Outcome of repeat hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma aged 75 years and older

Comparison of Surgical Resection and Radiofrequency Ablation in Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine whether the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical resection (SR) are comparable for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) less than 3 cm in elderly individuals aged 65 years or older.

METHODS

We used the National Health Insurance Service claims data in Korea, which was linked with liver cancer stage data from the Central Cancer Registry of the National Cancer Center, as well as death data from the National Statistical Office. Out of the 9213 registrants, we focused on 141 patients who underwent SR and 225 patients who underwent RFA when they were 65 years or older. To ensure comparability, a 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching was conducted.

RESULTS

The SR group had lower performance status and better liver function compared to the RFA group. Tumor diameter was larger in the SR group than in the RFA group (2.1 cm vs. 1.7 cm), and the proportion of stage II cases was higher (62.4% vs. 33.8%). After PS matching, the mortality rate in the RFA group did not significantly differ from the SR group (HR 1.33, 95% CI 0.86-2.06, P = 0.19). Also, liver related mortality was similar between the SR and RFA group after matching (log rank P = 0.13). However, recurrence free survival was significantly longer in the SR group than RFA group before and after matching (log rank P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In patients aged 65 years or older with resectable HCC, RFA demonstrates a therapeutic effect comparable to SR.

Old age as a risk factor for liver diseases: Modern therapeutic approaches

Recent scientific interest has been directed towards age-related diseases, driven by the significant increase in global life expectancy and the growing population of individuals aged 65 and above. The ageing process encompasses various biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioural, and social changes, leading to an augmented susceptibility to chronic illnesses. Cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, liver and oncological diseases are prevalent in the elderly. Moreover, ageing individuals demonstrate reduced regenerative capacity and decreased tolerance towards therapeutic interventions, including organ transplantation. Liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, have emerged as significant public health concerns. Paradoxically, these conditions remain underestimated despite their substantial global impact. Age-related factors are closely associated with the severity and unfavorable prognosis of various liver diseases, warranting further investigation to enhance clinical management and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This comprehensive review focuses specifically on age-related liver diseases, their treatment strategies, and contemporary practices. It provides a detailed account of the global burden, types, molecular mechanisms, and epigenetic alterations underlying these liver pathologies.

Radiotherapy trend in elderly hepatocellular carcinoma: retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2017

PURPOSE

To report the trends of radiotherapy in the management of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who entered HCC registry of Samsung Medical Center between 2005 and 2017. Patients who were 75 years or older at the time of registration were defined as elderly. They were categorized into three groups based on the year of registration. Radiotherapy characteristics were compared between the groups to observe differences by age groups and period of registration.

RESULTS

Out of 9,132 HCC registry patients, elderly comprised 6.2% (566 patients) of the registry, and the proportion increased throughout the study period (from 3.1% to 11.4%). Radiotherapy was administered to 107 patients (18.9%) in elderly group. Radiotherapy utilization in the early treatment process (within 1 year after registration) has rapidly increased from 6.1% to 15.3%. All treatments before 2008 were delivered with two-dimensional or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, while more than two-thirds of treatments after 2017 were delivered with advanced techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, or proton beam therapy. Overall survival (OS) of elderly was significantly worse than younger patients. However, for patients who received radiotherapy during the initial management (within one month after registration), there was no statistically significant difference in OS between age groups.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of elderly HCC is increasing. Radiotherapy utilization and adoption of advanced radiotherapy technique showed a consistently increasing trend for the group of patients, indicating that the role of radiotherapy in the management of elderly HCC is expanding.

Aging of Liver in Its Different Diseases

The proportion of elderly people in the world population is constantly increasing. With age, the risk of numerous chronic diseases and their complications also rises. Research on the subject of cellular senescence date back to the middle of the last century, and today we know that senescent cells have different morphology, metabolism, phenotypes and many other characteristics. Their main feature is the development of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), whose pro-inflammatory components affect tissues and organs, and increases the possibility of age-related diseases. The liver is the main metabolic organ of our body, and the results of previous research indicate that its regenerative capacity is greater and that it ages more slowly compared to other organs. With age, liver cells change under the influence of various stressors and the risk of developing chronic liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases. It has been proven that these diseases progress faster in the elderly population and in some cases lead to end-stage liver disease that requires transplantation. The treatment of elderly people with chronic liver diseases is a challenge and requires an individual approach as well as new research that will reveal other safe and effective therapeutic modalities.

