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Moschovaki-Zeiger O, Arkoudis NA, Giannakis A, Grigoriadis S, Anagnostopoulos F, Spiliopoulos S. Biodegradable Microspheres for Transarterial Chemoembolization in Malignant Liver Disease. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:678. [PMID: 38674324 PMCID: PMC11051965 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for malignant liver disease, offering localized therapy with reduced systemic toxicity. This manuscript delves into the use of degradable microspheres (DMS) in TACE, exploring its potential advantages and clinical applications. DMS-TACE emerges as a promising strategy, offering temporary vessel occlusion and optimized drug delivery. The manuscript reviews the existing literature on DMS-TACE, emphasizing its tolerability, toxicity, and efficacy. Notably, DMS-TACE demonstrates versatility in patient selection, being suitable for both intermediate and advanced stages. The unique properties of DMS provide advantages over traditional embolic agents. The manuscript discusses the DMS-TACE procedure, adverse events, and tumor response rates in HCC, ICC, and metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Moschovaki-Zeiger
- 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-124 62 Chaidari, Greece; (O.M.-Z.); (N.-A.A.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Nikolaos-Achilleas Arkoudis
- 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-124 62 Chaidari, Greece; (O.M.-Z.); (N.-A.A.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (F.A.)
- Research Unit of Radiology and Medical Imaging, 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Giannakis
- 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-124 62 Chaidari, Greece; (O.M.-Z.); (N.-A.A.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Stavros Grigoriadis
- 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-124 62 Chaidari, Greece; (O.M.-Z.); (N.-A.A.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Fotis Anagnostopoulos
- 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-124 62 Chaidari, Greece; (O.M.-Z.); (N.-A.A.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (F.A.)
| | - Stavros Spiliopoulos
- 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-124 62 Chaidari, Greece; (O.M.-Z.); (N.-A.A.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (F.A.)
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Guo P, Zheng J, Pi X, Gao F, Zhao Y, Xie C, Cao W. Transarterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation for medium and large hepatocellular carcinoma: insufficient ablation is associated with intrahepatic distant metastasis and extrahepatic metastasis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1283843. [PMID: 38646438 PMCID: PMC11026155 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1283843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare the prognosis of complete and insufficient ablation of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating medium and large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the differences in recurrence patterns between the two groups. Patients and methods Patients´ medical records and imaging data of patients with confirmed HCC from January 2014 to January 2022 were collected. These patients were divided into 2 groups: complete ablation (n=172) and insufficient ablation (n=171). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier curve and the log-rank test was used to compared. Fisher's exact test was used to compare recurrence patterns between the two groups. Results The median OS time was 72.8 months (95%CI:69.5-76.1) and 62.0 months (95%CI: 55.3-68.7) in the complete and insufficient ablation groups, respectively. The median PFS time in the complete ablation group was 67.8 months (95% CI: 65.2-70.4) and 38.6 months (95%CI: 29.8-47.4) in the insufficient ablation group. The OS and PFS rates of the complete ablation group were significantly better than those of the insufficient ablation group (P<0.001). In the complete ablation group, 25(41%) patients experienced local tumor progression(LTP), 36(59%) experienced intrahepatic distant progression(IDP), and 0(0%) experienced extrahepatic progression (EP). In the insufficient ablation group, 51 (32.1%) patients experienced LTP, 96 (60.4%) experienced IDP, and 12 (7.5%) experienced EP. The progression patterns of the two groups were statistically significant (P=0.039). Conclusion Insufficient ablation indicates a poor survival outcome of TACE combined with RFA for medium and large HCC and can promote intrahepatic distant and extrahepatic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Guo
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junjun Zheng
- The Third People’s Hospital of Datong, Datong, China
| | - Xingtao Pi
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Chunming Xie
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wendong Cao
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Huo H, Wang X, Xu S, Niu X, Cheng L, Yuan Z, Huo S, Fang P. Transarterial chemoembolization plus camrelizumab is an effective and tolerable bridging therapy for patients with intermediate‑stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A pilot study. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:465. [PMID: 37780547 PMCID: PMC10534277 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14052] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been reported to synergize with camrelizumab in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aimed to explore the potential of TACE and camrelizumab as a bridging therapy prior to surgery for patients with HCC. For this purpose, 11 patients with HCC with intermediate stage disease [classified by China Liver Cancer (CNLC) staging] who received TACE combined with camrelizumab as a bridging therapy prior to surgery were enrolled in this study. The treatment response was evaluated at 2 weeks following TACE therapy and following camrelizumab treatment. The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of the patients were calculated. The objective response and disease control rates were 72.7 and 100.0% following TACE treatment, and were 100.0 and 100.0% following camrelizumab treatment, respectively. The α-fetoprotein levels gradually decreased following TACE, camrelizumab treatment and surgical resection (all P<0.05). Of note, the CNLC stage decreased following treatment (P=0.007) and the downstaging success rate was 63.6%. In terms of survival profiles, the mean RFS (95% CI) was 14.1 (11.7-16.5) months and the 1-year RFS rate was 77.9±14.1%. Furthermore, the mean OS (95% CI) was 15.0 (13.2-16.8) months and the 1-year OS rate was 80.0±17.9%. Successful downstaging was associated with RFS (P=0.041), but not OS (P=0.221). With regard to safety, 6 (54.5%) patients experienced reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation, 5 (45.5%) patients reported pain and 4 (36.4%) patients had a fever. On the whole, the present study demonstrated that TACE plus camrelizumab may be an effective and safe strategy that has potential for use as a bridging strategy prior to surgery in patients with intermediate-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Huo
- Department of General Surgery, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Shan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaotong Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Limin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Zengjiang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Huo
- Department of General Surgery, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Pingping Fang
- Department of Neurology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
