Long-term outcome of patients undergoing liver transplantation for mixed hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma: an analysis of the UNOS database

A machine-learning model based on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for preoperative differentiation between hepatocellular carcinoma and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma

AIM

To establish a machine-learning model based on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and MRI data of 194 patients with histopathologically diagnosed cHCC-CC (n=52) or HCC (n=142) were analysed retrospectively. ITK-SNAP software was used to delineate three-dimensional (3D) lesions and extract high-throughput features. Feature selection was carried out based on Pearson's correlation coefficient and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. A radiomics model (radiomics features), a clinical model (i.e., clinical-image features), and a fusion model (i.e., radiomics features + clinical-image features) were established using six machine-learning classifiers. The performance of each model in distinguishing between cHCC-CC and HCC was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity.

RESULTS

Significant differences in liver cirrhosis, tumour number, shape, edge, peritumoural enhancement in the arterial phase, and lipid were identified between cHCC-CC and HCC patients (p<0.05). The AUC of the fusion model based on logistic regression was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.766-0.949) in the arterial phase in the test set, and the sensitivity/specificity was 0.844/0.714; however, the AUC of the clinical and radiomics models was 0.759 (95% CI: 0.663-0.861) and 0.838 (95% CI: 0.719-0.921) in the test set, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The fusion model based on DCE-MRI in the arterial phase can significantly improve the diagnostic rate of cHCC-CC and HCC as compared with conventional approaches.

Current advances and future directions in combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma

The low incidence of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is an important factor limiting research progression. Our study extensively included nearly three decades of relevant literature and assembled the most comprehensive database comprising 5,742 patients with cHCC-CCA. We summarized the characteristics, tumor markers, and clinical features of these patients. Additionally, we present the evolution of cHCC-CCA classification and explain the underlying rationale for these classification standards. We reviewed cHCC-CCA diagnostic advances using imaging features, tumor markers, and postoperative pathology, as well as treatment options such as surgical, adjuvant, and immune-targeted therapies. In addition, recent advances in more effective chemotherapeutic regimens and immune-targeted therapies were explored. Furthermore, we described the molecular mutation features and potential specific markers of cHCC-CCA. The prognostic value of Nestin has been proven, and we speculate that Nestin will also play a role in classification and diagnosis. However, further research is needed. Moreover, we believe that the possibility of using machine learning liquid biopsy for preoperative diagnosis and establishing a scoring system are directions for future research.

Liver transplantation as an alternative for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Past, present, and future directions

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare biliary tract cancer with high mortality rate. Complete resection of the iCCA lesion is the first choice of treatment, with good prognosis after margin-negative resection. Unfortunately, only 12%-40% of patients are eligible for resection at presentation due to cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or large tumor size. Liver transplantation (LT) offers margin-negative iCCA extirpation for patients with unresectable tumors. Initially, iCCA was a contraindication for LT until size-based selection criteria were introduced to identify patients with satisfied post-LT outcomes. Recent studies have shown that tumor biology-based selection can yield high post-LT survival in patients with locally advanced iCCA. Another selection criterion is the tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy. Patients with response to neoadjuvant therapy have better outcomes after LT compared with those without tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy. Another index that helps predict the treatment outcome is the biomarker. Improved survival outcomes have also opened the door for living donor LT for iCCA. Patients undergoing LT for iCCA now have statistically similar survival rates as patients undergoing resection. The combination of surgery and locoregional and systemic therapies improves the prognosis of iCCA patients.

Liver transplantation meets gastrointestinal cancer

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a standard of care for patients with end-stage liver disease, providing a life-saving intervention for patients with severely compromised liver function in both the acute and chronic setting. While LT has also become a routine procedure for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), offering a potential cure by treating both the tumor and the underlying liver disease, its relevance in the context of other malignancies such as cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA), combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) or liver metastases is still the subject of intense debate and no definite recommendations have yet been established. This review summarizes the current therapeutic standards in the context of LT for gastrointestinal malignancies and provides a reflection and outlook on current scientific and clinical developments.

Meta-analysis of prognostic factors for overall survival and disease-free survival among resected patients with combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (CHCC-CC) is a rare subtype of primary liver malignancy and has been treated equally as intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) according to the 8th AJCC staging system. Owing to its rarity, its prognostic factors have been rarely explored and defined.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched up till January 1st, 2023 and eligible studies were restricted to studies reported prognostic factors of resected CHCC-CC. Standard Parmar modifications were used to determine pooled univariable hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

A total of eleven studies with 1286 patients with resected classical CHCC-CC were finally included. Pooled results indicated that serum tumor biomarkers, including AFP, CA199, and CEA, were prognostic factors for postoperative overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Moreover, liver cirrhosis (P = 0.010), HBV infection (P = 0.030), and HCV infection (P < 0.001) were prognostic factors for OS. Age (HR = 1.03, P = 0.005) was a prognostic factor for DFS. Tumor size (OS: HR = 2, P < 0.001, DFS: HR = 2.15, P < 0.001), tumor number (OS: HR = 2.05, P < 0.001; DFS: HR = 1.96, P = 0.006), surgical margin (OS: HR = 2.33, <0.001001; DFS: HR = 2.35, P < 0.001), node metastasis (OS: HR = 2.96, P < 0.001; DFS: HR = 2.1, P < 0.001), vascular invasion (OS: HR = 2.17, P < 0.001; DFS: HR = 2.64, P < 0.001), and postoperative prophylactic trans-arterial chemotherapy embolization (PPTACE) (OS: HR = 1.67, P = 0.04; DFS: HR = 2.31, P < 0.001) were common prognostic factors for OS and DFS.

CONCLUSION

Various risk factors unmentioned in the 8th AJCC staging system were identified. These promising findings would facilitate a more personalized predictive model and help clinicians to stratify patients with different survival outcomes.