The prognosis of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A multi-center 19-year experience in Japan

AIMS

This retrospective study compared the survival between elderly and non-elderly patients.

METHODS

A total of 5545 treatment-naive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who visited 7 different hospitals from January 2000 to December 2018 were included. Patients ≥80 years old were defined as elderly patients. We divided the patients into three groups based on the timing of the initial treatment: Early, middle, and late periods defined as 2000 to 2005, 2006 to 2012, and 2013 to 2018, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 132 (8.9%), 405 (17.5%), and 388 (22.2%) elderly patients in the early, middle, and late period, respectively, showing a significant increase over time (p < 0.001). In both elderly and non-elderly patients, the median albumin-bilirubin score significantly improved over time and the diagnosis of HCC was made slightly earlier over time. The median overall survival (OS) in elderly patients was 52.8, 42.0, and 45.6 months in the early, middle, and late period, respectively, without a significant improvement (p = 0.17) whereas the OS in non-elderly patients was significantly improved (p < 0.001). The percentage of elderly patients receiving curative treatments did not significantly increase (p = 0.43), while that of non-elderly patients did (p = 0.017). Non-liver-related death in elderly patients significantly differed among periods (p = 0.023), while liver-related death did not (p = 0.050). Liver- and non-liver-related death in non-elderly patients significantly differed among periods (p < 0.001, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival in elderly patients was not improved despite an improvement in their liver function. Curative treatments should be conducted when appropriate after evaluating each elderly patient.

Laparoscopic surgery versus radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤3 cm in the elderly: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) represented potential treatments for patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) smaller than 3 cm. As the aging population soared, our study aimed to examine the advantage/drawback balance for these treatments, which should be reassessed in elderly patients.

METHODS

A multicentric retrospective study compared 184 elderly patients (aged >70 years) (86 patients underwent LLR and 98 had RFA) with single ≤3 cm HCC, observed from January 2009 to January 2019.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching (PSM), the estimated 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 96.5 and 87.9% for the LLR group, and 94.6 and 68.1% for the RFA group (p = 0.001) respectively. The estimated 1- and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 92.5 and 67.4% for the LLR group, and 68.5 and 36.9% for the RFA group (p = 0.001). Patients with HCC of anterolateral segments were more often treated with laparoscopic resection (47 vs. 36, p = 0.04). The median operative time in the resection group was 205 min and 25 min in the RFA group (p = 0.01). Length of hospital stay was 5 days in the resection group and 3 days in the RFA group (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Despite a longer length of hospital stay and operative time, LLR guarantees a comparable postoperative course and a better overall and disease-free survival in elderly patients with single HCC (≤3 cm), located in anterolateral segments.

Immunotherapy in older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer globally and is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Recently, immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been shown with encouraging anticancer activity and safety in clinical trials. To reverse the phenomenon of tumours evading immune response, ICIs can be used to stimulate the natural antitumour potential of cancer cells by blocking the relevant checkpoints to activate T cells. However, the components and functions of the immune system may undergo a series of changes with ageing, known as 'immunosenescence,' potentially affecting the antitumour effect and safety of immunotherapy. In the current phase III clinical trials of ICIs including nivolumab, pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, the proportion of patients with HCC older than 65 years in CheckMate 459, KEYNOTE-240 and IMbrave150 is 51%, 58% and 50%, respectively, which is less than 70%-73% of epidemiological investigation. Therefore, the elderly population recruited in clinical trials may not accurately represent the real-world elderly patients with HCC, which affects the extrapolation of the efficacy and safety profile obtained in clinical trials to the elderly population in the real world. This review provides the latest advances in ICIs immuno-treatment available for HCC and relevant information about their therapeutic effects and safety on elderly patients. We discuss the benefits of ICIs for older HCC patients, and relevant recommendations about conducting further clinical trials are proposed for more complete answers to this clinical issue.

Prognostic Influence of Spontaneous Tumor Rupture in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatectomy: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the influence of spontaneous tumor rupture on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients following hepatic resection.

Methods: We systematically searched four online electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, for eligible studies published from inception to March 2021. The main endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results: This meta-analysis included 21 observational articles with 57,241 cases. The results revealed that spontaneous tumor rupture was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio (HR), 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.33–2.05) and DFS (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.12–1.80) in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients. This phenomenon was observed in most subgroups, which were classified by recorded survival time, age, country, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration, liver cirrhosis, and microvascular invasion. However, in subgroups of macrovascular invasion positive, spontaneous tumor rupture was not a risk factor for OS (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.99–2.42) and DFS (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.91–1.65) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy. For macrovascular invasion negative, compared with non-ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma patients, ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma patients exhibited worse prognosis for OS (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.99–2.42) and DFS (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.91–1.65) following hepatectomy.

