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Arvind A, Seif El Dahan K, Malhotra R, Daher D, Rich NE, Patel MS, VanWagner LB, Lieber SR, Cotter TG, Louissaint J, Mufti AR, Kulik L, Pillai A, Parikh ND, Singal AG. Association between bridging therapy and posttransplant outcomes in patients with HCC within Milan criteria: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:595-606. [PMID: 38466889 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the curative therapy of choice for patients with early-stage HCC. Locoregional therapies are often employed as a bridge to reduce the risk of waitlist dropout; however, their association with posttransplant outcomes is unclear. We conducted a systematic review using Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies published between database inception and August 2, 2023, which reported posttransplant recurrence-free survival and overall survival among patients transplanted for HCC within Milan criteria, stratified by receipt of bridging therapy. Pooled HRs were calculated for each outcome using the DerSimonian and Laird method for a random-effects model. We identified 38 studies, including 19,671 patients who received and 20,148 patients who did not receive bridging therapy. Bridging therapy was not associated with significant differences in recurrence-free survival (pooled HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.77-1.08; I2 =39%) or overall survival (pooled HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.95-1.24; I2 =47%). Results were relatively consistent across subgroups, including geographic location and study period. Studies were discordant regarding the differential strength of association by pretreatment tumor burden and pathologic response, but potential benefits of locoregional therapy were mitigated in those who received 3 or more treatments. Adverse events were reported in a minority of studies, but when reported occurred in 6%-15% of the patients. Few studies reported loss to follow-up and most had a risk of residual confounding. Bridging therapy is not associated with improvements in posttransplant recurrence-free or overall survival among patients with HCC within Milan criteria. The risk-benefit ratio of bridging therapy likely differs based on the risk of waitlist dropout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Arvind
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Karim Seif El Dahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Riya Malhotra
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Darine Daher
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole E Rich
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Madhukar S Patel
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah R Lieber
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas G Cotter
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jeremy Louissaint
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Arjmand R Mufti
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Laura Kulik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Crook CJ, Li D. Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Treatments for Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1191-1201. [PMID: 37688739 PMCID: PMC10556166 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on the developments of adjuvant and neoadjuvant liver-directed and systemic therapy options for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. RECENT FINDINGS Data on liver-directed treatment in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings are sparse and results are conflicting; many studies suggest that optimizing patient selection criteria is a key milestone required to improve study design and clinical benefit to patients. Systemic treatment options are primarily focused on investigation of anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapeutic agents, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Numerous clinical trials in both adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings are in progress. Exploration of liver-directed and systemic treatment options for adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment of patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana J Crook
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Daneng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Ouranos K, Chatziioannou A, Goulis I, Sinakos E. Role of immunotherapy in downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation. World J Transplant 2022; 12:331-346. [PMID: 36437845 PMCID: PMC9693898 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i11.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver neoplasm that, according to tumor stage, can be treated with resection, transplantation, locoregional treatment options, or systemic therapy. Although interventions only in early-stage disease can offer complete tumor regression, systemic therapy in advanced disease can significantly prolong overall survival, according to published clinical trials. The emergence of immunotherapy in the field of cancer therapy has had a positive impact on patients with HCC, resulting in atezolizumab–bevacizumab currently being the first-line option for treatment of advanced HCC. In light of this, application of immunotherapy in the preoperative process could increase the number of patients fulfilling the criteria for liver transplantation (LT). Implementation of this approach is faced with challenges regarding the safety of immunotherapy and the possibly increased risk of rejection in the perioperative period. Case reports and clinical trials assessing the safety profile and effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy, highlight important aspects regarding this newly evolving approach to HCC management. More studies need to be conducted in order to reach a consensus regarding the optimal way to administer immunotherapy prior to LT. In this review, we summarize the role, safety profile and future considerations regarding the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy prior to LT in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Ouranos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Anthi Chatziioannou
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Ioannis Goulis