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Valle LGM, Cunha MJS, Schmid BP, Falsarella PM, de Rezende MB, Felga GEG, Ogawa RE, Garcia RG, Affonso BB, Nasser F, Galastri FL. Radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma that achieved complete response after chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads for liver transplantation planning. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2023; 21:eAO0307. [PMID: 37909650 PMCID: PMC10586851 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023ao0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions that achieved a complete response following drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) preceding liver transplantation. METHODS This single-center case-control study enrolled patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant DEB-TACE therapy, were followed up with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and were successively evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The HCCs were divided into two groups based on their diameter (Group A: ≤3cm; Group B: 3cm). Viability was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method according to tumor size categories. The relationship between tumor variables was analyzed using bivariate Cox regression. RESULTS Three-hundred and twenty-eight patients with 667 hepatocellular carcinomas who underwent their first DEB-TACE session were enrolled. A total of 105 hepatocellular carcinomas in 59 patients exhibited complete response after the initial DEB-TACE session and were divided into Group A (92 HCCs) and Group B (13 HCCs). The diameter in Group A decreased significantly compared to the pre-procedure size until the second assessment (p<0.001), with no subsequent reduction in diameter, despite maintaining a complete response. In Group B, the reduction in diameter remained significant compared with the initial value until the sixth imaging evaluation (p=0.014). The average reduction was 45.1% for Group B and a maximum of 14.9% in Group A. CONCLUSION HCCs >3cm exhibited a greater reduction in size and a longer time to recurrence. HCCs ≤3cm had a shorter relapse time. The recurrence rates were similar. These findings may aid in planning for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcela Juliano Silva Cunha
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Pagnin Schmid
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Mina Falsarella
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Bruno de Rezende
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Renata Emy Ogawa
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Gobbo Garcia
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Breno Boueri Affonso
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Felipe Nasser
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Francisco Leonardo Galastri
- Hospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Elsolh B, Bayat Z, Lyu D, Lin J, Wakeam E. Lung transplantation for lung cancer: A systematic review of the literature. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:1425-1436. [PMID: 37253398 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung transplant (LTx) is an accepted treatment for end-stage pulmonary failure. A small proportion of explanted lungs harbor incidentally identified nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLC). We review the literature on studies assessing LTx patients found to have NSCLC lung cancer in their explanted lungs, and perform a pooled analysis of outcomes. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. We included studies assessing outcomes of patients with incidentally identified NSCLC following LTx, or following LTx for diffuse lepidic adenocarcinoma as a primary indication. RESULTS A total of 1404 articles were reviewed. 17 eligible studies were identified: 14 studies on incidental NSCLC (N = 169), 4 on diffuse lepidic adenocarcinoma (N = 70). Overall survival (OS) for patients with incidentally identified lung cancer at 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year was 60.8% (95%CI 43.7%-77.9%, I2 =81.8%), 25.5% (95%CI 1.6%-49.5%, I2 =93.6%), and 23.0% (95%CI 2.0%-44.0%, I2 =92.0%) respectively. When restricted to those with earlier stage disease, those with stage I or II NSCLC had better 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS at 72.7% (95%CI 57.2%-88.2%, I2 =67.3%), 41.6% (95%CI 14.0%-69.1%, I2 =89.1%), and 34.5% (95%CI 8.1%-61.0%, I2 =89.8%), respectively. A sensitivity analysis limited to stage I showed 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival of 73.0% (95%CI 56.3%-89.7%), 40.4% (95%CI 110.3%-70.6%), and 35.4% (95%CI 6.2%-64.5%), respectively. The 4 studies on diffuse lepidic adenocarcinoma were too heterogeneous for pooled analysis. CONCLUSIONS We present a review and pooled analysis examining survival following LTx with incidentally identified NSCLC. Patients with earlier stage incidentally explanted NSCLC had better survival outcomes. OS in the stage I population approximates that of LTx without incidental NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basheer Elsolh
- Division of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zubair Bayat
- Division of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dennis Lyu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jules Lin
- Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elliot Wakeam
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Takamoto T, Maruki Y, Kondo S. Recent updates in the use of pharmacological therapies for downstaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1567-1575. [PMID: 37357809 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2229728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, but only 20-30% of patients benefit from potentially curative treatments such as liver resection or transplantation. This article reviews conventional treatments and recent progress in pharmacotherapy for advanced HCC, with a focus on downstaging unresectable tumors to resectable status. AREAS COVERED In this article, conventional treatments and recent progress in pharmacotherapy for advanced HCC, aiming at downstaging from unresectable to resectable status, are reviewed. Future prospectives of combination therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors were also introduced by reviewing recent clinical trials, paying attention to the objective response rate as its potential of downstaging treatments. EXPERT OPINION The newly developed pharmacological therapies showed higher responses. Although various tumor statuses in advanced HCC hamper detailed analysis of successful conversion rate, the novel combined immunotherapies are expected to provide more opportunities for subsequent curative surgery for initially unresectable advanced HCC. The conversion treatment strategies for unresectable HCC should be separately discussed for 'technically resectable but oncologically unfavorable' HCC and metastatic or invasive HCC beyond curative surgical treatments. The optimal downstaging treatment strategy for advanced HCC is awaited. Elucidation of preoperatively available factors that predict successful downstaging will allow the tailoring of promising initial treatments leading to conversion surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Takamoto
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Maruki
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kondo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Penachim TJ. A valuable tool for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiol Bras 2023; 56:VII-VIII. [PMID: 38204902 PMCID: PMC10775809 DOI: 10.1590/0100-3984.2023.56.5e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thiago José Penachim
- Coordinator of the Interventional Radiology Department of the Hospital Vera Cruz de Campinas, and Coordinator of the Interventional Radiology Residency Program at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Iezzi R, Posa A, Contegiacomo A, Lee IJ, Bale R, Tanzilli A, Tenore L, Giuliante F, Gasbarrini A, Goldberg SN, Jakobs T, Pompili M, Bargellini I, Sala E, Kim HC. Early-Stage HCC Percutaneous Locoregional Management: East versus West Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3988. [PMID: 37568804 PMCID: PMC10416919 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153988] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma represents an important cause of death worldwide. Early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients not suitable for surgery can be treated with a variety of minimally invasive locoregional interventional oncology techniques. Various guidelines in different countries address the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, but the actual treatment is usually discussed by a multidisciplinary tumor board in a personalized manner, leading to potential treatment differences based on Western and Eastern perspectives. The aim of this paper is to integrate literature evidence with the eminent experiences collected during a focused session at the Mediterranean Interventional Oncology (MIO) Live Congress 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Iezzi
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncologic Radiotherapy and Hematology, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (A.C.); (L.T.); (E.S.)