Conclusions: Spontaneous tumor rupture was a prognostic risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatic resection. However, in macrovascular invasion patients, spontaneous tumor rupture was not a prognostic risk factor.

Impact of aging on primary liver cancer: epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapeutics

Aging involves progressive physiological and metabolic reprogramming to adapt to gradual deterioration of organs and functions. This includes mechanisms of defense against pre-malignant transformations. Thus, certain tumors are more prone to appear in elderly patients. This is the case of the two most frequent types of primary liver cancer, i.e., hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Accordingly, aging hallmarks, such as genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, altered proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, exhaustion of stem cell niches, impaired intracellular communication, and deregulated nutrient sensing can play an important role in liver carcinogenesis in the elders. In addition, increased liver fragility determines a worse response to risk factors, which more frequently affect the aged population. This, together with the difficulty to carry out an early detection of HCC and iCCA, accounts for the late diagnosis of these tumors, which usually occurs in patients with approximately 60 and 70 years, respectively. Furthermore, there has been a considerable controversy on what treatment should be used in the management of HCC and iCCA in elderly patients. The consensus reached by numerous studies that have investigated the feasibility and safety of different curative and palliative therapeutic approaches in elders with liver tumors is that advanced age itself is not a contraindication for specific treatments, although the frequent presence of comorbidities in these individuals should be taken into consideration for their management.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Hepatectomy in Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Analysis of 229 Cases from a Developing Country

Background

The number of elderly patients with HCC who undergo liver resection is increasing. Because of the advanced age of the patients, increased postoperative morbidity and reduced overall survival are expected in this population. The study aim was to compare clinicopathologic and operative features, short- and long-term outcomes among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients from three age groups undergoing potentially curative liver resection in a developing country.

Methods

Prospectively collected data relating to 229 patients who underwent curative-intent liver resection from January 2009 until December 2018 were analyzed. The patients were divided into two age groups: G1 was below 70 years old (n=151) and G2 was 70 years old and older (n=78). Demographic, clinical, operative data, short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed.

Results

The mean overall morbidity rate of the patients was 31.1% (G1), and 46.2% (G2) by age group. Postoperative morbidity was significantly higher in the G2 group (p=0.03). There was no difference in major morbidity between the two groups (p=0.214). No significant difference in mortality rate and overall survival was found between the study groups (p=0.280, p=0.383). Both age ≥70 years (ie, G2 group) and liver cirrhosis were identified as prognostic factors for postoperative morbidity, and a Child-Pugh score B as a negative prognostic factor for overall survival. In subgroup analysis of patients with cirrhosis, age ≥70, diabetes mellitus and perioperative transfusion were identified as prognostic factors for postoperative morbidity.

Conclusion

The study confirmed the safety and feasibility of liver resection in elderly patients with HCC. However, appropriate patient selection among the elderly is mandatory in order to improve short- and long-term outcomes.

New landscapes and horizons in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most frequent form of cancer and leads to the fourth highest number of deaths each year. HCC results from a combination of environmental factors and aging as there are driver mutations at oncogenes which occur during aging. Most of HCCs are diagnosed at advanced stage preventing curative therapies. Treatment in advanced stage is a challenging and pressing problem, and novel and well-tolerated therapies are urgently needed. We will discuss further advances beyond sorafenib that target additional signaling pathways and immune checkpoint proteins. The scenario of possible systemic therapies for patients with advanced HCC has changed dramatically in recent years. Personalized genomics and various other omics approaches may identify actionable biochemical targets, which are activated in individual patients, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify predictive biomarkers and aberrantly activated signaling pathways capable of guiding the clinician in choosing the most appropriate therapy for the individual patient.

A Review of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Elderly Patients Focused on Management and Outcomes

Recent studies report a significant age-specific increase in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development among persons over 75 years old. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the optimal treatment strategy in elderly patients with HCC. This systemic review examines the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and safety of first-line treatment modalities. The literature was searched regarding epidemiology and clinical outcomes in elderly patients (age ≥75 years) undergoing first-line treatment for HCC. Causative or comorbid conditions of HCC in elderly patients differed from those in younger patients. Radiofrequency ablation may be effective and safe in early stages. Surgical resection may also be feasible in the early stages for selected patients. Transarterial chemoembolization may be safe and effective for intermediate HCC, and sorafenib may be feasible in elderly patients with advanced HCC. Prospective randomized trials are needed to establish the treatment strategy for elderly patients with HCC.

