Retreatment with TACE: the ABCR SCORE, an aid to the decision-making process

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma in adults

Deaths from the majority of cancers are falling globally, but the incidence and mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in the United Kingdom and in other Western countries. HCC is a highly fatal cancer, often diagnosed late, with an incidence to mortality ratio that approaches 1. Despite there being a number of treatment options, including those associated with good medium to long-term survival, 5-year survival from HCC in the UK remains below 20%. Sex, ethnicity and deprivation are important demographics for the incidence of, and/or survival from, HCC. These clinical practice guidelines will provide evidence-based advice for the assessment and management of patients with HCC. The clinical and scientific data underpinning the recommendations we make are summarised in detail. Much of the content will have broad relevance, but the treatment algorithms are based on therapies that are available in the UK and have regulatory approval for use in the National Health Service.

An interpretable machine learning model based on contrast-enhanced CT parameters for predicting treatment response to conventional transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential of pre-therapy computed tomography (CT) parameters in predicting the treatment response to initial conventional TACE (cTACE) in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and develop an interpretable machine learning model.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 367 patients with intermediate-stage HCC who received cTACE as first-line therapy from three centers. We measured the mean attenuation values of target lesions on multi-phase contrast-enhanced CT and further calculated three CT parameters, including arterial (AER), portal venous (PER), and arterial portal venous (APR) enhancement ratios. We used logistic regression analysis to select discriminative features and trained three machine learning models via 5-fold cross-validation. The performance in predicting treatment response was evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Afterward, a Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) algorithm was leveraged to interpret the outputs of the best-performing model.

RESULTS

The mean diameter, ECOG performance status, and cirrhosis were the important clinical predictors of cTACE treatment response, by multiple logistic regression. Adding the CT parameters to clinical variables showed significant improvement in performance (net reclassification index, 0.318, P < 0.001). The Random Forest model (hereafter, RF-combined model) integrating CT parameters and clinical variables demonstrated the highest performance on external validation dataset (AUC of 0.800). The decision curve analysis illustrated the optimal clinical benefits of RF-combined model. This model could successfully stratify patients into responders and non-responders with distinct survival (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The RF-combined model can serve as a robust and interpretable tool to identify the appropriate crowd for cTACE sessions, sparing patients from receiving ineffective and unnecessary treatments.

Influence of serum Gas6 levels on prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is important for switching treatment. The association between circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the association between serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels and clinical findings in 132 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Amongst 132 patients, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage was classified as 0, A, B, C and D in 19, 48, 41, 18 and 6 patients, respectively. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were higher than those in healthy controls (28.4 ng/mL vs. 19.6 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and growth arrest-specific 6 levels were positively correlated with soluble Axl levels. In the entire cohort, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a shorter survival period (hazard ratio: 1.78 per 20 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.16, P = 0.045). In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 59), we determined a cut-off value of 36.4 ng/mL based on the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict death within 3 years, and high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high cumulative incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis (Gray's test: P = 0.010) and shorter overall survival (log-rank: P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis. Circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels may be a useful prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Management of Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Systemic Versus Locoregional Therapy

Intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprises a heterogeneous group of patients with varying levels of tumor burden. Transarterial chemoembolization was traditionally the mainstay of treatment for intermediate-stage HCC for almost 2 decades. New and emerging treatment options have revolutionized HCC therapy, allowing for broader application to patients with intermediate- and advanced-stage disease. Accordingly, new guidelines acknowledge these options, and intermediate stage HCC can now be treated with surgical, locoregional or systemic therapies, or a combination thereof. Patients will continue to benefit from the development of complex treatment strategies in a multidisciplinary setting to optimize individual outcomes.

Unraveling the Complexities of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as effective therapeutics for multiple cancers. Nevertheless, as immunotherapeutic approaches are being extensively utilized, substantial hurdles have arisen for clinicians. These include countering ICIs resistance and ensuring precise efficacy assessments of these drugs, especially in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review attempts to offer a holistic overview of the latest insights into the ICIs resistance mechanisms in HCC, the molecular underpinnings, and immune response. The intent is to inspire the development of efficacious combination strategies. This review also examines the unconventional response patterns, namely pseudoprogression (PsP) and hyperprogression (HPD). The prompt and rigorous evaluation of these treatment efficacies has emerged as a crucial imperative. Multiple clinical, radiological, and biomarker tests have been advanced to meticulously assess tumor response. Despite progress, precise mechanisms of action and predictive biomarkers remain elusive. This necessitates further investigation through prospective cohort studies in the impending future.

ASARA, a prediction model based on Child-Pugh class in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND

Due to the high heterogeneity among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), the prognosis of patients varies significantly. The decision-making on the initiation and/or repetition of TACE under different liver functions is a matter of concern in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to develop a prediction model for TACE candidates using risk stratification based on varied liver function.

METHODS

A total of 222 unresectable HCC patients who underwent TACE as their only treatment were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to select the independent risk factors and establish a predictive model for the overall survival (OS). The model was validated in patients with different Child-Pugh class and compared to previous TACE scoring systems.

RESULTS

The five independent risk factors, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, maximal tumor size, the increase of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade score, tumor response, and the increase of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were used to build a prognostic model (ASARA). In the training and validation cohorts, the OS of patients with ASARA score ≤ 2 was significantly higher than that of patients with ASARA score > 2 (P < 0.001, P = 0.006, respectively). The ASARA model and its modified version "AS(ARA)" can effectively distinguish the OS (P < 0.001, P = 0.004) between patients with Child-Pugh class A and B, and the C-index was 0.687 and 0.706, respectively. For repeated TACE, the ASARA model was superior to Assessment for Retreatment with TACE (ART) and ALBI grade, maximal tumor size, AFP, and tumor response (ASAR) among Child-Pugh class A patients. For the first TACE, the performance of AS(ARA) was better than that of modified hepatoma arterial-embolization prognostic (mHAP), mHAP3, and ASA(R) models among Child-Pugh class B patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The ASARA scoring system is valuable in the decision-making of TACE repetition for HCC patients, especially Child-Pugh class A patients. The modified AS(ARA) can be used to screen the ideal candidate for TACE initiation in Child-Pugh class B patients with poor liver function.

Role of Transarterial Chemoembolization in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first-line recommendation for intermediate-stage HCC. In real-world clinical practice, TACE also plays an important role in early- and advanced-stage HCC. This review article by the experts from Chinese Liver Cancer Clinical Study Alliance (CHANCE) summarizes the available clinical evidence pertaining to the current application of TACE in patients with early-, intermediate-, and advanced-stage HCC. In addition, combination of TACE with other treatment modalities, especially immunotherapy, is reviewed.

Recommendation of mHAP and ABCR scoring systems for the decision-making of the first and subsequent TACE session in HCC patients

BACKGROUND

Due to the high heterogeneity among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), the prognosis of patients varies significantly. Various predictive scoring systems have been developed to identify the patients who could benefit from TACE. However, there is no consensus on which is better. This study aims to validate and compare the predictive capabilities of scoring systems for first and subsequent TACE.