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Alessandro Posa
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncologic Radiotherapy and Hematology, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (A.C.); (L.T.); (E.S.)
| | - Andrea Contegiacomo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncologic Radiotherapy and Hematology, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (A.C.); (L.T.); (E.S.)
| | - In Joon Lee
- Department of Radiology, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea;
| | - Reto Bale
- Section of Interventional Oncology-Microinvasive Therapy (SIP), Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | | | - Lorenzo Tenore
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncologic Radiotherapy and Hematology, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (A.C.); (L.T.); (E.S.)
| | - Felice Giuliante
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Shraga Nahum Goldberg
- Division of Image-Guided Therapy, Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
| | - Tobias Jakobs
- Clinic of Interventional Radiology, Hospital Barmherzige Brueder, 93049 Munich, Germany;
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Evis Sala
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncologic Radiotherapy and Hematology, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (A.C.); (L.T.); (E.S.)
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (A.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Hyo-Cheol Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea;
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Cesario S, Genovesi V, Salani F, Vasile E, Fornaro L, Vivaldi C, Masi G. Evolving Landscape in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Stage Migration to Immunotherapy Revolution. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1562. [PMID: 37511937 PMCID: PMC10382048 DOI: 10.3390/life13071562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) represents the primary curative option for HCC. Despite the extension of transplantation criteria and conversion with down-staging loco-regional treatments, transplantation is not always possible. The introduction of new standards of care in advanced HCC including a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapies led to an improvement in response rates and could represent a promising strategy for down-staging the tumor burden. In this review, we identify reports and series, comprising a total of 43 patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors as bridging or down-staging therapies prior to LT. Overall, treated patients registered an objective response rate of 21%, and 14 patients were reduced within the Milan criteria. Graft rejection was reported in seven patients, resulting in the death of four patients; in the remaining cases, LT was performed safely after immunotherapy. Further investigations are required to define the duration of immune checkpoint inhibitors, their minimum washout period and the LT long-term safety of this strategy. Some randomized clinical trials including immunotherapy combinations, loco-regional treatment and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitors are ongoing and will likely determine the appropriateness of immune checkpoint inhibitors' administration before LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cesario
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Virginia Genovesi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Salani
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research "Health Science", Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Vasile
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fornaro
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Vivaldi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Masi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Li Y, Zou H, Zheng Z, Liu Z, Hu H, Wu W, Wang T. Advances in the Study of Bioactive Nanoparticles for the Treatment of HCC and Its Postoperative Residual Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:2721-2735. [PMID: 37250475 PMCID: PMC10216871 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s399146] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma) is the third leading cause of tumor death in the world and the second leading cause in China. The high recurrence rate at 5 years after surgery also seriously affects the long-term survival of HCC patients. For reasons such as poor liver function, large tumors, or vascular invasion, only relatively limited palliative treatment is available. Therefore, effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are needed to improve the complex microenvironment and block the mechanism of tumor development in order to treat the tumor and prevent recurrence. A variety of bioactive nanoparticles have been shown to have therapeutic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma and have the advantages of improving drug solubility, reducing drug side effects, preventing degradation in the blood, increasing drug exposure time, and reducing drug resistance. The development of bioactive nanoparticles is expected to complete the current clinical therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic advances of different nanoparticles for hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss their potential for postoperative applications with respect to possible mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. We further discuss the limitations regarding the application of NPs and the safety of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxu Li
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Zou
- Dalian Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zekun Zheng
- Dalian Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuoheng Liu
- Dalian Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiyuan Hu
- Dalian Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Guven DC, Yildirim HC, Chalabiyev E, Kus F, Yilmaz F, Yasar S, Akyildiz A, Aktas BY, Yalcin S, Dizdar O. Emerging treatment strategies in hepatobiliary cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:243-256. [PMID: 36803258 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2183844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There have been significant advances in the treatment of hepatobiliary cancers, especially for advanced-stage disease. However, data is limited for optimal therapy selection in the first line and sequencing of available options. AREAS COVERED This review covers the systemic treatment of hepatobiliary cancers with an emphasis on the advanced stage. The previously published and ongoing trials will be discussed to create an algorithm for the current practice and to give future perspectives on how the field could go forward. EXPERT OPINION While there is no standard-of-care option in the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular cancer, capecitabine is the standard of care for biliary tract cancer. The efficacy of adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin and the added benefit of radiotherapy to chemotherapy are yet to be defined. For the advanced stage, immunotherapy-based combinations became the standard of care for both hepatocellular and biliary tract cancers. The molecularly targeted therapy has profoundly changed the second-line and later treatment for biliary tract cancers, while the optimal second-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular cancer is yet to be defined due to rapid advances in the first-line setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Cagri Yildirim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elvin Chalabiyev
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kus
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feride Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Yasar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arif Akyildiz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burak Yasin Aktas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suayib Yalcin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Omer Dizdar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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12
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Jiang C, Sun XD, Qiu W, Chen YG, Sun DW, Lv GY. Conversion therapy in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: What's new in the era of molecular and immune therapy? Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2023; 22:7-13. [PMID: 36825482 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally, with limited therapies and unsatisfactory prognosis once in the advanced stages. With promising advances in locoregional and systematic treatments, fast development of targeted drugs, the success of immunotherapy, as well as the emergence of the therapeutic alliance, conversion therapy has recently become more well developed and an effective therapeutic strategy. This article aimed to review recent developments in conversion therapy in liver transplantation (LT) for HCC. DATA SOURCES We searched for relevant publications on PubMed before September 2022, using the terms "HCC", "liver transplantation", "downstaging", "bridging treatment" and "conversion therapy." RESULTS Conversion therapy was frequently represented as a combination of multiple treatment modalities to downstage HCC and make patients eligible for LT. Although combining various local and systematic treatments in conversion therapy is still controversial, growing evidence has suggested that multimodal combined treatment strategies downstage HCC in a shorter time, which ultimately increases the opportunities for LT. Moreover, the recent breakthrough of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for HCC also benefit patients with advanced-stage tumors. CONCLUSIONS In the era of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, applying the thinking of transplant oncology to benefit HCC patients receiving LT is a new topic that has shed light on advanced-stage patients. With the expansion of conversion therapy concepts, further investigation and research is required to realize the full potential of conversion treatment strategies, including accurately selecting candidates, determining the timing of surgery, improving the conversion rate, and guaranteeing the safety and long-term efficacy of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Jiang