Benefit and harm of waiting time in liver transplantation for HCC

Liver transplantation is the most successful treatment for limited-stage HCC. The waiting time for liver transplantation (LT) can be a critical factor affecting the oncological prognosis and outcome of patients with HCC. Efficient strategies to optimize waiting time are essential to maximize the benefits of LT and to reduce the harm of delay in transplantation. The ever-increasing demand for donor livers emphasizes the need to improve the organization of the waiting list for transplantation and to optimize organ availability for patients with and without HCC. Current progress in innovations to expand the donor pool includes the implementation of living donor LT and the use of grafts from extended donors. By expanding selection criteria, an increased number of patients are eligible for transplantation, which necessitates criteria to prevent futile transplantations. Thus, the selection criteria for LT have evolved to include not only tumor characteristics but biomarkers as well. Enhancing our understanding of HCC tumor biology through the analysis of subtypes and molecular genetics holds significant promise in advancing the personalized approach for patients. In this review, the effect of waiting time duration on outcome in patients with HCC enlisted for LT is discussed.

Liver transplantation versus resection for patients with combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a rare primary liver cancer, and whether liver transplantation should be implemented among CHC patients is still controversial. We intend to conduct a retrospective cohort study based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to investigate the prognosis of liver transplantation vs. liver resection among CHC patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with CHC (ICD-O-3:8180/3) and treated with transplantation or hepatectomy were extracted from the SEER database (2000-2018). We utilized Propensity Score Matching to control confounding bias. Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis, and Cox regression was used to find independent factors associated with prognosis.

Results

We identified 123 (transplantation: 49; resection: 74) patients with CHC who were treated between 2004 and 2015. In the entire cohort, survival analysis demonstrated transplantation group was associated with better overall survival and cancer-specific survival (log-rank p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). In addition, liver transplantation still conferred better overall and cancer-specific survival than liver resection after Propensity Score Matching (log-rank p = 0.024 and p = 0.048, respectively). However, this advantage didn't appear in the subgroup, regardless of whether the tumor size was greater than 3 cm or not. (≤3 cm: OS log-rank p = 0.230, CSS log-rank p = 0.370; >3 cm: OS log-rank p = 0.110, CSS log-rank p = 0.084). Multivariate analysis validated the finding that liver transplantation was a protective factor for overall survival (HR = 0.55 [0.31-0.95], p = 0.032).

Conclusions

Liver transplantation may be an option in individuals with CHC and should be taken into consideration due to its advantages in terms of overall survival and cancer-specific survival. However, a sizable sample is required for future studies to determine which subset of CHC patients may benefit more from liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation for combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Patients with combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) are not traditionally considered eligible for liver transplantation (LT) due to poor outcomes.

AIM

To compare outcomes between living donor LT (LDLT) patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and LT patients with cHCC-CC and to identify risk factors for tumor recurrence and death after LT in cHCC-CC patients.

METHODS

Data for pathologically diagnosed cHCC-CC patients (n = 111) who underwent LT from 2000 to 2018 were collected for a nine-center retrospective review. Patients (n = 141) who received LDLT for HCC at Samsung Medical Center from January 2013 to March 2017 were selected as the control group. Seventy patients in two groups, respectively, were selected by 1:1 matching.

RESULTS

Cumulative disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the cHCC-CC group were significantly worse than in the HCC group both before and after matching. Extrahepatic recurrence incidence in the cHCC-CC group was higher than that in the HCC group (75.5% vs 33.3%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the cHCC-CC group had significantly higher rates of tumor recurrence and death compared to the HCC group. In cHCC-CC subgroup analysis, frequency of locoregional therapies > 3, tumor size > 3 cm, and lymph node metastasis were predisposing factors for tumor recurrence in multivariate analysis. Only a maximum tumor size > 3 cm was a predisposing factor for death.

CONCLUSION

The poor prognosis of patients diagnosed with cHCC-CC after LT can be predicted based on the explanted liver. Frequent regular surveillance for cHCC-CC patients should be required for early detection of tumor recurrence.

Updates and Expert Opinions on Liver Transplantation for Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Transplant oncology is a relatively new field in which transplantation is used to treat patients who would otherwise be unresectable. New anticancer treatment paradigms using tumor and transplant immunology and cancer immunogenomics are emerging. In turn, liver transplantation (LT) has become a potential therapy for certain patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with liver metastasis, hepatocellular (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the liver. Although there are established criteria for LT in HCC, evidence regarding LT as a treatment modality for certain gastrointestinal malignancies is still debated. The aim of this review is to highlight updates in the role of LT for certain malignancies, including HCC, metastatic CRC, hilar CCA, and neuroendocrine tumor (NET), as well as contextualize LT use and discuss controversies in transplant oncology.

Radiomics Based on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preoperative Differentiation of Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma from Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Center Study

Purpose

To explore whether texture features based on magnetic resonance can distinguish diseases combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before operation.

Methods

The clinical baseline data and MRI information of 342 patients with pathologically diagnosed cHCC-CC and HCC in two medical centers were collected. The data were divided into the training set and the test set at a ratio of 7:3. MRI images of tumors were segmented with ITK-SNAP software, and python open-source platform was used for texture analysis. Logistic regression as the base model, mutual information (MI) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression were used to select the most favorable features. The clinical, radiomics, and clinic-radiomics model were constructed based on logistic regression. The model's effectiveness was comprehensively evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index which is the main, and the model results were exported by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).

Results

A total of 23 features were included. Among all models, the arterial phase-based clinic-radiomics model showed the best performance in differentiating cHCC-CC from HCC before an operation, with the AUC of the test set being 0.863 (95% CI: 0.782 to 0.923), the specificity and sensitivity being 0.918 (95% CI: 0.819 to 0.973) and 0.738 (95% CI: 0.580 to 0.861), respectively. SHAP value results showed that the RMS was the most important feature affecting the model.

Conclusion

Clinic-radiomics model based on DCE-MRI may be useful to distinguish cHCC-CC from HCC in a preoperative setting, especially in the arterial phase, and RMS has the greatest impact.

Perioperative and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has now been established as a safe and minimally invasive technique that is deemed feasible for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, the role of LLR in treating combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) patients has been rarely reported. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of LLR when compared with open liver resection (OLR) procedure for patients with cHCC-CC.