MATERIALS

A total of 524 HCC patients were treated with TACE, and 222 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. Log-rank test was used to verify the predictive value of six scoring systems for the first TACE and four TACE retreatment scoring systems. Harrell's concordance (C)-index, likelihood ratio and integrated Brier score (IBS) were used to compare the predictive performance.

RESULTS

For the scoring systems of TACE, the overall survival (OS) of candidates screened by Hepatoma Arterial-embolization Prognostic (HAP), modified HAP (mHAP), mHAP3, alpha-fetoprotein, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer, Child-Pugh and Response (ABCR), albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI), tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein, first TACE response and pre-/post-TACE was significantly longer than that of the noncandidates (all P < 0.05), whereas the mHAP2 and assessment for retreatment with TACE did not distinguish the candidates from noncandidates (P = 0.206, 0.115, respectively). The predictive and calibration performances of mHAP and ABCR were the highest for the first TACE and TACE retreatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

mHAP identifies the patients who could benefit from the first TACE, whereas ABCR distinguishes patients who could benefit from subsequent TACE sessions.

Adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization timing after radical resection is an independent prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

It has been reported that postoperative adjuvant TACE (PA-TACE) treatment decreases recurrence and significantly improves the survival of patients who undergo radical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high-risk recurrence factors. However, when to perform PA-TACE has not been fully studied.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients with HCC between October 2013 and June 2020. The optimal cutoff value for PA-TACE time was determined based on the R package “maxstat”. Logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the effect of the choice of PA-TACE timing on prognosis.

Results

The analysis was performed on 789 patients with HCC, and 484 patients were finally involved and were divided into training cohort (378) and validation cohort (106). The PA-TACE timing was found to be associated with survival outcomes. Multivariate logistic analysis found independent predictors of the PA-TACE timing, including gender and history of HBV. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that Ki-67, tumor size, MVI and the PA-TACE timing were independent prognostic factors for RFS in HCC patients.

Conclusions

Based on this study, HCC patients with high-risk recurrence factors can receive personalized assistance in undergoing PA-TACE treatment and improve their survival outcomes.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Multi-algorithms analysis for pre-treatment prediction of response to transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma on multiphase MRI

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the accuracy of predicting transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in the four different classifiers, and comprehensive models were constructed to improve predictive performance.

METHODS

The subjects recruited for this study were HCC patients who had received TACE treatment from April 2016 to June 2021. All participants underwent enhanced MRI scans before and after intervention, and pertinent clinical information was collected. Registry data for the 144 patients were randomly assigned to training and test datasets. The robustness of the trained models was verified by another independent external validation set of 28 HCC patients. The following classifiers were employed in the radiomics experiment: machine learning classifiers k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), and deep learning classifier deep neural network (DNN).

RESULTS

DNN and Lasso models were comparable in the training set, while DNN performed better in the test set and the external validation set. The CD model (Clinical & DNN merged model) achieved an AUC of 0.974 (95% CI: 0.951-0.998) in the training set, superior to other models whose AUCs varied from 0.637 to 0.943 (p < 0.05). The CD model generalized well on the test set (AUC = 0.831) and external validation set (AUC = 0.735).

CONCLUSIONS

DNN model performs better than other classifiers in predicting TACE response. Integrating with clinically significant factors, the CD model may be valuable in pre-treatment counseling of HCC patients who may benefit the most from TACE intervention.

Modified quantitative and volumetric response evaluation criteria for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the cutoff value of quantitative and volumetric response evaluation criteria for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and compare the performance of the modified criteria to one-dimensional criteria in survival prediction.

Methods

A retrospective single-center study was performed for treatment-naive patients with HCC who underwent initial TACE between June 2015 and June 2019. Treatment response assessment was performed after the first observation by contrast CT or MRI, with the measurement of diameters by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) and volumes by quantitative European Association for Study of the Liver (qEASL). Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint of this study. The new cutoff value for volumetric response evaluation criteria was created using restricted cubic splines. The performance of modified qEASL (mqEASL, with the new cutoff value) and mRECIST on survival prediction was compared by Cox regression models in internal and external validation.

Results

A total of 129 patients (mean age, 60 years ± 11 [standard deviation]; 111 men) were included and divided into training (n=90) and validation (n=39) cohorts. The cutoff value for the viable volume reduction was set at 57.0%. The mqEASL enabled separation of non-responders and responders in terms of median OS (p<0.001), 11.2 months (95% CI, 8.5-17.2 months) vs. 31.5 months (95% CI, 25.5-44.0 months). Two multivariate models were developed with independent prognostic factors (tumor response, metastasis, portal vein tumor thrombus, and subsequent treatment) to predict OS. Model 2 (for mqEASL) had a greater Harrel's C index, higher time-dependent area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (AUROC), and more precise calibration on 6-month survival rates than Model 1 (for mRECIST).

Conclusions

With the modified cutoff value, the quantitative and volumetric response of HCC patients to TACE becomes a precise predictor of overall survival. Further studies are needed to verify this modification before application in clinical practice.

Sarcopenia indicate poor survival in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatic malignancies

BACKGROUND

Patient selection for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has remained challenging. Currently used markers mainly reflect liver function and turned out as less reliable in larger clinical trials. The patients´ body composition has been linked with patient outcome in different cancers. Now, we analyzed the function of different parameters of the patient's body composition as prognostic and/ or predictive parameters in patients that received TACE.

METHODS

CT scans were used to assess five parameters of the individual body composition (skeletal muscle index (SMI), median muscular attenuation (MMA), bone mineral density (BMD) as well as the visceral and subcutaneous fat area) in 89 patients undergoing TACE. Results were correlated with tumor response to TACE and outcome of patients.

RESULTS

SMI and visceral fat area were significantly higher in male patients and among patients undergoing TACE for HCC compared to patients with liver metastases. While all parameters of the body composition did not predict response to TACE, patients with an SMI below the ideal cutoff value of 37.76 cm²/m² had a significantly reduced long-term outcome with a median overall survival of 404 days compared to 1321 days for patients with a high SMI. Moreover, the pre-interventional SMI turned out as an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate Cox regression model including clinicopathological parameters and laboratory markers of organ dysfunction and systemic inflammation (HR: 0.899, 95% CI 0.827-0.979, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

The pre-interventional SMI represents an independent prognostic factor for overall survival following TACE. Assessment of the individual body composition using routine CT scan might help to identify the ideal patients for TACE.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Development and validation of a deep learning model for survival prognosis of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

We aimed to develop a deep learning-based approach to evaluate both time-to-progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) prognosis of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treatment-naïve patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and compare the approach's performance with those of radiomics and clinical models.

METHODS

EfficientNetV2 was used to build a prognosis model for treatment-naïve patients with HCC. Data of 414 intermediate-stage HCC patients from one participant center were collected to construct the training and validation datasets (70%:30%) for TTP prognosis, while data of 129 intermediate-stage HCC patients from another participant center were collected as the test dataset for both TTP and OS prognosis. Three radiomics and three clinical models were then constructed for comparison.