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Sinakos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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Xu L, Chen L, Zhang W. Neoadjuvant treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 13:1550-1566. [PMID: 35070063 PMCID: PMC8727178 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i12.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains high globally. Surgical treatment is the best treatment for improving the prognosis of patients with HCC. Neoadjuvant therapy plays a key role in preventing tumor progression and even downstaging HCC. The liver transplantation rate and resectability rate have increased for neoadjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy is effective in different stages of HCC. In this review, we summarized the definition, methods, effects, indications and contraindications of neoadjuvant therapy in HCC, which have significance for guiding treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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Butcher DA, Brandis KJ, Wang H, Spannenburg L, Bridle KR, Crawford DH, Liang X. Long-term survival and postoperative complications of pre-liver transplantation transarterial chemoembolisation in hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Surg Oncol 2021; 48:621-631. [PMID: 34774394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.09.017] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this meta-analysis was to conduct a contemporary systematic review of high quality non-randomised controlled trials to determine the effect of pre-liver transplantation (LT) transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) on long-term survival and complications of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. BACKGROUND TACE is used as a neoadjuvant therapy to mitigate waitlist drop-out for patients with HCC awaiting LT. Previous studies have conflicting conclusions on the effect of TACE on long-term survival and complications of HCC patients undergoing LT. METHODS CINAHL, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Baseline characteristics included number of patients outside Milan criteria, tumour diameter, MELD score, and time on the waiting list. Primary outcomes included 3- and 5-year overall and disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes included tumour recurrence, 30-day postoperative mortality, and hepatic artery and biliary complications. RESULTS Twenty-one high-quality NRCTs representing 8242 patients were included. Tumour diameter was significantly larger in TACE patients (3.49 cm vs 3.15 cm, P = 0.02) and time on the waiting list was significantly longer in TACE patients (4.87 months vs 3.46 months, P = 0.05), while MELD score was significantly higher in non-TACE patients (10.81 vs 12.35, P = 0.005). All primary and secondary outcomes displayed non-significant differences. CONCLUSION Patients treated with TACE had similar survival and postoperative outcomes to non-TACE patients, however, they had worse prognostic features compared to non-TACE patients. These findings strongly support the current US and European clinical practice guidelines that neoadjuvant TACE can be used for patients with longer expected waiting list times (specifically >6 months). Randomised controlled trials would be needed to increase the quality of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Butcher
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelli J Brandis
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Haolu Wang
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia; Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD, Australia
| | - Liam Spannenburg
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kim R Bridle
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darrell Hg Crawford
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Xiaowen Liang
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Liu JB, Chu KJ, Ling CC, Wu TM, Wang HM, Shi Y, Li ZZ, Wang JH, Wu ZJ, Jiang XQ, Wang GR, Ma YS, Fu D. Prognosis for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients treated with postoperative adjuvant transcatheter hepatic artery chemoembolization. Curr Probl Cancer 2020; 44:100612. [PMID: 32517878 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2020.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We used meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). METHODS We performed the meta-analysis using the R 3.12 software and the quality evaluation of data using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The main outcomes were recorded as 1-year overall survival (OS), 3-year OS, 5-year OS, and hazard ratio (HR) of TACE treatment or non-TACE treatment. The heterogeneity test was performed using the Q-test based on chi-square and I2 statistics. Egger's test was used to test the publication bias. The odds ratio or HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to represent the effect index. RESULTS Nine controlled clinical trials involving 1724 participants were included in this study; patients came mainly from China, Italy, South Korea, and Germany. In the OS meta-analysis, the 1-year and 3-year OS showed significant heterogeneity, but not the 5-year OS. TACE increased the 1-year OS (odds ratio = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.10-6.46) of the patients with ICC, but the 3- and 5-year OS rates were not significantly increased. The results had no publication bias, but the stability was weak. The HR had significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P= 0.54). TACE significantly decreased the HR of ICC patients (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73). The results had no publication bias, and the stability was good. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with TACE is effective for patients with ICC. Regular updating and further research and analysis still need to be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Bin Liu
- Cancer Institute, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Kai-Jian Chu
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery I, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang-Chun Ling
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ting-Miao Wu
- Department of Radiology, The Forth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hui-Min Wang
- Cancer Institute, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China; Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Cancer Institute, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China; Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Zhen Li
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery I, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Han Wang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery I, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Wu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Jiang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery I, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Gao-Ren Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China.