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Sun
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yu-Guo Chen
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Da-Wei Sun
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Guo-Yue Lv
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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13
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Prognostic Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and Lymphocyte-to-C Reactive Protein Ratio (LCR) in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) undergoing Chemoembolizations (TACE) of the Liver: The Unexplored Corner Linking Tumor Microenvironment, Biomarkers and Interventional Radiology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010257. [PMID: 36612251 PMCID: PMC9818978 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
TACE plays a pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma, from disease control to downstaging and bridging to liver transplant. Response to TACE is a surrogate marker of tumor aggressive biology, with manifold practical implications such as survival, the need for more aggressive treatments in the intermediate stage, the selection of patients on the transplant waiting list, the dropout rate from the transplant list and the post-transplant recurrence rate. Inflammation-based scores are biomarkers of the relationship between the tumor stromal microenvironment and the immune response. Investigating the connection among the tumor stromal microenvironment, biomarkers, and the response to TACE is crucial to recognize TACE refractoriness/failure, thus providing patients with tailored therapeutics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prognostic roles of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the lymphocyte-to-C reactive protein ratio (LCR) in patients with HCC undergoing chemoembolization of the liver. Inflammation-based scores may be convenient, easily obtained, low-cost, and reliable biomarkers with prognostic significance for HCC undergoing TACE. Baseline cut-off values differ between various studies, thus increasing confusion about using of inflammation-based scores in clinical practice. Further investigations should be conducted to establish the optimal cut-off values for inflammation-based scores, consolidating their use in clinical practice.
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Downstaging Therapies for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Awaiting Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Intention-to-Treat Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205102. [PMID: 36291885 PMCID: PMC9600776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Locoregional therapies (LRTs) are commonly used to increase the number of potential candidates for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this paper is to assess the outcomes of LRTs prior to LT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the listing criteria. Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Medline and Web of Science databases for reports published before May 2021. We included papers assessing adult patients with HCC considered for LT and reporting intention-to-treat (ITT) survival outcomes. Two reviewers independently identified and extracted the data and evaluated the papers. Outcomes analysed were drop-out rate; time on the waiting list; and 1, 3 and 5 year survival after LT and based on an ITT analysis. Results: The literature search yielded 3,106 records, of which 11 papers (1874 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria and successfully downstaged presented a higher drop-out rate (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.45−2.88, p < 0.001) and a longer time from the initial assessment to LT than those with HCC within the listing criteria (MD 1.93, 95% CI 0.91−2.94, p < 0.001). The 1, 3 and 5 year survival post-LT and based on an ITT analysis did not show significant differences between the two groups. Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria, successfully downstaged and then transplanted, presented longer 3 year (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.26−11.32, p = 0.02) and 5 year overall survival (OS) (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.15−8.23, p = 0.02) in comparison with those that were not submitted to LT. Conclusions: Patients with HCC beyond the listing criteria undergoing downstaging presented a higher drop-out rate in comparison with those with HCC within the listing criteria. However, the two groups did not present significant differences in 1, 3 and 5 year survival rates based on an ITT analysis. Patients with HCC beyond the listing, when successfully downstaged and transplanted, presented longer 3 and 5-year OS in comparison with those who were not transplanted.
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15
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Caiña Ruiz R, Toledo Martínez E, Anderson EJ, Valbuena Jabares V, Fernández Santiago R, Castillo F, Echeverri J, Achalandabaso M, González Sánchez FJ, Fábrega E, Cuadrado A, Fortea JI, Crespo J, Rodríguez Sanjuán JC. Effect of Bridging Therapy on Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Who Receive Liver Transplants. Transplant Proc 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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16
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Yin Z, Chen D, Liang S, Li X. Neoadjuvant Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:929-946. [PMID: 36068876 PMCID: PMC9441170 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s357313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by low resection and high postoperative recurrence rates, and conventional treatment strategies have failed to meet clinical needs. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is widely employed in the routine management of several solid tumors because it increases resectability and reduces the rate of postoperative recurrence. However, a consensus has not been reached regarding the effects of NAT on HCC. As systemic therapy, particularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy, is given for HCC treatment, accumulating evidence shows that the “spring” of NAT for HCC is imminent. In the future, HCC researchers should focus on identifying biomarkers for treatment response, explore the mechanisms of resistance, and standardize the endpoints of NAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases & Carson International Cancer, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongying Chen
- Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases & Carson International Cancer, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xiaowu Li, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan AVE 1098, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 755 2183 8184, Email
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17
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Couillard AB, Knott EA, Zlevor AM, Mezrich JD, Cristescu MM, Agarwal P, Ziemlewicz TJ, Longhurst C, Lubner MG, Hinshaw JL, Said A, Laeseke PF, Lucey MR, Rice JP, Foley D, Al-Adra D, Lee FT. Microwave ablation as bridging to liver transplant for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center retrospective analysis. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2022; 33:1045-1053. [PMID: 35667580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave (MW) ablation as first-line locoregional therapy (LRT) for bridging patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to liver transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study evaluated 88 patients who received percutaneous MW ablation for 141 tumors as first-line LRT for HCC and listed for liver transplantation at a single medical center between 2011 and 2019. Overall survival rate status-post liver transplant, waitlist retention and disease progression were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier techniques. RESULTS Of 88 patients (72M, 16F, mean age 60 years, MELD=11.2) listed for transplant, median waitlist time was 9.4 months (IQR: 5.5 - 18.9). Seventy-one patients (80.7%) received transplant after median wait time of 8.5 months. Seventeen patients (19.3%) were removed from the waitlist, four (4.5%) due to tumors outside of the Milan criteria (HCC-specific dropout). No difference in tumor size or AFP was seen in transplanted vs. non-transplanted patients at time of ablation (2.1 vs. 2.1 cm and 34.4 vs. 34.7 ng/mL for transplanted vs. non-transplanted, respectively, p>0.05). Five of 88 patients (5.1%) experienced adverse events after ablation; however, all recovered. There were no cases of tract seeding. The local tumor progression (LTP) rate was 7.2%. The overall survival status-post liver transplant at 5-years was 76.7% and the disease-specific survival after LT was 89.6% with a median follow-up of 61 months for all patients. CONCLUSION MW ablation appears to be safe and effective for bridging patients with HCC to liver transplant without waitlist removal from seeding, adverse events, or local tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily A Knott
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Department of Radiology
| | - Annie M Zlevor
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Department of Radiology
| | | | | | | | | | - Colin Longhurst
- Department of Carbone Cancer Center; Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
| | | | - J Louis Hinshaw
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Department of Radiology; Department of Urology
| | | | - Paul F Laeseke
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Department of Radiology
| | | | | | | | | | - Fred T Lee
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Department of Radiology; Department of Urology; Department of Biomedical Engineering.