RESULTS

Patients with EfficientNetV2-based model score ≤ 0.5 had better TTP than those with higher scores (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.22-0.46, P < 0.0001; HR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.20-0.41, P < 0.0001; and HR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.36-0.88, P = 0.005 in the training, validation, and test datasets, respectively). Patients with model score ≤ 0.5 had better OS (38.8 months vs 20.9 months, HR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.37-0.90, P = 0.008). Compared with the radiomics (intra-tumoral and peri-tumoral) and three clinical models, the EfficientNetV2-based model showed better survival prognosis for TACE (P < 0.05) in the test dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

The EfficientNetV2-based model enables assessment of both TTP and OS prognosis of TACE in treatment-naïve, intermediate-stage HCC. Patients with lower scores will benefit from TACE. The model can potentially be used by clinicians to improve decision making regarding TACE treatment choices.

Role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Artificial intelligence (AI) evolved many years ago, but it gained much advancement in recent years for its use in the medical domain. AI with its different subsidiaries, i.e. deep learning and machine learning, examine a large amount of data and performs an essential part in decision-making in addition to conquering the limitations related to human evaluation. Deep learning tries to imitate the functioning of the human brain. It utilizes much more data and intricate algorithms. Machine learning is AI based on automated learning. It utilizes earlier given data and uses algorithms to arrange and identify models. Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of illness and fatality. Although with substantial progress in the whole treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma, managing it is still a major issue. AI in the area of gastroenterology, especially in hepatology, is particularly useful for various investigations of hepatocellular carcinoma because it is a commonly found tumor, and has specific radiological features that enable diagnostic procedures without the requirement of the histological study. However, interpreting and analyzing the resulting images is not always easy due to change of images throughout the disease process. Further, the prognostic process and response to the treatment process could be influenced by numerous components. Currently, AI is utilized in order to diagnose, curative and prediction goals. Future investigations are essential to prevent likely bias, which might subsequently influence the analysis of images and therefore restrict the consent and utilization of such models in medical practices. Moreover, experts are required to realize the real utility of such approaches, along with their associated potencies and constraints.

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

A Nomogram Based on Preoperative Lipiodol Deposition after Sequential Retreatment with Transarterial Chemoembolization to Predict Prognoses for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

(1) Background: Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) is the mainstay treatment for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, BCLC B-stage patients treated with cTACE represent a prognostically heterogeneous population. We aim to develop and validate a lipiodol-deposition-based nomogram for predicting the long-term survival of BCLC B-stage HCC patients after sequential cTACE. (2) Methods: In this retrospective study, 229 intermediate-stage HCC patients from two hospitals were separately allocated to a training cohort (n = 142) and a validation cohort (n = 87); these patients underwent repeated TACE (≥4 TACE sessions) between May 2010 and May 2017. Lipiodol deposition was assessed by semiautomatic volumetric measurement with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) before cTACE and was characterized by two ordinal levels: ≤50% (low) and >50% (high). A clinical lipiodol deposition nomogram was constructed based on independent risk factors identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and the optimal cutoff points were obtained. Prediction models were assessed by time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. (3) Results: The median number of TACE sessions was five (range, 4−7) in both cohorts. Before the TACE-3 sessions, the newly constructed nomogram based on lipiodol deposition achieved desirable diagnostic performance in the training and validation cohorts with AUCs of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.69−0.74) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.68−0.73), respectively, and demonstrated higher predictive ability compared with previously published prognostic models (all p < 0.05). The prognostic nomogram obtained good clinical usefulness in predicting the patient outcomes after TACE. (4) Conclusions: Based on each pre-TACE lipiodol deposition, two sessions are recommended before abandoning cTACE or combining treatment for patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Furthermore, the nomogram based on pre-TACE-3 lipiodol deposition can be used to predict the prognoses of patients with BCLC B-stage HCC.

An ALBI- and Ascites-Based Model to Predict Survival for BCLC Stage B Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

We aimed to develop a predictive model constituted with the ALBI grade, the ascites, and tumor burden related parameters in patients with BCLC stage B HCC.

Methods

Patients diagnosed as the BCLC stage B HCC were collected from a retrospective database. Construction and validation of the predictive model were performed based on multivariate Cox regression analysis. Predictive accuracy, discrimination (c-index), and fitness performance (calibration curve) of the model were compared with the other eight models. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility.

Results

A total of 1773 patients diagnosed as BCLC stage B HCC between 2007 and 2016 were included in the present study. The ALBI-AS grade, the AFP level, and the 8-and-14 grade were used for the development of a prognostic prediction model after multivariate analysis. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) for overall survival at 1, 2, and 3 years predicted by the present model were 0.73, 0.69, and 0.67 in the training cohort. The concordance index (c-index) and the Aiken information criterion (AIC) were 0.68 and 6216.3, respectively. In the internal and external validation cohorts, the present model still revealed excellent predictive accuracy, discrimination, and fitness performance. Then the ALBI-AS based model was evaluated to be superior to other prognostic models with the highest AUROC, c-index, and lowest AIC values. Moreover, DCA also demonstrated that the present model was clinically beneficial.

Conclusion

The ALBI-AS grade is a novel predictor of survival for patients with BCLC stage B HCC.

Decision-Making Scoring System for the Repetition of Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients With Inoperable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) have heterogeneous tumor burden and liver function. Therefore, the selection of patients for repeated cTACE is challenging owing to different outcomes. This study aimed to establish a decision-making scoring system for repeated cTACE to guide further treatment.

METHODS

All patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent cTACE between 2008 and 2019 were included and randomly assigned into training (n = 324) and validation (n = 162) cohorts. Tumor Size, number of Masses, Albumin-bilirubin score, baseline Alpha-fetoprotein level, and Response to initial cTACE session were selected to generate a "SMAART" score in the training cohort. Patients were stratified according to the SMAART score: low risk, 0-2; medium risk, 3-4; and high risk, 5-8. Prediction error curves based on the integrated Brier score and the Harrell C-index validated the SMAART scores and compared them with the Assessment for Retreatment with Transarterial chemoembolization (ART) score.

RESULTS

The low-risk group had the longest median overall survival of 39.0 months, followed by the medium-risk and high-risk groups of 21.2 months and 10.5 months, respectively, with significant differences (P < 0.001). The validation cohort had similar results. The high-risk group had 63.1% TACE refractory cases. The Harrell C-indexes were 0.562 and 0.665 and the integrated Brier scores were 0.176 and 0.154 for ART and SMAART scores, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The SMAART score can aid clinicians in selecting appropriate candidates for subsequent cTACE. A SMAART score of ≥5 after the first cTACE session identified patients with poor prognosis who may not benefit from additional cTACE sessions.

Transarterial chemoembolization failure/refractoriness: A scientific concept or pseudo-proposition

Multi-session transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is usually needed for the treatment of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it may not always have a positive influence on prognosis due to high heterogeneity of HCC. To avoid ineffective repeated TACE, the concept of TACE failure/refractoriness has been proposed by several organizations and is being addressed using tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The concept of TACE failure/refractoriness is controversial due to ambiguous definitions and low evidence-based data. To date, only a few studies have examined the rationality concerning the definition of TACE failure/refractoriness, although the concept has been introduced and applied in many TACE-related clinical trials. This review focuses on some of the issues related to different versions of TACE failure/refractoriness, the rationality of related definitions, and the feasibility of continuing TACE after so-called failure/refractoriness based on published evidence. A suggestion to re-define TAEC failure/refractoriness is also put forward.

