Role of immunotherapy in downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation

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.

Feasibility and outcome of radical prostatectomy following inductive neoadjuvant therapy in patients with suspicion of rectal infiltration

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and outcome of radical prostatectomy (RP) following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with initial inoperable, rectum-infiltrating cT4 prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

From 01/2018 to 12/2020, 26 patients with clinical (DRE) or radiographical (mpMRI) suspicion of rectum infiltrating PCa at diagnosis and NAT prior to RP were retrospectively identified from our prospective institutional database. Two patients were still inoperable after NAT. Downsizing was administered for at least 20 weeks and RP was performed after excluding ongoing rectal infiltration.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, median PSA was 42.5 ng/ml (IQR: 23.0-66.1). Inductive NAT consisted of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in combination with chemotherapy (n = 9) or without chemotherapy (n = 14). Median preoperative PSA was 0.93 ng/ml (IQR: 0.24-0.40). Median time from NAT to RP was 6 months (IQR: 5-7). Two patients were still inoperable after NAT. Of 24 patients undergoing RP, abortion of surgery due to inoperability was observed in 2 patients (8.4%), demonstrating a total failure rate of NAT in 4 out of 26 patients (15.4%). One patient suffered a rectal injury with consecutive colostomy (4.2%). No Clavien-Dindo complication Grade IV or V were observed. Urinary continence was achieved in 16 patients (84.2%). Sufficient erection for sexual intercourse was present in 2 patients (10.5%). All patients received adjuvant ADT with or without radiation therapy. Median PSA at 13 months was 0.08 ng/ml (IQR: 0.01-0.74).

CONCLUSION

RP of initially rectum infiltrating PCa is feasible and safe after inductive NAT, however complications rates tend to be higher compared to standard RP.