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18
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Franses JW, Zhu AX. Neoadjuvant approaches in hepatocellular carcinoma: There's no time like the present. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2738-2743. [PMID: 35266995 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a lethal malignancy and is an increasingly common cause of cancer death worldwide. Curative-intent surgical resection remains the standard of care for eligible patients, yet outcomes remain poor for many patients, with most patients experiencing recurrence in the five years after resection. There is currently significant interest in utilizing locoregional and systemic therapies - in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings - to increase the chance of cure. This review article appraises the existing literature and current clinical trial landscape of neoadjuvant therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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19
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Zanus G, Tagliente G, Rossi S, Bonis A, Zambon M, Scopelliti M, Brizzolari M, Grossi U, Romano M, Finotti M. Pulsed Microwave Liver Ablation: An Additional Tool to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030748. [PMID: 35159014 PMCID: PMC8833939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030748] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most frequent neoplasm and the second most common oncologic cause of death, mostly in patients with end-stage liver disease. HCC treatment is complex and different solutions are available, ranging from liver transplants to local therapies. In this study, we analyze the role of pulsed microwave liver ablation as an additional treatment option. Abstract This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of HCC patients treated with a novel technique—pulsed microwave ablation (MWA)—in terms of safety, local tumor progression (LTP), intrahepatic recurrence (IHR), and overall survival (OS). A total of 126 pulsed microwave procedures have been performed in our center. We included patients with mono- or multifocal HCC (BCLC 0 to D). The LTP at 12 months was 9.9%, with an IHR rate of 27.8% at one year. Survival was 92.0% at 12 months with 29.4% experiencing post-operative complications (28.6% Clavien–Dindo 1–2, 0.8% Clavien–Dindo 3–4). Stratifying patients by BCLC, we achieved BCLC 0, A, B, C, and D survival rates of 100%, 93.2%, 93.3%, 50%, and 100%, respectively, at one year, which was generally superior to or in line with the expected survival rates among patients who are started on standard treatment. The pulsed MWA technique is safe and effective. The technique can be proposed not only in patients with BCLC A staging but also in the highly selected cases of BCLC B, C, and D, confirming the importance of the concept of stage migration. This procedure, especially if performed with a minimally invasive technique (laparoscopic or percutaneous), is repeatable with a short postoperative hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Zanus
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Giovanni Tagliente
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Serena Rossi
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Alessandro Bonis
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Mattia Zambon
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Michele Scopelliti
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Brizzolari
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Ugo Grossi
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Maurizio Romano
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Michele Finotti
- 4th Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Treviso, University of Padua, DISCOG, 31100 Padua, Italy; (G.Z.); (G.T.); (S.R.); (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (U.G.); (M.R.)
- Baylor Scott & White Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
- Correspondence:
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20
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Role of Pretransplant Treatments for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Waiting for Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020396. [PMID: 35053558 PMCID: PMC8773674 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in men worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death. Liver transplantation (LT) is one of the treatment options for patients with HCC. Recently, there have been many reports of the usefulness of locoregional therapy, such as transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation, for HCC as pretreatment before LT. In Western countries, locoregional therapy is used to bridge until transplantation to prevent drop-outs from the waiting list or for downstaging to treat patients with advanced HCC who initially exceed the criteria for LT. With the progress of locoregional therapy, new reports on the effects of bridging and downstaging locoregional therapy as pretransplant treatment are increasing in number. Abstract Recently, there have been many reports of the usefulness of locoregional therapy such as transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as pretreatment before liver transplantation (LT). Locoregional therapy is performed with curative intent in Japan, where living donor LT constitutes the majority of LT due to the critical shortage of deceased donors. However, in Western countries, where deceased donor LT is the main procedure, LT is indicated for early-stage HCC regardless of liver functional reserve, and locoregional therapy is used for bridging until transplantation to prevent drop-outs from the waiting list or for downstaging to treat patients with advanced HCC who initially exceed the criteria for LT. There are many reports of the effect of bridging and downstaging locoregional therapy before LT, and its indications and efficacy are becoming clear. Responses to locoregional therapy, such as changes in tumor markers, the avidity of FDG-PET, etc., are considered useful for successful bridging and downstaging. In this review, the effects of bridging and downstaging locoregional therapy as a pretransplant treatment on the results of transplantation are clarified, focusing on recent reports.