Local and Regional Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Future Combinations

Simple Summary

Percutaneous interventional radiological techniques offer many alternatives for treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) using local anesthesia and sedation. These methods aim to destroy the malignant tumors locally without affecting the non-malignant liver. In this way, complications are kept low and patient recovery is quick. Indications depend on tumor size, type and stage, as well as patient’s condition, liver function and co-morbidities. In recent years, a lot of research has been made in combining such approaches with immune therapy, but there is still much work to be done. This manuscript tries to analyze where we stand today and explain, using a comprehensive algorithm, the treatment options for each different clinical condition.

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be treated by local and regional methods of percutaneous interventional radiological techniques. Indications depend on tumor size, type and stage, as well as patient’s condition, liver function and co-morbidities. According to international classification systems such as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification, very early, early or intermediate staged tumors can be treated either with ablative methods or with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), depending on tumor characteristics. The combination of both allows for individualized forms of treatment with the ultimate goal of improving response and survival. In recent years, a lot of research has been carried out in combining locoregional approaches with immune therapy. Although recent developments in systemic treatment, especially immunotherapy, seem quite promising and have expanded possible combined treatment options, there is still not enough evidence in their favor. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of all these techniques, explaining indications, contraindications, technical problems, outcomes, results and complications. Moreover, combinations of percutaneous treatment with each other or with immunotherapy and future options will be discussed. Use of all those methods as down-staging or bridging solutions until surgery or transplantation are taken into consideration will also be reviewed. Conclusion: Local and regional therapies remain a mainstay of curative and palliative treatment of patients with HCC. Currently, evidence on potential combination of the local and regional treatment options with each other as well as with other treatment modalities is growing and has the potential to further individualize HCC therapy. To identify the most suitable treatment option out of these new various options, a repeated interdisciplinary discussion of each case by the tumor board is of utmost importance.

The importance of liver functional reserve in the non-surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of any oncological treatment is not just to eliminate the tumour, but to maximise patient survival and quality of life. Since the liver has a vital function, any radical treatment that severely compromises liver function will result in a shortening of life expectancy, rather than a prolongation. Furthermore, even non-severe liver damage may prevent the delivery of further effective therapies. This is particularly important in the case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it is associated with underlying cirrhosis in most patients - cirrhosis itself is not only a potentially lethal disease and independent prognostic factor in HCC, but it also makes liver function fragile. Accordingly, some information about liver dysfunction is included in most staging systems for HCC and can be used to guide the selection of treatments that the functional liver reserve can tolerate. Unfortunately, the prediction of functional damage to the liver in the case of antitumor treatments is very challenging and still suboptimal in any given patient. Moreover, while the assessment of functional reserve can now be used to avoid postoperative liver failure in the surgical setting, its use has been less well clarified for non-surgical therapies, which is of particular relevance today, as several lines of effective non-surgical treatments, including systemic therapies, have become available. The present article will a) critically review the implications of the assessment of liver functional reserve in patients with HCC, b) illustrate the available tools to assess liver functional reserve and c) discuss the role of functional assessment for each type of non-surgical therapy for HCC.

Transarterial Chemoembolization with Doxorubicin Eluting Beads for Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors: Initial Experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of doxorubicin-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) as an alternative local treatment for extra-abdominal desmoid tumors (DTs).

METHODS

Eleven adult female patients (mean age = 40.1 years) with symptomatic, progressively enlarging extra-abdominal DTs were determined ineligible for cryoablation after failing observation or systemic therapy and treated with a single session doxorubicin DEB-TACE. Six rectus sheath, one chest wall, three axilla, and one upper extremity DTs were included. The median follow-up was 155.0 ± 52.3 days. Treatment response was assessed by MRIs and maximum visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

All procedures were technically successful without immediate complications. The average size of treated DT was 161.8 ml (range: 28.3-420.0 ml). The mean doxorubicin dose was 13.3 mg/m². All patients experienced skin changes which improved over time without treatments. No higher-grade adverse events were observed. Initial one-month follow-up MRI demonstrated partial to near-complete tumor necrosis, ranging from 1.4 to 97.6% (mean: 36.4%). Additional follow-up revealed a further reduction of overall tumor volume (mean: - 38.1%, p < 0.0001) and maximum VAS (mean: - 2.6, p = 0.0026) in 10 out of 11 patients (90.9%). After the first month, the residual tumors exhibited continued volume reduction in 10 out of 11 patients (mean:  - 16.5%, p = 0.0230). There was also a significant decrease of T2 signal intensity within residual tumor on the latest follow-up (mean:  - 29.6%, p = 0.0217), suggesting a reduction in tumor cellularity.

CONCLUSION

DEB-TACE may be a safe and effective local treatment alternative in DT patients.

Optimal time point of response assessment for predicting survival is associated with tumor burden in hepatocellular carcinoma receiving repeated transarterial chemoembolization

OBJECTIVES

Objective response rate (ORR) under mRECIST criteria after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a well-perceived surrogate endpoint of overall survival (OS). However, its optimal time point remains controversial and may be influenced by tumor burden. We aim to investigate the surrogacy of initial/best ORR in relation to tumor burden.

METHODS

A total of 1549 eligible treatment-naïve patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Child-Pugh score ≤ 7, and performance status score ≤ 1 undergoing TACE between January 2010 and May 2016 from 17 academic hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Based on "six-and-twelve" criteria, tumor burden was graded as low, intermediate, and high if the sum of the maximum tumor diameter and tumor number was ≤ 6, > 6 but ≤ 12, and > 12, respectively.

RESULTS

Both initial and best ORRs interacted with tumor burden. Initial and best ORRs could equivalently predict and correlate with OS in low (adjusted HR, 2.55 and 2.95, respectively, both p < 0.001; R = 0.84, p = 0.035, and R = 0.97, p = 0.002, respectively) and intermediate strata (adjusted HR, 1.81 and 2.22, respectively, both p < 0.001; R = 0.74, p = 0.023, and R = 0.9, p = 0.002, respectively). For high strata, only best ORR exhibited qualified surrogacy (adjusted HR, 2.61, p < 0.001; R = 0.70, p = 0.035), whereas initial ORR was not significant (adjusted HR, 1.08, p = 0.357; R = 0.22, p = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

ORR as surrogacy of OS is associated with tumor burden. For patients with low/intermediate tumor burden, initial ORR should be preferred in its early availability upon similar sensitivity, whereas for patients with high tumor burden, best ORR has optimal sensitivity. Timing of OR assessment should be tailored according to tumor burden.

KEY POINTS

• This is the first study utilizing individual patient data to comprehensively analyze the surrogacy of ORR with a long follow-up period. • Optimal timing of ORR assessment for predicting survival should be tailored according to tumor burden. • For patients with low and intermediate tumor burden, initial ORR is optimal for its timeliness upon similar sensitivity with best ORR. For patients with high tumor burden, best ORR has optimal sensitivity.

Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Why, When, How?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. It is principally associated with liver cirrhosis and chronic liver disease. The major risk factors for the development of HCC include viral infections (HBV, HCV), alcoholic liver disease (ALD,) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The optimal treatment choice is dictated by multiple variables such as tumor burden, liver function, and patient’s health status. Surgical resection, transplantation, ablation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and systemic therapy are potentially useful treatment strategies. TACE is considered the first-line treatment for patients with intermediate stage HCC. The purpose of this review was to assess the indications, the optimal treatment schedule, the technical factors associated with TACE, and the overall application of TACE as a personalized treatment for HCC.

Dynamic Change of Albumin-Bilirubin Score Is Good Predictive Parameter for Prognosis in Chronic Hepatitis C-hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Receiving Transarterial Chemoembolization

Background and Aims: The Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grade is a good index for liver function evaluation and is also associated with the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving TACE. However, the correlation between the dynamic change to the ALBI score and clinical outcome is seldom discussed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the application of ALBI grade and dynamic change of ALBI grade (delta ALBI grade) after first TACE for prognosis prediction in HCC patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Method: From January 2005 to December 2015, newly diagnosed naive chronic hepatitis C-hepatocellular carcinoma (CHC-HCC) patients who were treated with TACE as the initial treatment at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, were retrospectively recruited. The pre-treatment host factors, tumor status and noninvasive markers were collected. The Cox regression model was used to identify independent predictors of overall survival and tumor recurrence. Results: Among 613 treatment-naive CHC-HCC patients, 430 patients died after repeated TACE during a median follow-up of 26.9 months. Complete remission after repeated TACE occurred in 46.2% patients, and 208 patients (33.9%) had tumor recurrence, with a median recurrence-free interval of 8.5 months. In Cox regression analysis, ALBI grade II/III (aHR: 1.088, p = 0.035) and increased delta ALBI grade (aHR: 1.456, p = 0.029) were independent predictive factors for tumor recurrence. Furthermore, ALBI grade II/III (aHR: 1.451, p = 0.005) and increased delta ALBI grade during treatment (aHR: 1.436, p = 0.006) were predictive factors for mortality, while achieving complete response after repeated TACE (aHR: 0.373, p < 0.001) and anti-viral therapy (aHR: 0.580, p = 0.002) were protective factors for mortality. Conclusion: Both ALBI and delta ALBI grade are independent parameters to predict survival and tumor recurrence of CHC-HCC patients receiving TACE treatment.

Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Clinical Practice: Temporal Trends and Survival Outcomes of an Iterative Treatment

Background

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the most frequently applied treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. In this study, we aimed at evaluating whether and how TACE application and repetition, as well as the related outcome, have changed over the last three decades in Italy.

Methods

Data of 7,184 patients with HCC were retrieved from the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) database. Patients were divided according to the period of diagnosis in six cohorts: P1 (1988–1993), P2 (1994–1998), P3 (1999–2004), P4 (2005–2009), P5 (2010–2014), and P6 (2015–2019). All the analyses were repeated in the overall patient population and in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B patients, who are the subgroup of HCC patients originally supposed to receive TACE according to guidelines. TACE was defined as either the first or the main (more effective) treatment.

Results

The proportion of patients receiving TACE as first or main therapy declined over time, and less than 50% of BCLC B patients were treated with chemoembolization from P3 onward. Conversely, TACE was widely used even outside the intermediate stage. Survival of TACE-treated patients progressively increased from P1 to P6. Although TACE was performed only once in the majority of patients, there was an increasing proportion of those receiving 2 or ≥3 treatments sessions over time. The overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing repeated treatments was significantly higher compared to those managed with a single TACE (median OS 40.0 vs. 65.0 vs. 71.8 months in 1, 2, and ≥3 TACE groups, respectively; p < 0.0001). However, after a first-line TACE, the adoption of curative therapies provided longer survival than repeating TACE (83.0 vs. 42.0 months; p < 0.0001), which in turn was associated with better outcomes compared to systemic therapies or best supportive care (BSC).

Conclusions

Despite a decline in the percentage of treated patients over time, TACE has still an important role in the management of HCC patients. The survival of TACE-treated patients gradually improved over time, probably due to a better patient selection. Iterative TACE is effective, but an upward shift to curative therapies provides better outcomes while transition to systemic therapies and BSC leads to a worse prognosis.

Quantitative washout in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing TACE: an imaging biomarker for predicting prognosis?

BACKGROUND

The delayed percentage attenuation ratio (DPAR) was recently identified as a novel predictor of an early complete response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). In this study, we aimed to validate the role of DPAR as a predictive biomarker for short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes after TACE.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed laboratory and imaging data for 103 treatment-naïve patients undergoing initial TACE treatment at our tertiary care center between January 2016 and November 2020. DPAR and other washin and washout indices were quantified in the triphasic computed tomography performed before the initial TACE. The correlation of DPAR and radiologic response was investigated. Furthermore, the influence of DPAR on the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month survival rates and the median overall survival (OS) was compared to other established washout indices and estimates of tumor burden and remnant liver function.

RESULTS

The DPAR was significantly of the target lesions (TLs) with objective response to TACE after the initial TACE session was significantly higher compared to patients with stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD) (125 (IQR 118-134) vs 110 (IQR 103-116), p < 0.001). Furthermore, the DPAR was significantly higher in patients who survived the first 6 months after TACE (122 vs. 115, p = 0.04). In addition, the number of patients with a DPAR > 120 was significantly higher in this group (n = 38 vs. n = 8; p = 0.03). However, no significant differences were observed in the 12-, 18-, and 24-month survival rates after the initial TACE. Regarding the median OS, no significant difference was observed for patients with a high DPAR compared to those with a low DPAR (18.7 months vs. 12.7 months, p = 0.260).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm DPAR as the most relevant washout index for predicting the short-term outcome of patients with HCC undergoing TACE. However, DPAR and the other washout indices were not predictive of mid- and long-term outcomes.

Hepatic Resection Versus Transarterial Chemoembolization for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Cohort Study

Background

The selection criteria for hepatic resection (HR) in intermediate-stage (IM) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still controversial. We used real-world data to evaluate the overall survival (OS) in treatment with HR or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

In total, 942 patients with IM-HCC were categorized into the HR group and the TACE group. OS was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, Cox proportional hazards models, and propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. Curve smoothing was performed through the generalized additive model. The interaction test was performed to evaluate the impact of HR on OS concerning risk factors. Also, we used multiple imputation to deal with missing data.

Results

In total, 23.0% (n = 225) of patients received HR. At a median OS of 23.7 months, HR was associated with improved OS in the multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HzR) = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.35–0.58; after PSM: HzR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.41–0.77]. Landmark analyses limited to long-term survivors of ≥6 months, ≥1 year, and ≥2 years demonstrated better OS with HR in all subsets (all p < 0.05). After PSM analysis, however, HR increased the risk of death by 20% (HzR = 1.20, 95%CI = 0.67–2.15) in the subgroup of patients with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≤192 U/L (p for interaction = 0.037). Furthermore, the significant interaction was robust between the LDH and HR with respect to the 1-, 3-, and 5-year observed survival rates (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

HR was superior to TACE for intermediate-stage HCC in patients with LDH levels >192 U/L. Moreover, TACE might be suitable for patients with LDH levels ≤192 U/L.