Effective therapeutic options for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study

We evaluated the post-treatment overall survival (OS) of elderly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.The archived records of 10,578 HCC patients registered at the Korean Central Cancer Registry from 2008 through 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. In this registry, we selected Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) 0, A, or B staged HCC patients (n = 4744) treated by surgical resection (SR), local ablation therapy (LAT), or locoregional therapy (LRT). OSs in nonelderly (<70 years) and elderly (≥70 years) patients were compared after propensity score matching (PSM).In BCLC 0-A staged HCC, the cumulative OS rates of elderly patients were poorer than those of nonelderly patients after PSM (P < .001), but not in those with BCLC stage B (P > .05). In BCLC 0-A staged elderly patients, OS after SR was significantly better than after LAT (P = .005) or LRT (P < .001). In BCLC B staged elderly patients, SR achieved better OS than LRT (P = .006). Multivariable analysis showed that LAT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.52, P = .048) or LRT (HR, 2.01, P < .001) as compared with SR, and large (>3 cm) tumor size (HR1.49, P = .018) were poor predictors of OS for elderly patients with BCLC stage 0-A, and that LRT (HR, 2.64, P = .042) was a poor predictor for those with BCLC stage B.SR provided a better OS rate than LAT or LRT in elderly HCC patients with BCLC stage 0-A, than LRT in those with BCLC stage B. SR should be considered the first therapeutic option even in elderly HCC patients with these stages.

Multidisciplinary management of recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma after resection: an international expert consensus

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth-most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. However, 40-70% patients eventually suffer from postoperative recurrence within 5 years. HCC recurrence after surgery severely affects prognosis of the patients. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to improve patients' prognosis if doctors and researchers can recognize the importance of a standardized perioperative management and study it in clinical and pre-clinical settings. Hence, based on our own experience and published studies from other researchers, we develop this consensus regarding multidisciplinary management of locally recurrent and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma after resection. This consensus consists of the entire course of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC) management, including prediction of recurrence, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of RHCC. Consensus recommendations are presented with grades of evidences (Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, III and IV), and strength of recommendations (A, B, C, D and E). We also develop a decision-making path for RHCC treatment, which can intuitively demonstrate the management for RHCC. It is hoped that we may make some effort to standardize the management of RHCC and ultimately understand how to improve outcomes.

Defining Optimal Surgical Treatment for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

Salvage liver transplantation (sLT) and repeated resection (RR) are effective treatments for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and comparisons of the oncological outcomes between these 2 modalities were scarce. Consecutive patients admitted for either sLT or RR for recurrent HCC were recruited. All patients in the present series received either prior hepatectomy, ablative therapy, or both before RR or sLT. Patient demographic, perioperative, and outcome data were analyzed. A survival analysis was performed after propensity score matching. There were 277 eligible patients recruited, and 67 and 210 of them underwent sLT and RR, respectively. Significant differences in preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and tumor number were found between the sLT and RR groups. After 1:3 propensity score matching, there were 36 sLT and 108 RR patients for comparison. The median age, MELD, alpha fetoprotein, and tumor size and number of the matched population were 57 years, 7.5, 16 ng/mL, 2.5 cm, and 1, respectively. There was no difference in the hospital mortality and complication rate (Clavien IIIa or above) between the groups. The recurrence rate after RR was significantly higher than for the patients who received sLT (72.2% versus 27.8%; P < 0.001). Following RR, 3 patients received liver transplantation for further recurrence, and 54.6% of the patients developed nontransplantable recurrence. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were both superior in the sLT group (DFS, 71.6% versus 32.8%, P < 0.001; OS, 72.8% versus 48.3%, P = 0.007). In conclusion, sLT is superior to RR for treatment of recurrent HCC in terms of DFS and OS. The high rate of nontransplantable recurrence after reresection underscores the importance of timely sLT.