METHODS

A total of 229 cHCC-CC patients who underwent hepatic resection (34 LLR and 195 OLR patients) from January 2014 to December 2018 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were enrolled and underwent a 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis between the LLR and OLR groups to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) parameters were assessed by the log-rank test and the sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 34 LLR and 68 OLR patients were included after PSM analysis. The LLR group displayed a shorter postoperative hospital stay (6.61 vs. 8.26 days; p value < 0.001) when compared with the OLR group. No significant differences were observed in the postoperative complications' incidence or a negative surgical margin rate between the two groups (p value = 0.409 and p value = 1.000, respectively). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and inflammatory indicators in the LLR group were significantly lower than those in the OLR group on the first and third postoperative days. Additionally, OS and RFS were comparable in both the LLR and OLR groups (p value = 0.700 and p value = 0.780, respectively), and similar results were obtained by conducting a sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

LLR can impart less liver function damage, better inflammatory response attenuation contributing to a faster recovery, and parallel oncologic outcomes when compared with OLR. Therefore, LLR can be recommended as a safe and effective therapeutic modality for treating selected cHCC-CC patients, especially for those with small tumors in favorable location.

Surgical Strategies for Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC)

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a tumor entity presenting features of hepatocellular and cholangiocellular epithelial differentiation. Due to the likeness between cHCC-CC, HCC and CC, accurate pretherapeutical diagnosis is challenging and advanced stages are prevalent. Radical oncological surgery is the only curative therapeutical option in patients with cHCC-CC. To reach this goal a profound understanding of this rare liver tumor is crucial. Factors such as clinicopathological characteristics, growth patterns and biological behavior are of central importance. To explore onco-surgical strategies and aspects for complete resection of cHCC-CC and to answer important key questions, an extensive review of the literature was conducted to answer the following questions: What are the best surgical options? Is there a significance for nonanatomical resections? Is there a prognostic value of concomitant lymphadenectomy? What about multimodal concepts in local advanced cHCC-CC? The role of minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) including the role of robotic liver surgery for cHCC-CC will be discussed. While liver transplantation (LT) is standard for patients with unresectable HCC, the role of LT in cHCC-CC patients is still controversial. How can patients with high risk for early tumor recurrence be identified to avoid aggressive surgical treatment without clinical benefit? The comprehensive understanding of this challenging liver tumor will help to improve future treatment options for these patients.

Pathology of Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Cholangiocarcinoma: An Update

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver cancer that is composed of both hepatocellular and cholangiocellular differentiated cells. It is slightly more common in men and among Asian and Pacific islanders. Overall, risk factors are similar to classic risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The classification has significantly evolved over time. The last WHO classification (2019) mainly emphasized diagnosis on morphological basis with routine stainings, discarded previously recognized classifications with carcinomas with stem cell features, introduced intermediate cell carcinoma as a specific subtype and considered cholangiolocarcinoma as a subtype of cholangiocellular carcinoma. Immunohistochemical markers may be applied for further specification but have limited value for diagnosis. Recent discoveries in molecular pathway regulation may pioneer new therapeutic approaches for this poor prognostic and challenging diagnosis.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: The role of liver transplantation, adjunctive treatments, and prognostic biomarkers

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a primary epithelial cell malignancy of the liver with rising incidence rate globally. Its insidious presentation, heterogeneous and aggressive biology, and recalcitrance to current therapies results in unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. This has spurred research efforts in the last decade to better characterize it molecularly with translation to improved diagnostic tools and treatments. Much of this has been driven by patient advocacy. This has renewed interest in orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) with adjunctive therapies for iCCA, which was historically disparaged due to poor recipient outcomes and donor organ scarcity. However, the optimal use of LT as a treatment for iCCA care remains unclear. Here, we review the epidemiology of iCCA, the history of LT as a treatment modality, alternative approaches to iCCA local control, the evidence for peri-operative systemic therapies, and the potential roles of biomarkers and targeted agents. In doing so, we hope to prioritize areas for continued research and identify areas where multidisciplinary care can improve outcomes.

Liver transplantation and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: time to go forward again?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Liver transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) has been mired in controversy. High rates of recurrence posttransplant combined with donor organ scarcity resulted in most transplant centers treating iCCA as a contraindication for liver transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have shown that carefully selected patients with unresectable iCCA can have good outcomes after liver transplantation. Better outcomes have been seen in patients with smaller tumors and favorable tumor biology.

SUMMARY

Because many patients are diagnosed with iCCA at later stages, tumor biology and genetics are useful tools to identify patients who will have excellent overall and recurrence-free survival after liver transplantation. Further larger multicenter prospective studies are needed to identify patients who would benefit from liver transplantation with good outcomes. Additional advances will come through early diagnosis and utilizing a combination of chemotherapy and locoregional modalities as a bridge to transplant. There is also a need to recognize and develop additional neo- and adjuvant therapies for patients whose tumor biology currently precludes their inclusion on the liver transplantation waitlist.

Liver Transplant for Non-Hepatocellular Malignancies: A Review for Radiologists

Although traditionally only performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the last decade has seen a resurgence in the use of liver transplant (LT) for non-HCC malignancies, likely due to improvements in neoadjuvant treatment regimens as well as the establishment of well-defined eligibility criteria. Given promising survival results, patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, neuroendocrine liver metastases, and hepatic hemangioendothelioma are eligible to receive Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) exception for tumors that meet well-defined criteria. Additional tumors such as colorectal cancer liver metastases, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatocholangiocarcinoma may undergo transplant at specialized centers with well-defined protocols, although are not yet eligible for MELD exception. Transplant eligibility criteria commonly incorporate imaging findings, yet due to the relatively novel and evolving nature of LT for non-HCC malignancies, radiologists may be unaware of relevant criteria or of the implications of their imaging interpretations. Knowledge of the allocation process, background, and liver transplant selection criteria facilitates the radiologist' active participation in multidisciplinary discussion, leading to better and more equitable care for transplant candidates with non-HCC malignancy. This review provides an overview of transplant allocation and selection criteria in patients with non-HCC malignancy, with an emphasis on imaging features and the role of the radiologist.

Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma: What the Multidisciplinary Team Should Know

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare type of primary liver malignancy. Among the risk factors, hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections, cirrhosis, and male gender are widely reported. The clinical appearance of cHCC-CCA is similar to that of HCC and iCCA and it is usually silent until advanced states, causing a delay of diagnosis. Diagnosis is mainly based on histology from biopsies or surgical specimens. Correct pre-surgical diagnosis during imaging studies is very problematic and is due to the heterogeneous characteristics of the lesion in imaging, with overlapping features of HCC and CCA. The predominant histological subtype within the lesion establishes the predominant imaging findings. Therefore, in this scenario, the radiological findings characteristic of HCC show an overlap with those of CCA. Since cHCC-CCAs are prevalent in patients at high risk of HCC and there is a risk that these may mimic HCC, it is currently difficult to see a non-invasive diagnosis of HCC. Surgery is the only curative treatment of HCC-CCA. The role of liver transplantation (LT) in the treatment of cHCC-CCA remains controversial, as is the role of ablative or systemic therapies in the treatment of this tumour. These lesions still remain challenging, both in diagnosis and in the treatment phase. Therefore, a pre-treatment imaging diagnosis is essential, as well as the identification of prognostic factors that could stratify the risk of recurrence and the most adequate therapy according to patient characteristics.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is in most transplant regions a contraindication for liver transplantation, even ruling out an active waiting list registration. However, recent studies showed that well-selected patients after a neo-adjuvant treatment benefit from liver transplantation with good long-term outcomes. The role of living donor liver transplantation is unclear for this indication. The current study focuses on LDLT for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Current status of liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common liver cancer with a median survival of 12-24 mo without treatment. It is further classified based on its location into intrahepatic CCA (iCCA), perihilar CCA (pCCA), and distal CCA. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, but up to 70% of these tumors are inoperable at the time of diagnosis. CCA was previously an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation (LT) due to poor outcomes primary due to early recurrent disease. However, improvement in patient selection criteria and neoadjuvant treatment protocols have improved outcomes for inoperable pCCA patients with recent studies reporting LT may improve survival in iCCA. Future advances in the treatment of CCA should include refining patient selection criteria and organ allocation for all subtypes of CCA, determining effective immunotherapies and the evolving role of personalized medicine in patients ineligible for surgical resection or LT. Our article reviews the current status of LT in CCA, along with future directions in managing patients with CCA.

Rare Malignant Indications for Liver Transplantation: A Collaborative Transplant Study Report

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is by far the leading malignant indication for liver transplantation (LT). Few other malignancies, including cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC), metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NET), and sarcomas of the liver (LSAR), also are commonly accepted indications for LT. However, there is limited information on their outcome after LT.

Methods: Graft and patient survival in 14,623 LTs performed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, CCC, NET, and LSAR from 1988 to 2017 and reported to the Collaborative Transplant Study were analyzed.

Results: The study group consisted of 13,862 patients who had HCC (94.8%), 498 (3.4%) who had CCC, 100 (0.7%) who had NET, and 163 (1.1%) who had LSAR. CCC patients showed a 5-year graft survival rate of 32.1%, strikingly lower than the 63.2% rate in HCC, 51.6% rate in NET, and 64.5% rate in LSAR patients (P < 0.001 for all vs. CCC). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of graft loss and death due to cancer during the first five post-transplant years in CCC vs. HCC patients (HR 1.77 and 2.56; P < 0.001 for both). The same risks were increased also in NET and LSAR patients but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: Among patients with rare malignant indications for LT, CCC patients showed significantly impaired graft as well as patient survival compared to HCC patients. The observed differences might challenge traditional decision-making processes for LT indication and palliative treatment in specific hepatic malignancies.

Morbidity, Prognostic Factors, and Competing Risk Nomogram for Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a rare and heterogeneous histological subtype of primary liver cancer, which is still poorly understood. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical features, investigate the prognostic indicators, and develop a competing risk nomogram for CHC.

Methods

The study cohort was taken from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The annual percent change (APC) in incidence was calculated using the joinpoint regression. The nomogram was developed based on multivariate competing risk survival analyses and validated by calibration curves. Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, Harrell's C-index, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to compare prognostic performance. Decision curve analysis was introduced to examine the clinical value of the models.

Results

The overall incidence of CHC was 0.062 per 100,000 individuals in 2004 and 0.081 per 100,000 individuals in 2018, with an APC of 1.0% (P > 0.05). CHC displayed intermediate clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Race, tumor size, vascular invasion, extrahepatic invasion, distant metastasis, grade, surgery, and Metavir stage were confirmed as the independent predictors of cancer-specific survival. The constructed nomogram was well calibrated, which showed better discrimination power and higher net benefits than the current American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system. Patients with liver transplantation had better survival than those with hepatectomy, especially patients within the Milan Criteria (P=0.022 and P=0.015). There was no survival difference between liver transplantation and hepatectomy in patients beyond the Milan Criteria (P=0.340).

Conclusion

The morbidity of CHC remained stable between 2004 and 2018. The constructed nomogram could predict the prognosis with good performance, which was meaningful to individual treatment strategies optimization. CHC patients should also be considered as potential liver transplantation recipients, especially those within the Milan Criteria, but the finding still needs more evidence to be further confirmed.

Moving forward in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma

Despite being the second most frequent primary liver tumor in humans, early diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are still unsatisfactory. In fact, survival after 5 years is expected in less than one fourth of patients diagnosed with this disease. Rare incidence, late appearance of symptoms and heterogeneous biology are all factors contributing to our limited knowledge of this cancer and determining its poor prognosis in the clinical setting. Several efforts have been made in the last decades in order to achieve an improved classification/understanding with regard to the diverse CCA forms. Location within the biliary tree has helped to distinguish between intrahepatic, perihilar and distal CCA types. Sequence analysis contributed to identifying several characteristic genetic aberrations in CCA that may also serve as possible targets for therapy. Novel findings are expected to significantly improve the management of this malignancy in the near future. In this changing scenario our review focuses on the current and future strategies for CCA treatment. Both systemic and surgical treatments are discussed in detail. The results of the main studies in this field are reported, together with the ongoing trials. The current findings suggest that an integrated multidisciplinary approach to this malignancy would be helpful to improve its outcome.

Response evaluation of locoregional therapies in combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma versus hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matched study

AIM

To evaluate the response of locoregional therapy (LRT) on combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) and compare their outcomes with propensity matched hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2011 to July 2020, 13 patients with cHCC-CC (11 men, two women, median age 56 years) and 15 IHC patients (10 men, five women, median age 60 years) were compared with 101 HCC patients (79 men, 22 women, median age 60 years) after LRT. All tumours were proven histologically. Among the 13 cHCC-CC patients, 11 received transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), one received microwave ablation (MWA) and one received TACE with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Of 15 IHC patients, eight received TACE, five received RFA, and one received MWA, and one received TACE with RFA. Propensity score matching (PSM) was done with conditional logistic regression adjusted for age, type of LRT, tumour specific features and Child-Pugh score.