A New Prognostic Algorithm Predicting HCC Recurrence in Patients With Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B Who Received PA-TACE

Background

Postoperative adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) is effective in preventing the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients treated with surgery. However, there is a lack of reports studying the risk factors associated with recurrence in HCC patients who received PA-TACE. In this study, we identified the independent risk factors for recurrence of HCC patients who received PA-TACE. We also developed a novel, effective, and valid nomogram to predict the individual probability of recurrence, 1, 3, and 5 years after PA-TACE.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed to identify the independent risk factors for recurrence of HCC in a group of 502 patients diagnosed in stage B based on the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) evaluation system for HCC that underwent curative resections. Then, subgroup analysis was performed for 184 patients who received PA-TACE, who were included in the training cohort. The other 147 HCC patients were included in a validation cohort. A recurrence-free survival (RFS)-predicting nomogram was constructed, and results were assessed using calibration and decision curves and a time-dependent AUC diagram.

Results

PA-TACE was shown to be a significant independent prognostic value for patients with BCLC stage B [p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.508, 95% CI = 0.375–0.689 for OS, p = 0.002; HR = 0.670, 95%CI = 0.517–0.868 for RFS]. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP), tumor number, tumor size, microvascular invasion (MVI), and differentiation were considered as independent risk factors for RFS in the training cohort, and these were further confirmed in the validation cohort. Next, a nomogram was constructed to predict RFS. The C-index for RFS in the nomogram was 0.721 (95% CI = 0.718–0.724), which was higher than SNACOR, HAP, and CHIP scores (0.587, 0.573, and 0.607, respectively). Calibration and decision curve analyses and a time-dependent AUC diagram were used. Our nomogram showed stronger performance than these other nomograms in both the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

HCC patients diagnosed as stage B according to BCLC may benefit from PA-TACE after surgery. The RFS nomogram presented here provides an accurate and reliable prognostic model to monitor recurrence. Patients with a high recurrence score based on the nomogram should receive additional high-end imaging exams and shorter timeframes in between follow-up visits.

In the Era of Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Transarterial Chemoembolization Still a Card to Play?

Conventional transarterial embolization (cTACE) has been proven to be effective for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a recent systematic review showing an overall survival (OS) of 19.4 months. Nevertheless, due to the rapid development of the systemic therapeutic landscape, the place of TACE is becoming questionable. Is there still a niche for TACE in the era of immunotherapy and combination treatments such as atezolizumab-bevacizumab, which has shown an OS of 19.2 months with excellent tolerance? The development of drug-eluting microspheres (DEMs) has led to the standardization of the technique, and along with adequate selection, it showed an OS of 48 months in a retrospective study. In order to increase treatment selectivity, new catheters have also been added to the TACE arsenal as well as the use of cone-beam CT (CBCT), which provides three-dimensional volumetric images and guidance during procedures. Moreover, the TACE indications have also widened. It may serve as a "bridging therapy" for liver transplantation candidates while they are on the waiting list, and it represents a valuable downstaging tool to transplantation criteria. The aim of this review is to explore the current data on the advancements of TACE and its future place amongst the growing panel of treatments.

Re-evaluating Transarterial Chemoembolization Failure/Refractoriness: A Survey by Chinese College of Interventionalists

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The recognition of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) failure/refractoriness among Chinese clinicians remains unclear. Using an online survey conducted by the Chinese College of Interventionalists (CCI), the aim of this study was to explore the recognition of TACE failure/refractoriness and review TACE application for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment in clinical practice.

METHODS

From 27 August 2020 to 30 August 2020 during the CCI 2020 annual meeting, a survey with 34 questions was sent by email to 264 CCI clinicians in China with more than 10 years of experience using TACE for HCC treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 257 clinicians participated and responded to the survey. Most participants agreed that the concept of "TACE failure/refractoriness" has scientific and clinical significance (n=191, 74.3%). Nearly half of these participants chose TACE-based combination treatment as subsequent therapy after so-called TACE failure/refractoriness (n=88, 46.1%). None of the existing TACE failure/refractoriness definitions were widely accepted by the participants; thus, it is necessary to re-define this concept for the treatment of HCC in China (n=235, 91.4%). Most participants agreed that continuing TACE should be performed for patients with preserved liver function, presenting portal vein tumor thrombosis (n=242, 94.2%) or extrahepatic spread (n=253, 98.4%), after the previous TACE treatment to control intrahepatic lesion(s).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an obvious difference in the recognition of TACE failure/refractoriness among Chinese clinicians based on existing definitions. Further work should be carried out to re-define TACE failure/refractoriness.

Refining Prognosis in Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Immunonutrition and Liver Function

A combination of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grading and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was identified recently as a highly predictive tool for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing tumor ablation. The present study evaluated this combination in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Between 2010 and 2020, 280 treatment-naïve patients were retrospectively identified. The influence of ALBI grade, PNI and the novel ALBI-PNI on the median overall survival (OS) was assessed. In the next step, the prognostic ability of the combined approach was compared to established scoring systems. Both ALBI grade 2-3 and a low PNI were highly predictive for median OS (ALBI grade 1-3: 39.0 vs. 16.3 vs. 5.4 months, p < 0.001; high vs. low PNI: 21.4 vs. 7.5, p < 0.001). The combination of both resulted in a median OS of 39.0, 20.1, 10.3, and 5.4 months (p < 0.001). With a Concordance Index (C-Index) of 0.69, ALBI-PNI outperformed each individual score (ALBI 0.65, PNI 0.64) and was also better than BCLC, HAP, mHAP-II, and the Six-and-Twelve score (C-Indices 0.66, 0.60, 0.59, and 0.55). Thus, the easy-to-calculate ALBI-PNI may be a promising stratification tool for patients with HCC undergoing TACE, reflecting both immunonutritive status and liver function.

Advances in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and radiological imaging and locoregional therapies are essential for the management of patients with HCC.

SUMMARY

In cirrhotic patients, a characteristic imaging pattern establishes the noninvasive diagnosis of HCC with acceptable sensitivity and high specificity. In addition to diagnosis, imaging is used in the staging of patients and treatment allocation. Multiparametric MRI with hepatospecific contrast agents improves lesion detection, characterization, and treatment allocation; recently described imaging criteria allow identification of precursor lesions. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have been established in the treatment of patients with HCC at the early and intermediate stages, respectively. Microwave ablation has been described as an alternative to RFA in selected cases. Imaging-guided brachytherapy, a catheter-based radiotherapy technique, offers advantages to overcome some limitations of the aforementioned therapies, including the tumor location and size. Currently, no adjuvant therapy is recommended after RFA or TACE, but several new drugs are under evaluation. Furthermore, although the exact role of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in HCC still needs to be defined, it is an alternative to systemic agents in patients with intolerance, and additional benefit has been shown in selected subgroups. Additionally, SIRT offers an alternate to TACE with higher objective response rates in patients who needs bridging before transplantation.

KEY MESSAGES

New imaging criteria improved lesion detection in patients at a risk for HCC, and advances in interventional therapies expanded the range of patients eligible for locoregional treatments.