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- Cancer Institute, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China; Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Da Fu
- Department of Radiology, The Forth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Viveiros P, Riaz A, Lewandowski RJ, Mahalingam D. Current State of Liver-Directed Therapies and Combinatory Approaches with Systemic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081085. [PMID: 31370248 PMCID: PMC6721343 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing set of liver-directed therapies (LDT) have become an integral part of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. These range from percutaneous ablative techniques to arterial embolization, and varied radiotherapy strategies. They are now used for local disease control, symptom palliation, and bold curative strategies. The big challenge in the face of these innovative and sometimes overlapping technologies is to identify the best opportunity of use. In real practice, many patients may take benefit from LDT used as a bridge to curative treatment such as resection and liver transplantation. Varying trans-arterial embolization strategies are used, and comparison between established and developing technologies is scarce. Also, radioembolization utilizing yttrium-90 (Y-90) for locally advanced or intermediate-stage HCC needs further evidence of clinical efficacy. There is increasing interest on LDT-led changes in tumor biology that could have implications in systemic therapy efficacy. Foremost, additional to its apoptotic and necrotic properties, LDT could warrant changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and release. However, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) used alongside tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib has had its efficacy contested. Most recently, interest in associating Y-90 and TKI has emerged. Furthermore, LDT-led differences in tumor immune microenvironment and immune cell infiltration could be an opportunity to enhance immunotherapy efficacy for HCC patients. Early attempts to coordinate LDT and immunotherapy are being made. We here review LDT techniques exposing current evidence to understand its extant reach and future applications alongside systemic therapy development for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Viveiros
- Developmental Therapeutics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ahsun Riaz
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Robert J Lewandowski
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Devalingam Mahalingam
- Developmental Therapeutics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Zhang X, Lin X, Qiu H, Peng Z. An investigation of efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors of drug-eluting beads-transarterial chemoembolization operation with CalliSpheres ® Microspheres in treating Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma patients. J Clin Lab Anal 2019; 33:e22975. [PMID: 31328832 PMCID: PMC6805711 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate treatment response, survival profiles, safety profiles, and predictive factors of drug-eluting beads-transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with CalliSpheres® Microspheres (CSM) in treating Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS A total of 66 HCC patients about to receive DEB-TACE with CSM therapy were consecutively enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Treatment response was recorded. Besides, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were also recorded. All adverse events including pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and liver function damage were recorded during hospitalization. RESULTS 37.9% of patients achieved complete response (CR) and 81.8% of patients achieved an objective response rate (ORR). For survival, mean PFS and OS were 13.7 (11.7-15.8) months and 18.8 (95% CI: 16.3-21.2) months, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a number of nodules ≥2 was an independent factor for worse CR; moreover, multivariate Cox's regression analysis disclosed that largest sample size ≥5 cm was an independent factor for shorter PFS, and Child-Pugh B and BCLC stage B/C were independent predictive factors for unfavorable OS. As to AEs, numbers of patients suffered liver function damage, pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever were 29 (43.9%), 27 (40.9%), 22 (33.3%), 13 (19.7%), and 37 (56.1%), respectively. CONCLUSION Drug-eluting beads-transarterial chemoembolization with CSM is an effective and tolerated treatment for Chinese HCC patients, and number of nodules ≥2, largest nodule size ≥5 cm, Child-Pugh stage B, and BCLC stage B/C correlates with unfavorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- Department of Radiology, Shengzhou People's Hospital, Shengzhou, China
| | - Huafeng Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Shengzhou People's Hospital, Shengzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Peng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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