RESULTS

After LRT, on univariate analysis an objective response was seen in 30% of cHCC-CC and 53% of IHC patients. PSM analysis demonstrated shorter progression-free survival (PFS; cHCC-CC versus HCC: 1.5 versus 7.5 months; IHC versus HCC: 6 versus 14 months, p<0.05), overall survival (OS; cHCC-CC versus HCC: 12 versus 28 months; IHC versus HCC: 18 versus 34 months, p<0.005), and poor objective response (cHCC-CC versus HCC: 25% versus 91%; IHC versus HCC: 58% versus 88%, p<0.05) in cHCC-CC and IHC patients versus HCC patients. Hypovascular tumour, macrovascular invasion, and infiltrative appearance were independent prognostic factors for OS in IHC patients.

CONCLUSION

cHCC-CC and IHC are aggressive tumours with a poor objective response, greater distant progression of the disease and shorter PFS and OS post LRT as compared to HCC.

Primary Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case of Underdiagnosed Primary Liver Cancer

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a rare primary tumor of the liver. Histologically, it comprises components of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) but is associated with a worse prognosis. International guidelines regarding its management are scarce, with surgical management (major hepatectomy) being the treatment of choice. In this report, we present a challenging case of a 73-year-old male with primary CHC who was not a surgical candidate but underwent hepatic artery radioembolization instead.

Update on the association of hepatitis B with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Is there new evidence?

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a subgroup of cholangiocarcinoma that accounts for about 10%-20% of the total cases. Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most important predisposing factors leading to the formation of iCCA. It has been recently estimated based on abundant epidemiological data that the association between HBV infection and iCCA is strong with an odds ratio of about 4.5. The HBV-associated mechanisms that lead to iCCA are under intense investigation. The diagnosis of iCCA in the context of chronic liver disease is challenging and often requires histological confirmation to distinguish from hepatocellular carcinoma. It is currently unclear whether antiviral treatment for HBV can decrease the incidence of iCCA. In terms of management, surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment. There is a need for effective treatment modalities beyond resection in both first- and second-line treatment. In this review, we summarize the epidemiological evidence that links the two entities, discuss the pathogenesis of HBV-associated iCCA, and present the available data on the diagnosis and management of this cancer.

Expanding indications for liver transplantation in the era of liver transplant oncology

Despite numerous advances and emerging data, liver transplantation in the setting of gastrointestinal malignancies remains controversial outside of certain accepted indications. In an era of persistent organ shortage and increasing organ demand, allocation of liver grafts must be considered carefully. While hepatocellular carcinoma and hilar cholangiocarcinoma have become accepted indications for transplantation, tumor size and standardized multi-disciplinary treatment protocols are necessary to ensure optimal patient outcomes. As more studies seeking to expand the oncologic indications for liver transplantation are emerging, it is becoming increasingly clear that tumor biology and response to therapy are key factors for optimal oncologic outcomes. In addition, time from diagnosis to transplantation appears to correlate with survival, as stable disease over time portends better outcomes post-operatively. Identifying aggressive disease pre-transplant remains difficult with current imaging and tissue sampling techniques. While tumor size and stage are important prognostic predictors for most malignancies, patient and tumor selection protocols are necessary. As the fields of medical and surgical oncology continue to evolve, it is clear that a protocolized interdisciplinary treatment approach is necessary for combatting any cancer effectively. Disease stability over time and response to neoadjuvant therapy may be the best predictors for successful patient outcomes and can be easily incorporated in our treatment paradigms. Current data evaluating liver transplantation for expanded oncologic indications such as: expanded criteria hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, mixed tumors, and liver limited metastatic colorectal carcinomas, incorporate multi-modal therapies and evaluation of tumor treatment response. While further investigation is necessary, initial results suggest there is an expanded role for transplant surgery in malignancy in a new era of liver transplant oncology.

Oncologic indications of liver transplantation and deceased donor liver allocation in the United States

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Liver transplantation is a standard therapy for certain liver cancers. The majority of liver transplantation in the United States is through deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). A significant disparity between the demand of livers and patients awaiting liver transplantation still remains, relying on United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to make policies to determine priority amongst recipients, including for patients with liver cancer. We review the scope of liver transplantation in patients with liver cancer with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), and unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with respect to current liver allocation policy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently, liver allocation changed in the United States. Under the current allocation policy, select patients with HCC and hilar CCA (hCCA) receive priority with an exception score of median MELD score at transplant (MMAT)-3. There is scope for other liver cancers, such as iCCA and CRLM to be considered, as reasonable outcomes have been achieved in these patients outside of the United States through DDLT and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

SUMMARY

With the growing experience of liver transplantation for nonconventional oncologic indications, the current policy for prioritization of liver cancer within deceased donor liver allocation may need to be re-evaluated.

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: An update on epidemiology, classification, diagnosis and management

BACKGROUND

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a rare subtype of primary hepatic malignancies, with variably reported incidence between 0.4%-14.2% of primary liver cancer cases. This study aimed to systematically review the epidemiological, clinicopathological, diagnostic and therapeutic data for this rare entity.

DATA SOURCES

We reviewed the literature of diagnostic approach of CHC with special reference to its clinical, molecular and histopathological characteristics. Additional analysis of the recent literature in order to evaluate the results of surgical and systemic treatment of this entity has been accomplished.

RESULTS

The median age at CHC's diagnosis appears to be between 50 and 75 years. Evaluation of tumor markers [alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)] along with imaging patterns provides better opportunities for CHC's preoperative diagnosis. Reported clinicopathologic prognostic parameters possibly correlated with increased tumor recurrence and grimmer survival odds include advanced age, tumor size, nodal and distal metastases, vascular and regional organ invasion, multifocality, decreased capsule formation, stem-cell features verification and increased GGT as well as CA19-9 and CEA levels. In case of inoperable or recurrent disease, combinations of cholangiocarcinoma-directed systemic agents display superior results over sorafenib. Liver-directed methods, such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), radioembolization and ablative therapies, demonstrate inferior efficacy than in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to CHC's common hypovascularity.

CONCLUSIONS

CHC demonstrates an overlapping clinical and biological pattern between its malignant ingredients. Natural history of the disease seems to be determined by the predominant tumor element. Gold standard for diagnosis is histology of surgical specimens. Regarding therapeutic interventions, major hepatectomy is acknowledged as the cornerstone of treatment whereas minor hepatectomy and liver transplantation may be applied in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Despite all therapeutic attempts, prognosis of CHC remains dismal.

