKA-II was slightly better than the AUC for AFP (0.775 vs. 0.687). CONCLUSIONS The dual model of PIVKA-II ≤ 90 mAU/mL with either AFP ≤ 8 ng/mL or with patients within the Milan criteria identifies patient groups which can be exempted from HCC surveillance after LT in a low AFP population. PIVKA-II may be a better predictor for explant microvascular invasion than AFP and could play a role in future models identifying LT candidates with the highest risk for HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique J. C. Devillers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.D.); (J.K.F.P.); (M.C.v.H.); (R.A.d.M.); (M.J.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Johanna K. F. Pluimers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.D.); (J.K.F.P.); (M.C.v.H.); (R.A.d.M.); (M.J.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria C. van Hooff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.D.); (J.K.F.P.); (M.C.v.H.); (R.A.d.M.); (M.J.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Michail Doukas
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Wojciech G. Polak
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Robert A. de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.D.); (J.K.F.P.); (M.C.v.H.); (R.A.d.M.); (M.J.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Milan J. Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.D.); (J.K.F.P.); (M.C.v.H.); (R.A.d.M.); (M.J.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.D.); (J.K.F.P.); (M.C.v.H.); (R.A.d.M.); (M.J.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Caroline M. den Hoed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.J.C.D.); (J.K.F.P.); (M.C.v.H.); (R.A.d.M.); (M.J.S.); (A.B.)
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van der Meeren PE, de Wilde RF, Sprengers D, IJzermans JNM. Benefit and harm of waiting time in liver transplantation for HCC. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00646. [PMID: 37972979 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the most successful treatment for limited-stage HCC. The waiting time for liver transplantation (LT) can be a critical factor affecting the oncological prognosis and outcome of patients with HCC. Efficient strategies to optimize waiting time are essential to maximize the benefits of LT and to reduce the harm of delay in transplantation. The ever-increasing demand for donor livers emphasizes the need to improve the organization of the waiting list for transplantation and to optimize organ availability for patients with and without HCC. Current progress in innovations to expand the donor pool includes the implementation of living donor LT and the use of grafts from extended donors. By expanding selection criteria, an increased number of patients are eligible for transplantation, which necessitates criteria to prevent futile transplantations. Thus, the selection criteria for LT have evolved to include not only tumor characteristics but biomarkers as well. Enhancing our understanding of HCC tumor biology through the analysis of subtypes and molecular genetics holds significant promise in advancing the personalized approach for patients. In this review, the effect of waiting time duration on outcome in patients with HCC enlisted for LT is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam Elisabeth van der Meeren
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roeland Frederik de Wilde
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dave Sprengers
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Nicolaas Maria IJzermans
- Department of Surgery, Division of HPB & Transplant Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Degroote H, Geerts A, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H. Different Models to Predict the Risk of Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Setting of Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122973. [PMID: 35740638 PMCID: PMC9221160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver transplantation is considered the first-choice curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in the early phase of the disease, when surgical resection is not possible. Even when implementing restrictive criteria to select patients for liver transplantation, there is a risk of recurrence in the transplanted liver, influencing the long-term outcome and prognosis. As it is challenging to predict the individual risk of recurrence, there is a need for validated and predictive scoring systems to use to stratify patients before and/or after liver transplantation. Most of the proposed scorings include biological markers for tumour behavior, in addition to the number and size of tumoral nodules. In this review, we discuss different published models to assess the risk of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after transplantation. Our aim is to refine clinical decisions about prioritization and listing for liver transplantation, to better inform patients and provide an appropriate surveillance strategy to influence their prognosis. Abstract Liver transplantation is the preferred therapeutic option for non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma in early-stage disease. Taking into account the limited number of donor organs, liver transplantation is restricted to candidates with long-term outcomes comparable to benign indications on the waiting list. Introducing the morphometric Milan criteria as the gold standard for transplant eligibility reduced the recurrence rate. Even with strict patient selection, there is a risk of recurrence of between 8 and 20% in the transplanted liver, and this is of even greater importance when using more expanded criteria and downstaging protocols. Currently, it remains challenging to predict the risk of recurrence and the related prognosis for individual patients. In this review, the recurrence-risk-assessment scores proposed in the literature are discussed. Currently there is no consensus on the optimal model or the implications of risk stratification in clinical practice. The most recent scorings include additional biological markers for tumour behavior, such as alfa-foetoprotein, and the response to locoregional therapies, in addition to the number and diameter of tumoral nodules. The refinement of the prediction of recurrence is important to better inform patients, guide decisions about prioritization and listing and implement individualized surveillance strategies. In the future, this might also provide indications for tailored immunosuppressive therapy or inclusion in trials for adjuvant treatment.
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