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21
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Sun HC, Zhu XD. Downstaging Conversion Therapy in Patients With Initially Unresectable Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Overview. Front Oncol 2021; 11:772195. [PMID: 34869008 PMCID: PMC8636437 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.772195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The high mortality rate associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is partly due to the high proportion of patients who present with advanced stage disease at diagnosis, for whom there are limited treatment options. For selected patients with initially unresectable HCC, locoregional and/or systemic treatments can result in tumor downstaging and consequently provide opportunities for surgical intervention and the potential for long-term survival. Therefore, the key aim of 'conversion therapy' is to reduce tumor burden so that patients become amenable to surgical resection. Various therapies have been investigated as candidates for downstaging patients with potentially resectable HCC including transarterial chemoembolization, transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres, radiotherapy, systemic therapies and combination or multimodality treatment approaches. However, downstaging conversion therapy remains controversial and there are several challenges such as defining the criteria used to identify the population of patients who are 'potentially resectable', the criteria used to define successful downstaging, and the optimum treatment approach to maximize the success of downstaging therapy. In this review article, we summarize clinical experience and evidence of downstaging conversion treatment in patients identified as having 'potentially resectable' HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Crocetti L, Bozzi E, Scalise P, Bargellini I, Lorenzoni G, Ghinolfi D, Campani D, Balzano E, De Simone P, Cioni R. Locoregional Treatments for Bridging and Downstaging HCC to Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5558. [PMID: 34771720 PMCID: PMC8583584 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the first-line treatment for patients diagnosed with unresectable early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the setting of cirrhosis. It is well known that HCC patients within the Milan criteria (solitary tumour ≤ 5 cm or ≤3 tumours, each <3 cm) could undergo LT with excellent results. However, there is a growing tendency to enlarge inclusion criteria since the Milan criteria are nowadays considered too restrictive and may exclude patients who would benefit from LT. On the other hand, there is a persistent shortage of donor organs. In this scenario, there is consensus about the role of loco-regional therapy (LRT) during the waiting list to select patients who would benefit more from LT, reducing the risk of drop off from the waiting list as well as decreasing tumour dimension to meet acceptable criteria for LT. In this review, current evidence on the safety, efficacy and utility of LRTs as neoadjuvant therapies before LT are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Crocetti
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (P.S.); (I.B.); (G.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Elena Bozzi
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (P.S.); (I.B.); (G.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Paola Scalise
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (P.S.); (I.B.); (G.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Irene Bargellini
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (P.S.); (I.B.); (G.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Giulia Lorenzoni
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (P.S.); (I.B.); (G.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Davide Ghinolfi
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Daniela Campani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (P.D.S.)
- Division of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Balzano
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Paolo De Simone
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (P.D.S.)
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Roberto Cioni
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (P.S.); (I.B.); (G.L.); (R.C.)
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PD-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma predicts liver-directed therapy response and bridge-to-transplant survival. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1453-1465. [PMID: 34689234 PMCID: PMC9122885 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03087-z] [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: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergo liver-directed therapy (LDT) to control tumor burden while awaiting liver transplantation with response impacting waitlist survival. In this study, we investigate the link between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and PD-1 expression with response to LDT and bridge-to-transplant survival. METHODS Treatment-naïve HCC patients (n = 86) undergoing LDT were enrolled at a single center from August 2016-March 2020. Response to LDT was determined using mRECIST. Blood samples were collected on the day of LDT and at follow-up. Cells were analyzed for phenotype by flow cytometry. Outcomes were liver transplantation or tumor progression. RESULTS Incomplete response to initial LDT was associated with tumor progression precluding liver transplantation (OR: 7.6, 1.7 - 33.3, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis of baseline T cell phenotypes revealed ALC (OR: 0.44, 0.24-0.85, P = 0.009) as well as intermediate expression of PD-1 on CD4 (OR: 3.3, 1.03-10.3, P = 0.034) and CD8 T cells (OR: 3.0, 0.99-8.8 P = 0.043) associated with incomplete response to LDT. Elevations in PD-1 expression were associated with increased risk of bridge-to-transplant tumor progression (HR: 3.2, 1.2-9.4). In patients successfully bridged to liver transplantation, pre-treatment peripheral PD-1 profile was associated with advanced tumor staging (P < 0.005) with 2/4 of patients with elevations in PD-1 having T3-T4 TNM staging compared to 0 with low PD-1 expression. CONCLUSION Low lymphocyte count or elevated expression of the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor is associated with incomplete response to LDT and increased risk of bridge-to-transplant tumor progression. Patients with impaired T cell homeostasis may benefit from PD-1 immunotherapy to improve response to LDT and improve bridge-to-transplant outcomes.
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Bucalau AM, Tancredi I, Verset G. In the Era of Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Transarterial Chemoembolization Still a Card to Play? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5129. [PMID: 34680278 PMCID: PMC8533902 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional transarterial embolization (cTACE) has been proven to be effective for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a recent systematic review showing an overall survival (OS) of 19.4 months. Nevertheless, due to the rapid development of the systemic therapeutic landscape, the place of TACE is becoming questionable. Is there still a niche for TACE in the era of immunotherapy and combination treatments such as atezolizumab-bevacizumab, which has shown an OS of 19.2 months with excellent tolerance? The development of drug-eluting microspheres (DEMs) has led to the standardization of the technique, and along with adequate selection, it showed an OS of 48 months in a retrospective study. In order to increase treatment selectivity, new catheters have also been added to the TACE arsenal as well as the use of cone-beam CT (CBCT), which provides three-dimensional volumetric images and guidance during procedures. Moreover, the TACE indications have also widened. It may serve as a "bridging therapy" for liver transplantation candidates while they are on the waiting list, and it represents a valuable downstaging tool to transplantation criteria. The aim of this review is to explore the current data on the advancements of TACE and its future place amongst the growing panel of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Bucalau
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatopancreatology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Illario Tancredi
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Hôpital Erasme, 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Gontran Verset
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatopancreatology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
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Cai L, Li H, Guo J, Zhao W, Duan Y, Hou X, Cheng L, Du H, Shao X, Diao Z, Li C. Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization is an effective downstaging option for subsequent radical treatments in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A cohort study. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101535. [PMID: 33121882 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the potential of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) as downstaging therapy for subsequent radical treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Totally, 32 patients with unresectable HCC were enrolled, then they received DEB-TACE for down-staging therapy followed by radical treatments (surgery, radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation). The rate of successful down-staging, treatment response (after DEB-TACE and radical therapy), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. RESULTS After down-staging therapy with DEB-TACE, successful down-staging rate was 59.4%. With the followed radical treatment, the complete response was 81.3%. Subsequent analysis indicated that CNLC stage (IIb vs. IIa) was an independent risk factor for successful down-staging. Furthermore, AFP level presented a declined trend throughout the time points (before DEB-TACE, after DEB-TACE, and after radical treatment). Additionally, 1-year, 2-year and 3-year accumulating PFS were 68.8%, 40.6% and 31.3%, respectively; 1-year, 2-year and 3-year accumulating OS were 84.4%, 71.9% and 53.1%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves exhibited that successful down-staging was correlated with longer PFS and OS, then further Cox's regression analysis verified that successful down-staging was an independent factor for predicting increased OS but not PFS. Besides, child-Pugh stage (B vs. A), CNLC stage (IIb vs. IIa) and AFP abnormal after radical treatment were independent factors for decreased PFS or OS. CONCLUSIONS DEB-TACE has potential as an additionally effective down-staging therapy for radical treatments, and successful down-staging treatment by DEB-TACE associates with favorable survival profiles in patients with unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Cai