Liver Transplantation for Cholangiocarcinoma and Mixed Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma: Working Group Report From the ILTS Transplant Oncology Consensus Conference

Liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma has been an absolute contraindication worldwide due to poor results. However, in recent years and thanks to improvements of patient management and treatments of this cancer, this indication has been revisited. This consensus paper, approved by the International Liver Transplant Society, aims to provide a collection of expert opinions, consensus, and best practices surrounding liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma.

Comparison of Wait-List Mortality Between Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Liver Transplant Candidates

Despite the divergent disease biology of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), wait-list prioritization is identical for both diagnoses. We compared wait-list and posttransplant outcomes between CCA and HCC liver transplantation patients with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease exceptions using Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data. The 408 CCA candidates listed between 2003 and mid-2017 were matched to 2 HCC cohorts by listing date (±2 months, n = 816) and by Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) region and date (±6 months, n = 408). Cumulative incidence competing risk regression examined the effects of diagnosis, OPTN region, and center-level CCA listing volume on wait-list removal due to death/being too ill (dropout). Cox models evaluated the effects of diagnosis, OPTN region, center-level CCA volume, and waiting time on graft failure among deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) recipients. After adjusting for OPTN region and CCA listing volume (all P ≥ 0.07), both HCC cohorts had a reduced likelihood of wait-list dropout compared with CCA candidates (HCC with period matching only: subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43-0.93; P = 0.02 and HCC with OPTN region and period matching: SHR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.87; P = 0.007). The cumulative incidence rates of wait-list dropout at 6 and 12 months were 13.2% (95% CI, 10.0%-17.0%) and 23.9% (95% CI, 20.0%-29.0%) for CCA candidates, 7.3% (95% CI, 5.0%-10.0%) and 12.7% (95% CI, 10.0%-17.0%) for HCC candidates with region and listing date matching, and 7.1% (95% CI, 5.0%-9.0%) and 12.6% (95% CI, 10.0%-15.0%) for HCC candidates with listing date matching only. Additionally, HCC DDLT recipients had a 57% reduced risk of graft failure compared with CCA recipients (P < 0.001). Waiting time was unrelated to graft failure (P = 0.57), and there was no waiting time by diagnosis cohort interaction effect (P = 0.47). When identically prioritized, LT candidates with CCA have increased wait-list dropout compared with those with HCC. More granular data are necessary to discern ways to mitigate this wait-list disadvantage and improve survival for patients with CCA.

Therapy of Primary Liver Cancer

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a fatal disease that affects millions of lives worldwide. PLC is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the incidence rate is predicted to rise in the coming decades. PLC can be categorized into three major histological subtypes: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and combined HCC-ICC. These subtypes are distinct with respect to epidemiology, clinicopathological features, genetic alterations, and clinical managements, which are thoroughly summarized in this review. The state of treatment strategies for each subtype, including the currently approved drugs and the potential novel therapies, are also discussed.

Living donor liver transplantation for combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: A case series of four patients

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Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver carcinoma.

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The indications for live transplantation for cHCC-CCA remain controversial.

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In this case series, patients who met the Milan criteria on the pathological examination had good prognosis.

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By itself, cHCC-CCA was not a contraindication for liver transplantation.

Introduction

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver carcinoma whose components include both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Indications for liver transplantation for cHCC-CCA remain controversial.

Case presentations

Four patients underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for cHCC-CCA. All patients had multiple tumor nodules preoperatively diagnosed as HCC. Postoperative pathological examinations revealed that one of the tumors was cHCC-CCA. Cases 1 and 2 underwent LDLT for cirrhosis with HCC tumors that met Milan criteria. Case 3 underwent LDLT for recurrent HCC tumors with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Although the preoperative examinations showed that the patient met the Kyoto, but not Milan criteria, postoperative pathological examinations revealed that the patient did meet Milan criteria. The three patients who met Milan criteria on postoperative pathological examination had no recurrences after LDLT. Case 4 had multiple tumors with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Although the preoperative examinations showed that the patient did not meet Milan criteria—but did meet Kyoto criteria—, on postoperative pathological examinations, the patient met neither Millan nor Kyoto criteria. He died of tumor recurrence 15 months after LDLT.

Discussion and conclusions

Our experiences suggested that patients who meet Millan or Kyoto criteria experienced acceptable outcomes of LDLT for cHCC-CCA. By itself, cHCC-CCA is not contraindication for liver transplantation.

Analysis of Liver Resection Versus Liver Transplantation on Outcome of Small Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma in the Setting of Cirrhosis

This multicenter study compares the outcomes of patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation (LT) or liver resection (LR) between January 2002 and July 2015 who had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) or combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) found incidentally in the native liver. A total of 49 (65%) LT and 26 (35%) LR patients with cirrhosis and histologically confirmed iCCA/cHCC-CCA ≤5 cm were retrospectively analyzed. LT patients had significantly lower tumor recurrence (18% versus 46%; P = 0.01), for which the median diameter of the largest nodule (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.12]; P = 0.006) and tumor differentiation (HR, 3.74; 95% CI 1.71-8.17; P = 0.001) were independently predictive. The LT group had significantly higher 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS; 75% versus 36%; P = 0.004). In patients with tumors >2 cm but ≤5 cm, LT patients had a lower recurrence rate (21% versus 48%; P = 0.06) and a higher 5-year RFS (74% versus 40%; P = 0.06). Independent risk factors for recurrence were LT (protective; HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.82; P = 0.02), the median diameter of the largest nodule (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.73; P = 0.007), and tumor differentiation (HR, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.37-12.66; P = 0.01). In the LT group, 5-year survival reached 69% and 65% (P = 0.40) in patients with tumors ≤2 cm and >2-5 cm, respectively, and survival was also comparable between iCCA and cHCC-CCA patients (P = 0.29). LT may offer a benefit for highly selected patients with cirrhosis and unresectable iCCA/cHCC-CCA having tumors ≤5 cm. Efforts should be made to evaluate tumor differentiation, and these results need to be confirmed prospectively in a larger population.