Current Strategies to Identify Patients That Will Benefit from TACE Treatment and Future Directions a Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on the stage of disease. In the Western Hemisphere, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification (BCLC) is the preferred staging system. Approximately one-third of patients initially present with intermediate-stage disease. For these patients, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the treatment of choice. However, the intermediate-stage comprises a heterogeneous subgroup of patients with considerable differences in tumor burden and liver function. In addition, differences in individual factors that are not captured by the BCLC framework, such as the tumor growth pattern, degree of hypervascularity, and vascular supply, complicate further evaluation of these patients. Due to these differences, not all patients benefit equally from TACE. Several tools and scoring systems have been devised to provide decision-making support. All of these have shown promising initial results but failed external evaluation and have not been translated to the clinic. Nevertheless, criteria for objectifying treatment decisions in daily clinical practice are needed in all stages of disease. Therefore, this review provides a concise practical step-by-step guide on current strategies for patient selection and decision-making, with a focus on TACE, to critically evaluate the existing decision-support tools and provide a summary of the latest updates in the field.

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Update of the consensus document of the AEEH, AEC, SEOM, SERAM, SERVEI, and SETH

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver neoplasm and one of the most common causes of death in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. In parallel, with recognition of the clinical relevance of this cancer, major new developments have recently appeared in its diagnosis, prognostic assessment and in particular, in its treatment. Therefore, the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH) has driven the need to update the clinical practice guidelines, once again inviting all the societies involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease to participate in the drafting and approval of the document: Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation (SETH), Spanish Society of Diagnostic Radiology (SERAM), Spanish Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SERVEI), Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC) and Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). The clinical practice guidelines published in 2016 and accepted as National Health System Clinical Practice Guidelines were taken as the reference documents, incorporating the most important recent advances. The scientific evidence and the strength of the recommendation is based on the GRADE system.

A prognostic score model for predicting the survival benefits of patients undergoing sorafenib plus transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion

PURPOSE

The survival benefits and which patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) would benefit from sorafenib plus transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapy remain controversial. We aimed to develop a prognostic score model for predicting different prognoses of patients with HCC and portal vein invasion who received sorafenib plus TACE.

METHODS

This observational study included 167 patients with HCC and portal vein invasion undergoing sorafenib combined with TACE from January 2013 to June 2018 at two hospitals. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed using a training cohort (n = 83) to identify critical factors associated with survival. Then, a prognostic score model was established to classify different outcomes and confirmed using a validation cohort (n = 84).

RESULTS

Three factors were determined to critically impact survival in the training cohort: portal vein invasion extent, sorafenib-related dermatologic response, and initial radiological response. Using the β-coefficients of these factors, a prognostic score was calculated, and the survival time decreased as the score increased. Based on the prognostic score model, three different prognoses of patients with 0 points, 2-3 points, and > 3 points were stratified with a median survival of 38.0 months, 20.0 months, and 7.0 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Time to progression was also significantly different using the same prognostic index. The prognostic score model was confirmed by the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

Sorafenib plus TACE is a potential therapy for selected HCC patients with portal vein invasion. This prognostic score model can predict the survival benefits for these patients.

Locoregional therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: when to start and when to stop and when to revisit

With increasing therapeutic options available for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the timing and sequencing of locoregional and systemic therapy need to be re-examined. This is especially so for patients with intermediate HCC, so as to optimize responses while preserving liver reserves, and in so allowing our patients to achieve the best survival outcomes possible.

Integrated Liver Inflammatory Score Predicts the Therapeutic Outcome of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Transarterial Chemoembolization

PURPOSE

To evaluate the performance of the integrated liver inflammatory score (ILIS) in predicting survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received transarterial chemoembolization, and to compare ILIS to other prognostic scoring systems and inflammatory indices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 192 patients with unresectable HCC who underwent transarterial chemoembolization from 3 medical centers. The potential risk factors of the patients' overall survival (OS) were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis. The predictive performances of ILIS in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. The discriminatory power in the OS of ILIS and the other known scoring systems or inflammatory indices was determined by C-statistic.

RESULTS

Multivariate regression analysis showed that high ILIS (P = .047), low lymphocyte count (P = .034), beyond up-to-seven criteria (P = .021), and nonresponse to the first transarterial chemoembolization session (P = .039) were risk factors for poor prognosis after transarterial chemoembolization. The predictive performances of ILIS for 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival were good, with area under the curve values of 0.627, 0.631, 0.621, 0.577, and 0.681, respectively. ILIS outperformed other standard scoring systems and inflammatory indices in predicting OS, with a C-statistic of 0.625.

CONCLUSIONS

ILIS is a powerful prognostic index for predicting the survival of patients with HCC after transarterial chemoembolization, which suggests that ILIS before treatment should be considered during the patient evaluation process.

Management of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma in the elderly with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization failure: Retreatment or switching to systemic therapy?

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter Arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first-line option for the intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Guidelines do not define the number of TACE sessions to be repeated before stopping treatment and switching to sorafenib.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 76 patients aged ≥65 years who were treated by multiple TACE sessions (re-TACE group; N = 36 patients) or one TACE session followed by sorafenib (TACE/Sorafenib group; N = 40 patients). The primary outcome was the overall survival (Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test).

RESULTS

Median overall survival was 320 days (range: 70-420 days) in re-TACE subgroup and 285 days (range: 50-368 days) in TACE/Sorafenib subgroup without significant differences between the two groups (log-rank test P = .72; HR = 0.87; 95% IC 0.41-1.87). The survival rate at one year was 43.6% and 32% in the re-TACE and in the TACE/sorafenib groups (P = .12), respectively. Subgroup analysis by gender, number of nodules at baseline and etiology of liver cirrhosis was performed but no differences were found. No statistical difference was observed in the frequency of side effects, but sorafenib was associated with severe diarrhoea in most patients requiring dose reduction.

CONCLUSION

In our study including HCC patients aged ≥65 years, no differences in survival rate and side effects were found between patients Retreated with further TACE sessions and patients with treatment stage migration to sorafenib after first TACE failure. We included in our analysis a small study population; therefore, larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Indication of Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Should Be Reconsidered in Case of Microvascular Invasion and Multilocular Tumor Occurrence

Liver transplantation (LT) is routinely performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis without major vascular invasion. Although the adverse influence of microvascular invasion is recognized, its occurrence does not contraindicate LT. We retrospectively analyzed in our LT cohort the significance of microvascular invasion on survival and demonstrate bridging procedures. At our hospital, 346 patients were diagnosed with HCC, 171 patients were evaluated for LT, and 153 were listed at Eurotransplant during a period of 11 years. Among these, 112 patients received LT and were included in this study. Overall survival after 1, 3 and 5 years was 86.3%, 73.9%, and 67.9%, respectively. Microvascular invasion led to significantly reduced overall (p = 0.030) and disease-free survival (p = 0.002). Five-year disease-free survival with microvascular invasion was 10.5%. Multilocular tumor occurrence with simultaneous microvascular invasion revealed the worst prognosis. In our LT cohort, predominant bridging treatment was transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and the number of TACE significantly correlated with poorer overall survival after LT (p = 0.028), which was confirmed in multiple Cox regression analysis for overall and disease-free survival (p = 0.015 and p = 0.011). Microvascular tumor invasion is significantly associated with reduced prognosis after LT, which is aggravated by simultaneous occurrence of multiple lesions. Therefore, indication strategies for LT should be reconsidered.