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Honglu Li
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Guo
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhao
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Youjia Duan
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopu Hou
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Long Cheng
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongliu Du
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xihong Shao
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenying Diao
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changqing Li
- Department of Oncology Interventional Radiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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da Motta-Leal-Filho JM. Locoregional therapies for the treatment of locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiol Bras 2021; 54:IX-X. [PMID: 34108772 PMCID: PMC8177675 DOI: 10.1590/0100-3984.2021.54.3e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Maurício da Motta-Leal-Filho
- Interventional Radiologist, Department of Radiology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (Icesp) and Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor/HC-FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Qin JM. Conversion therapy for primary liver cancer: Indications and selective strategies. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2021; 29:501-510. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v29.i10.501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer has an insidious onset and no specific symptoms at early stage. Most patients are in the middle or advanced stage when diagnosed, and only 20%-40% of patients meet the criteria for radical resection. At present, surgical resection is still the main radical treatment for primary liver cancer, but factors such as liver function decompensation, too large tumor volume, too small future liver remnant, intrahepatic multiple metastasis, tumor thrombus invading the large vessels or bile duct, and distant metastasis limit the application of surgical resection or liver transplantation. In recent years, with the advances of basic research of primary liver cancer, the development of surgical techniques and equipment, as well as the development of new molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapy drugs, a part of unresectable patients with primary liver cancer can receive conversion therapy to improve liver function, minimize tumor volume, minimize or inactivate tumor thrombus, and increase the residual liver volume. Following conversion therapy, patients with primary liver cancer can undergo surgical resection or liver transplantation, which greatly improve the therapeutic efficacy and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Min Qin
- Department of General Surgery, the Third Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 201805, China
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Minici R, Ammendola M, Manti F, Siciliano MA, Minici M, Komaei I, Currò G, Laganà D. Safety and Efficacy of Degradable Starch Microspheres Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (DSM-TACE) in the Downstaging of Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in Patients With a Child-Pugh Score of 8-9. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:634087. [PMID: 33897422 PMCID: PMC8060654 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.634087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the EASL Guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is the first-line treatment recommended for intermediate-stage HCC. Furthermore, it is widely accepted that patients beyond the Milan criteria can be considered for a liver transplant after successful downstaging to within the Milan criteria. Response to downstaging treatments significantly influences not just drop-outs, but also the rate of post-transplantation tumor recurrences. TACE with degradable starch microspheres represents an alternative to conventional TACE with lipiodol and TACE with drug-eluting beads, and it leads to transient arterial occlusion allowing lower activation of hypoxia-inducible factors and less release of vascular endothelial growth factor, a promoter of neoangiogenesis, tumor proliferation, and metastatic growth. In patients with intermediate-stage HCC and a Child-Pugh score of 8 or 9, life expectancy may be dominated by cirrhotic liver dysfunction, rather than by the tumor progression itself; hence, locoregional treatments might also be detrimental, precipitating liver dysfunction to an extent that survival is shortened rather than prolonged. Data on tolerability, toxicity, and effectiveness of DSM-TACE are limited but encouraging. Between January 2015 and October 2020, 50 consecutive patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and a Child-Pugh score of 8/9, who had undergone DSM-TACE as the first-line treatment, were eligible for the study. A total of 142 DSM-TACEs were performed, with a mean number of 2.84 procedures per patient. The mean time-to-downstaging was 19.2 months, with six patients successfully downstaged. OS was about 100% at six months, 81.8% at 12 months, and 50% at 24 months. Twenty-two patients experienced adverse events after chemoembolization. The median OS and safety of DSM-TACE in this study are comparable with other published investigations in this field. Furthermore, 12% of patients were successfully downstaged. Hence, the results of the current investigation demonstrate that DSM-TACE is effective and safe in intermediate-stage HCC, achieving an interesting downstaging rate. Such data were observed in the population subset with a Child-Pugh score of 8 or 9, in which life expectancy may be determined by cirrhotic liver dysfunction, so the achievement of a balance between the safety and efficacy profile of the TACE treatment is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Minici
- Radiology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michele Ammendola
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Science of Health Department, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Manti
- Radiology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Siciliano
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Minici
- National Research Council (Cnr), Institute for High Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), Rende, Italy
| | - Iman Komaei
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Evolutive Age, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Currò
- General Surgery Unit, Science of Health Department, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Laganà
- Radiology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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Jiang G, Ling S, Zhan Q, Zhuang L, Xu X. Downstaging treatment for patients with hepatocelluar carcinoma before transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 35:100606. [PMID: 33636480 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT), one of the radical methods of treating liver cancer, has brought new hope for the treatment of unresectable liver cancer. Currently, patients who meet transplant criteria can achieve a favorable prognosis, but those who exceed transplant criteria tend not to have very satisfactory outcomes. For patients whose tumor burden exceeds the transplant criteria, downstaging treatment is a promising method to reduce tumor burden to within the transplant criteria that may lead to good posttransplant survival. Multiple treatments, such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), transarterial radioembolization (TARE), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have been used as downstaging treatments. However, there are still some issues that limit the effectiveness of downstaging treatments, such as the inclusion criteria for downstaging, which the choice of downstaging treatment method, and the endpoint of downstaging, all of which are worthy of further discussion. Based on the published literature, this review discusses these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjiang Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Sunbin Ling
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qifan Zhan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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Treatment stage migration and treatment sequences in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: drawbacks and opportunities. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2471-2481. [PMID: 33537908 PMCID: PMC8236446 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03528-3] [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: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This retrospective analysis focuses on treatment stage migration in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to identify successful treatment sequences in a large cohort of real-world patients. Methods 1369 HCC patients referred from January 1993 to January 2020 to the tertiary center of the Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany were analyzed for initial and subsequent treatment patterns, and overall survival. Results The most common initial treatment was transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n = 455, 39.3%) followed by hepatic resection (n = 303, 26.1%) and systemic therapy (n = 200, 17.3%), whereas the most common 2nd treatment modality was liver transplantation (n = 215, 33.2%) followed by systemic therapy (n = 177, 27.3%) and TACE (n = 85, 13.1%). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed by far the best prognosis for liver transplantation recipients (median overall survival not reached), followed by patients with hepatic resection (11.1 years). Patients receiving systemic therapy as their first treatment had the shortest median overall survival (1.7 years; P < 0.0001). When three or more treatment sequences preceded liver transplantation, patients had a significant shorter median overall survival (1st seq.: not reached; 2nd seq.: 12.4 years; 3rd seq.: 11.1 years; beyond 3 sequences: 5.5 years; P = 0.01). Conclusion TACE was the most common initial intervention, whereas liver transplantation was the most frequent 2nd treatment. While liver transplantation and hepatic resection were associated with the best median overall survival, the timing of liver transplantation within the treatment sequence strongly affected median survival. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-021-03528-3.