Is the outcome after hepatectomy for transitional hepatocholangiocarcinoma different from that of hepatocellular carcinoma and mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma? A case-matched analysis

Hepatocholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) is a rare malignancy containing features of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (MFCCC), of which the outcome after hepatectomy remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of patients with transitional HCC-CC and compare them with those of patients with HCC and MFCCC. Our prospectively maintained database was queried, and 14 transitional HCC-CC patients were identified over a total of 406 consecutive hepatic resections. A 1:1:1 match was performed with HCC and MFCCC patients operated in the same period. A total of 42 patients were matched according to tumor stage (T1-2-3, N0, M0), number of tumors, R0 resection, no 90-day mortality, and follow-up. Primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Disease-free survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year were 71.4%, 57.1%, 35.7% for transitional HCC-CC patients; 85.7%, 40.4%, 10.1% for HCC patients; 85.1%, 34.0%, 22.7% for MFCCC patients (5-year DFS: HCC-CC vs. HCC, p = 0.575; HCC-CC vs. MFCCC, p = 0.766, respectively). Similarly, OS rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year were 92.9%, 71.4%, 64.3% for transitional HCC-CC patients; 100%, 64.3%, 41.7% for HCC patients; 100%, 54.5%, 43.6% for MFCCC patients (5-year OS: HCC-CC vs. HCC, p = 0.891; HCC-CC vs. MFCCC, p = 0.673, respectively). When accurately matched with respect to tumor burden, transitional HCC-CC patients show similar outcomes to those of HCC and MFCCC patients. Further evaluations of differences in tumor biology are necessary to better characterize the prognosis of transitional HCC-CC patients.

Liver Transplantation for Cholangiocarcinoma: Insights into the Prognosis and the Evolving Indications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignancy of the biliary ducts that can be classified as intrahepatic, perihilar, or distal based on anatomic location. Although surgical resection can be curative, complete excision with negative margins is often difficult to achieve. In patients with unresectable disease, long-term survival is rarely seen with medical therapy alone. A multimodal treatment approach, including liver transplantation (LT) for select patients with unresectable CCA, should be considered.

RECENT FINDINGS

While currently only an approved indication for early, liver-limited, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, promising results have been achieved for LT in localized intrahepatic disease. The absolute indication for transplant for intrahepatic tumors is currently the subject of multiple investigations. Continued advances in neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy and better understanding of tumor biology may further augment the number of candidates for surgical therapies, with liver transplant acting as a promising tool to improve patient outcomes. Thorough consideration for any expansion in the indication for liver transplant in malignancy is necessary in order to balance patient outcomes with utilization of the scarce donor organ resources.

Treatment of Combined Hepatocellular and Cholangiocarcinoma

Combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) is a rare primary liver cancer. It is constituted by neoplastic cells of both hepatocellular and cholangiocellular derivation. Different histology types of HCC-CC have been reported, hinting at heterogeneous carcinogenic pathways leading to the development of this cancer. Due to its rarity and complexity, mixed HCC-CC is a scantly investigated condition with unmet needs and unsatisfactory outcomes. Surgery remains the preferred treatment in resectable patients. The risk of recurrence, however, is high, especially in comparison with other primary liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. In unresectable or recurring patients, the therapeutic options are challenging due to the dual nature of the neoplastic cells. Consequently, the odds of survival of patients with HCC-CC remains poor. We analysed the literature systematically about the treatment of mixed HCC-CC, reviewing the main therapeutic options and their outcomes and analysing the most interesting developments in this topic with a focus on new potential therapeutic avenues.

Liver resection and transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is increasing worldwide. Although several advances have been made in the past decades to better understand this complex malignancy and to develop new treatment strategies, the prognosis of iCCA remains dismal. Liver resection (LR) is the mainstay of treatment but only a minority of patients are amenable to surgery. In most cases, patients with iCCA will require a major hepatectomy for complete resection of the tumour. This may be contraindicated or increase the surgical burden in patients with chronic liver disease and small remnant liver volume. Lymphadenectomy with a minimal harvest of 6 lymph nodes is considered adequate, as microscopic nodal metastases have been shown in more than 40% of patients. Current 5-year overall survival following LR is in the range of 25%-40%. For locally advanced disease not amenable to upfront LR, neoadjuvant locoregional therapies may be used with the aim of converting these patients to resectability or even to transplantation in well-selected cases. Recent studies have shown that liver transplantation (LT) might be a treatment option for patients with unresectable very-early iCCA (i.e. ≤2 cm), with survival outcomes comparable to those of hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with unresectable, advanced tumours, confined to the liver who achieve sustained response to neoadjuvant treatment, LT may be considered an option within prospective protocols. The role of adjuvant therapies in iCCA is still under debate. Herein, we review the recent advances in the surgical treatment of iCCA and examine its correlation with locoregional therapies, adjuvant and neo-adjuvant strategies.

The distribution of immune cells within combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma predicts clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of the immune microenvironment in patients with combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The density of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ , CD8+ , CD163+ , and Foxp3+ immune cells, as well as Programmed cell death 1, Programmed cell death-ligand 1, and Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4, was measured in the peritumor liver, tumor invasive margin, and intratumor subregions of 56 cHCC-ICC by immunohistochemistry. The immune index was established to stratify patients. Prognostic significance of immune cell subsets and immune indices was evaluated.

RESULTS

The distribution of immune cells was highly heterogeneous among different subregions of cHCC-ICC. As compared with the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) component, the lower density of CD8+ T cells and higher intensity of Foxp3+ Tregs and immune checkpoints in the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) component may indicate a stronger immune evasive ability of ICC. Based on clustering classification or a combination of random forest and lasso-cox, two models of immune indices were established and both were identified as independent prognostic factors for cHCC-ICC patients. The selected immune variables in the immune prognostic models derived from both HCC and ICC subregions, indicating that the prognosis of cHCC-ICC patients was a complex interaction of both components.

CONCLUSIONS

The immune contexture was heterogeneous among different subregions of cHCC-ICC patients and contributed differently to patient prognosis. Immune score based on the densities of immune cells might serve as a promising prognostic predictor for cHCC-ICC patients.