Lack of Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Abandon or Repeat?

Background Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is unknown whether conventional TACE (cTACE) should be continued or abandoned after initial nonresponse for intermediate-stage HCC. The optimal number of sessions before abandoning cTACE remains debated. Purpose To define the number of sessions that patients who do not respond to treatment (hereafter, nonresponders, with stable disease [SD] or progressive disease [PD]) should undergo before abandoning cTACE. Materials and Methods Patients with intermediate-stage HCC and Child-Pugh A liver function who underwent consecutive cTACE sessions between January 2005 and December 2012 were retrospectively included from three centers. Radiologic response rate to each session and its correlation with overall survival were evaluated. Response was assessed by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A nomogram constructed by using tumor size, tumor capsule, and α-fetoprotein to predict patients who responded to treatment (hereafter, responders) was validated with sensitivity and specificity. Results This study evaluated 4154 patients (mean age, 58 years ± 6 [standard deviation]; 3777 men; primary cohort, 3442 patients [mean age, 58 years ± 6; 3129 men]; validation cohort, 712 patients [mean age, 58 years ± 7; 648 men]). Response rate to first cTACE was 35.6% (1227 of 3442, primary cohort) and 36.7% (261 of 712, validation cohort). For patients with SD who were nonresponders to first cTACE, the response rates after second cTACE were 46.1% (719 of 1560) and 48.4% (147 of 304); for patients with SD who were nonresponders to the second cTACE session, the response rates after the third cTACE session were 58.3% (591 of 1014) and 48.5% (98 of 202). For patients with SD who were nonresponders to third, fourth, and fifth cTACE sessions, response rates after fourth, fifth, and sixth cTACE sessions were less than 10%. All response rates in patients with PD who were nonresponders to the next cTACE were less than 5%. Responders to first, second, and third cTACE had higher 5-year overall survival than nonresponders (all P < .001) but responders to the fourth cTACE did not (P = .21). The sensitivity and specificity of a nomogram predicted responders to third cTACE: 75.0% and 79.4% (internal validation) and 78.6% and 87.0% (external validation), respectively. Conclusion Three sessions were recommended before abandoning conventional transarterial embolization (cTACE) for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. The nomogram developed in this study identified responders to third cTACE. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Georgiades in this issue.

Development of a computed tomography-based radiomics nomogram for prediction of transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Some patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are more likely to experience disease progression despite continuous transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which is called TACE refractoriness. At present, it is still difficult to predict TACE refractoriness, although some models/scoring systems have been developed. At present, radiological-based radiomics models have been successfully applied to predict cancer patient prognosis.

AIM

To develop and validate a computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram for the pre-treatment prediction of TACE refractoriness.

METHODS

This retrospective study consisted of a training dataset (n = 137) and an external validation dataset (n = 81) of patients with clinically/pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent repeated TACE from March 2009 to March 2016. Radiomics features were retrospectively extracted from preoperative CT images of the arterial phase. The pre-treatment radiomics signature was generated using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis. A CT-based radiomics nomogram incorporating clinical risk factors and the radiomics signature was built and verified by calibration curve and decision curve analyses. The usefulness of the CT-based radiomics nomogram was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. We used the concordance index to conduct head-to-head comparisons of the radiomics nomogram with the other four models (Assessment for Retreatment with Transarterial Chemoembolization score; α-fetoprotein, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer, Child-Pugh, and Response score; CT-based radiomics signature; and clinical model). All analyses were conducted according to the transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis statement.

RESULTS

The median duration of follow-up was 61.3 mo (interquartile range, 25.5-69.3 mo) for the training cohort and 67.1 mo (interquartile range, 32.4-71.3 mo) for the validation cohort. The median number of TACE sessions was 4 (range, 3-7) in both cohorts. Eight radiomics features were chosen from 869 candidate features to build a radiomics signature. The CT-based radiomics nomogram included the radiomics score (hazard ratio = 3.9, 95% confidence interval: 3.1-8.8, P < 0.001) and four clinical factors and classified patients into high-risk (score > 3.5) and low-risk (score ≤ 3.5) groups with markedly different prognoses (overall survival: 12.3 mo vs 23.6 mo, P < 0.001). The accuracy of the nomogram was considerably higher than that of the other four models. The calibration curve and decision curve analyses verified the usefulness of the CT-based radiomics nomogram for clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

The newly constructed CT-based radiomics nomogram can be used for the pre-treatment prediction of TACE refractoriness, which may provide better guidance for decision making regarding further TACE treatment.

Predicting hyperprogressive disease in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with anti-programmed cell death 1 therapy

BACKGROUND

Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is a new progressive pattern in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors. We aimed to investigate risk factors associated with HPD in advanced HCC patients undergoing anti-PD-1 therapy.

METHODS

A total of 69 patients treated with anti-PD-1 therapy between March 2017 and January 2020 were included. HPD was determined according to the time to treatment failure, tumour growth rate, and tumour growth rate ratio. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinical variables significantly associated with HPD. A risk model was constructed based on clinical variables with prognostic significance for HPD.

FINDINGS

Overall, 10 (14·49%) had HPD. Haemoglobin level, portal vein tumour thrombus, and Child-Pugh score were significantly associated with HPD. The risk model had an area under the curve of 0·931 (95% confidence interval, 0·844-1·000). Patients with HPD had a significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than that of the patients with non-HPD (p < 0·001). However, there was no significant difference in OS between PD (progressive disease) patients with and without HPD (p = 0·05).

INTERPRETATION

We identified three clinical variables as risk factors for HPD, providing an opportunity to aid the pre-treatment evaluation of the risk of HPD in patients treated with immunotherapy.

FUNDING

This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81571664, 81871323, and 81801665); National Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (2018B030311024); Scientific Research General Project of Guangzhou Science Technology and Innovation Commission (201707010,328); and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2016M600145).

A review of applying transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) method for management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer is one of the most ordinary reasons for death among cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. In spite of the fact that various remedial methods have been approved particularly the survival effects of the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) method have been accomplished widely in the HCC treatment. By applying the TACE method correctly, good survival outcomes can be achieved without harmfully affecting the hepatic functions. Transarterial chemoembolization mixes the effect of avascular necrosis (AVN) with the effect of regional chemotherapy those are under the influence of arterial embolization. By knowing the fact that the metastases of liver cancer and also perfusion indices in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are via hepatic arteries, doctors chose the TACE method for the treatment of liver cancer. On the other hand, in this method, the radiologists can easily convey antitumor remedies via the arteries. Anyway, medium-level HCC is a sensitive stage of the heterogeneous disease that many patients suffer from, so specialists must consider it as a hazardous syndrome. The TACE procedure could be applied just in cases that the liver function of patients is appropriate yet, the patient liver portal vein do not have any problems and the patients do not have ascites disorder. This review is aimed to figure out the evident advantages of TACE especially by a comprehensive view on the medium level HCC. Because of that this treatment method is suggested as a first-line remedy. At last, the future landscape of the initial factors of research in managing HCC disorders have been summarized.