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Risk Score Model for Liver Transplant Outcomes after Preoperative Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 53:84-90. [PMID: 33184772 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of preoperative locoregional therapy (LRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation (LT) remains unclear. Moreover, LRT in the setting of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) merits further exploration. The objective of the current study was to determine risk factors for poor outcomes after LDLT in patients who received locoregional therapy (LRT). METHODS We reviewed patients (n = 46) who underwent LDLT after LRT. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of recurrence-free survival (RFS). Risk scores were developed to define prognostic groups. RESULTS Median tumor size was 3.7 (1.2-12) cm and tumor number was 1 (1-6). Macrovascular invasion was seen in 10/46 (21.7%) patients. There was a significant difference in 5-year RFS with > 3 tumor nodules (P = 0.005), tumors outside University of California San Francisco criteria (P = 0.03), bilobar disease (P = 0.002), AFP > 600 ng/ml (P = 0.006), and poor response to LRT (P = 0.007). On multivariate analysis, bilobar disease (HR = 2.9, P = 0.01), AFP > 600 ng/ml (HR = 2.3 P = 0.008), and poor response to LRT (HR = 2, P = 0.02) were predictors of 5-year RFS. The 5-year RFS in low risk (score = 0), intermediate risk (score = 1-3), and high risk (score = 4-7) groups was 86%, 76%, and 9% (P < 0.0001). There was no recurrence seen in 4/4 (100%) patients with macrovascular invasion in the low-intermediate risk group. The 5-year RFS in the low-intermediate risk group within and outside Milan criteria was 100% and 74% (P = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS LDLT can provide excellent long-term RFS in patients after preoperative LRT in the low and intermediate risk groups.
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Marinelli B, Cedillo M, Pasik SD, Charles D, Murthy S, Patel RS, Fischman A, Ranade M, Bishay V, Nowakowski S, Sung M, Marron T, Lookstein R, Schwartz M, Kim E. Safety and Efficacy of Locoregional Treatment during Immunotherapy with Nivolumab for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study of 41 Interventions in 29 Patients. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2020; 31:1729-1738.e1. [PMID: 33012649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the safety of locoregional treatment (LRT) combined with nivolumab for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center retrospective review included 29 patients undergoing 41 LRTs-transarterial chemoembolization or yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization-60 days before or concurrently with nivolumab. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory values and adverse events were reviewed before and after nivolumab initiation and after each LRT. Treatment response and time to progression were assessed using Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Clinical events, including nivolumab termination, death, and time of last follow-up, were assessed. RESULTS Over a median nivolumab course of 8.1 months (range, 1.0-30) with a median of 14.2 2-week cycles (range, 1-53), predominantly Child-Pugh A (22/29) patients-12 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B and 17 BCLC C-underwent 20 transarterial chemoembolization and 21 transarterial radioembolization LRTs at a median of 67 days (range, 48-609) after nivolumab initiation. Ten patients underwent multiple LRTs. During a median follow-up of 11.5 months (range, 1.8-35.1), no grade III/IV adverse events attributable to nivolumab were observed. There were five instances of grade III/IV hypoalbuminemia or hyperbilirubinemia within 3 months after LRT. There were no nivolumab-related deaths, and 30-day mortality after LRT was 0%. CONCLUSIONS LRTs performed concurrently with nivolumab immunotherapy demonstrate an acceptable safety profile in patients with intermediate and advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Marinelli
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Mario Cedillo
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Sara D Pasik
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Dudley Charles
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Shashi Murthy
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Rahul S Patel
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Aaron Fischman
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Monda Ranade
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Vivian Bishay
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Scott Nowakowski
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Max Sung
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Marron
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Robert Lookstein
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Recanti/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Edward Kim
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10029.
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Zhang T, Zhang L, Xu Y, Lu X, Zhao H, Yang H, Sang X. Neoadjuvant therapy and immunotherapy strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:1658-1667. [PMID: 32642282 PMCID: PMC7339264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with high mortality rate worldwide. Due to aggressive and invasive characteristics of HCC, poor prognosis is often displayed at advanced stages while therapeutic options are limited. Liver resection is still an essential curative-intent treatment in HCC management, while locoregional and systematic therapies made promising advances that may improve the proportion and outcomes of patients who are surgical candidates. In this review, we discussed status of currently available neoadjuvant treatments aimed at improving resectability and reducing recurrence rates. More than ever, in order to implement this therapeutic concepts and exploit the full potential of neoadjuvant treatment strategies, it is of utmost importance to use more high-level evidence to guide treatment decision making. Unfortunately, the use of preoperative treatments is not sponsored by tough evidence and consensus guidelines are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Yiyao Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Huayu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Sang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
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