Expanding the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 diagnostic population: performance and reliability of LI-RADS for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from non-HCC primary liver carcinoma in patients who do not meet strict LI-RADS high-risk criteria

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be diagnosed using imaging criteria in patients at high-risk for HCC, according to Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance and inter-rater reliability (IRR) of LI-RADS v2018 for differentiating HCC from non-HCC primary liver carcinoma (PLC), in patients who are at increased risk for HCC but not included in the LI-RADS 'high-risk' population.

METHODS

This retrospective HIPAA-compliant study included a 10-year experience of pathologically-proven PLC at two liver transplant centers, and included patients with non-cirrhotic hepatitis C infection, non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and fibrosis. Two readers evaluated each lesion and assigned an overall LI-RADS diagnostic category, additionally scoring all major, LR-M, and ancillary features.

RESULTS

The final study cohort consisted of 27 HCCs and 104 non-HCC PLC in 131 patients. The specificity of a 'definite HCC' designation was 97% for reader 1 and 100% for reader 2. The IRR was fair for overall LI-RADS category and substantial for most major features.

CONCLUSION

In a population at increased risk for HCC but not currently included in the LI-RADS 'high-risk' population, LI-RADS v2018 demonstrated very high specificity for distinguishing pathologically-proven HCC from non-HCC PLC.

Combining imaging and tumour biopsy improves the diagnosis of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is by definition a highly heterogeneous tumour, which significantly impacts its diagnosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of imaging using computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance (MR) and biopsy for the diagnosis of cHCC-CCA.

METHODS

cHCC-CCA resected between December 2006 and April 2017 with available pre-operative imaging and tumour biopsy were retrospectively included. cHCC-CCA diagnosis was based on morphological and immunophenotypical features. A total of 21 cHCC-CCA were compared to 21 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) as controls. All biopsies were reviewed. Two radiologists reviewed the cases and classified tumours into four patterns (type 1 [progressive enhancement of the entire lesion, iCCA type], type 2 [arterial enhancement with washout, HCC type], type 3 [mixed pattern with combinations of 1, 2 and 4] and type 4 [atypical pattern, areas of arterial enhancement without washout and/or hypovascular]).

RESULTS

The presence of a type 3 pattern at imaging had a 48% sensitivity and 81% specificity for cHCC-CCA diagnosis. The initial diagnosis performed on biopsy was cHCC-CCA in 8/21 patients (38%). After reviewing and including immunophenotypical markers, two more cases were diagnosed as cHCC-CCA (48% sensibility, 100% specificity). When either imaging or biopsy suggested the diagnosis of cHCC-CCA, the sensitivity and specificity were 60% and 82% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that a two-step strategy combining imaging as the first step and biopsy as the second step improved the diagnostic performance of cHCC-CCA.

Diffusion-weighted imaging for identifying patients at high risk of tumor recurrence following liver transplantation

Background

Tumor recurrence is the major risk factor affecting post-transplant survival. In this retrospective study, we evaluate the prognostic values of magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

From April 2014 to September 2016, 106 HCC patients receiving living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) were enrolled. Nine patients were excluded due to postoperative death within 3 months and incomplete imaging data. The association between tumor recurrence, explant pathologic findings, and DWI parameters was analyzed (tumor-to-liver diffusion weighted imaging ratio, DWI_T/L; apparent diffusion coefficients, ADC). The survival probability was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Sixteen of 97 patients (16%) developed tumor recurrence during the follow-up period (median of 40.9 months; range 5.2–56.5). In those with no viable tumor (n = 65) on pretransplant imaging, recurrence occurred only in 5 (7.6%) patients. Low minimum ADC values (p = 0.001), unfavorable tumor histopathology (p <  0.001) and the presence of microvascular invasion (p <  0.001) were risk factors for tumor recurrence, while ADC_mean (p = 0.111) and DWI_T/L (p = 0.093) showed no significant difference between the groups. An ADC_min ≤ 0.88 × 10^− 3 mm²/s was an independent factor associated with worse three-year recurrence-free survival (94.4% vs. 23.8%) and overall survival rates (100% vs. 38.6%).

Conclusions

Quantitative measurement of ADC_min is a promising prognostic indicator for predicting tumor recurrence after liver transplantation.

Locoregional Therapy of Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma versus Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of unresectable hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after locoregional therapy (LRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed HCC-CC or HCC treated with LRT between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Ten patients (8 men; median age, 60 y) with 12 HCC-CCs (mean diameter, 4.2 cm ± 1.9; mean number, 3.7 ± 3.3) treated with chemoembolization (n = 6), yttrium-90 radioembolization (n = 2), RF ablation (n = 1), or chemoembolization/RF ablation (n = 1) were compared with 124 patients (92 men; median age, 59 y) with 134 HCCs (mean diameter, 4.8 cm ± 4.0; mean number, 2.6 ± 2.2) treated with chemoembolization (n = 51), yttrium-90 radioembolization (n = 17), RF ablation (n = 41), or chemoembolization/RF ablation (n = 15). Propensity score-matched analysis with conditional logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, LRT modality, tumor-specific features, and Child-Pugh class. Tumor-volume doubling time (TVDT) before LRT and objective response rates were compared by Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact test; progression-free survival (PFS) and transplant-free survival (TFS) were compared by Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, HCC-CC was associated with lower median TVDT (2.4 months vs 5.2 months, P = .03), objective response (30% vs 71%, P = .01), and median PFS (2.4 months vs 7.4 months, HR 4.3, 95% CI 2.2-8.4, P < .0001). Propensity score-matched analysis demonstrated greater distant progression (60% vs 30%, P = .003) and significantly shorter median PFS (2.4 months vs 6.0 months, HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.9, P = .017) for HCC-CC. No significant difference was observed in TFS (7.5 months vs 13.8 months, HR 1.5, 95% CI 0.4-6.1).

CONCLUSIONS

HCC-CC was associated with reduced PFS and greater distant progression after LRT compared with HCC, indicating a need for adjunctive treatment strategies to improve outcomes.

Recent advances in liver transplantation for cancer: The future of transplant oncology

Liver transplantation is widely indicated as a curative treatment for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, with recent therapeutic advances, as well as efforts to increase the donor pool, liver transplantation has been carefully expanded to patients with other primary or secondary malignancies in the liver. Cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal and neuroendocrine liver metastases, and hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma are amongst the most relevant new indications. In this review we discuss the fundamental concepts of this ambitious undertaking, as well as the newest indications for liver transplantation, with a special focus on future perspectives within the recently established concept of transplant oncology.