Long-term outcomes in elderly patients with resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

In contrast to the feasibility of hepatectomy for resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, >5 cm) in the younger patients, the concerns of benefits for the elderly patients remain in practice. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and safety after hepatectomy in elderly patients with resectable large HCC compared with younger patients.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2014, a total of 2211 HCC patients were reviewed using a prospective database and 257 patients with resectable large HCC undergoing hepatectomy were included: 79 elderly patients with age ≥70 years and 178 younger patients with age <70 years. The last follow-up was assessed in December 2017. The complications, long-term outcomes and risk factors of disease-free and overall survival were analysed.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-year overall survival rates in the elderly and younger groups were 76%, 55%, 48%, and 42% and 79%, 57%, 51%, and 49%, respectively (P = 0.319). The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year disease-free survival rates in the elderly and younger groups were 60%, 40%, 38%, and 27% and 54%, 36%, 32%, and 32%, respectively (P = 0.633). The analysis of post-operative outcomes of interest, including hospital stay and hospital death and hepatectomy-related complications in both groups revealed no significant difference. Serum albumin and AJCC TNM stage were independent risk factors for survival. Serum alpha-fetoprotein, tumour number and AJCC TNM stage predicted HCC recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that hepatectomy can achieve comparable long-term outcomes in the selected younger and elderly patients with resectable large HCC.

Does an extreme age (≥80 years) affect outcomes in patients after liver cancer surgery? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Increasing global life expectancy has resulted in a greater demand for cancer surgery in aged patients. However, whether extreme age causes poorer clinical outcomes remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of extreme age (≥80 years) on outcomes in patients after liver cancer surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed to enrol relevant studies. Data were analysed using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Eight retrospective studies involving 253 participants older than 80 years were included.

RESULTS

Compared with younger patients, patients of extreme age (≥80 years) who had undergone curative liver cancer surgery experienced less operating time and blood loss (both P < 0.0001); a larger size (weighted mean difference = 0.48 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08-0.87 cm; P = 0.02) and more advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (risk ratio (RR) = 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.39; P = 0.01); a higher overall morbidity (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.47; P = 0.01); and more post-operative ileus (POI) (RR = 3.45, 95% CI 1.03-11.56; P = 0.04), delirium (RR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.36-6.78; P = 0.007) and cardiovascular events (RR = 6.17, 95% CI 2.79-13.60; P < 0.00001). No significant difference was noted in overall (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15, 95% CI 0.87-1.53; P = 0.32) or disease-free (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.75-1.24; P = 0.77) survival.

CONCLUSION

Although an extreme age may not be a contraindication for undertaking liver cancer surgery, it may cause more morbidity. Perioperative intervention should be considered for prevention and early treatment of POI, delirium and cardiovascular events.

Salvage liver transplantation or repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: An intent-to-treat analysis

The salvage liver transplantation (LT) strategy was conceived for initially resectable and transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to obviate upfront transplantation, with salvage LT in the case of recurrence. The longterm outcomes of a second resection for recurrent HCC have improved. The aim of this study was to perform an intention-to-treat analysis of overall survival (OS) comparing these 2 strategies for initially resectable and transplantable recurrent HCC. From 1994 to 2011, 391 patients with HCC who underwent salvage LT (n = 77) or a second resection (n = 314) were analyzed. Of 77 patients in the salvage LT group, 21 presented with resectable and transplantable recurrent HCC and 18 underwent transplantation. Of 314 patients in the second resection group, 81 presented with resectable and transplantable recurrent HCC and 81 underwent a second resection. The 5-year intention-to-treat OS rates, calculated from the time of primary hepatectomy, were comparable between the 2 strategies (72% for salvage transplantation versus 77% for second resection; P = 0.57). In patients who completed the salvage LT or second resection procedure, the 5-year OS rates, calculated from the time of the second surgery, were comparable between the 2 strategies (71% versus 71%; P = 0.99). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 72% following transplantation and 18% following the second resection (P < 0.001). Similar results were observed after propensity score matching. In conclusion, although the 5-year OS rates were similar in the salvage LT and second resection groups, the salvage LT strategy still achieves better DFS. Second resection for recurrent HCC might be considered to be the best alternative option to LT in the current organ shortage. Liver Transplantation 23 1553-1563 2017 AASLD.

Combined radiofrequency ablation and ethanol injection versus repeat hepatectomy for elderly patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after initial hepatic surgery

PURPOSE

To retrospectively compare the efficacy and safety of combined radiofrequency ablation and percutaneous ethanol injection (RFA-PEI) with repeat hepatectomy for elderly patients with initial recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatic surgery.

METHODS

From January 2009 to June 2015, 105 elderly patients (≥70 years) who underwent RFA-PEI (n = 57) or repeated hepatectomy (n = 48) for recurrent HCC ≤ 5.0 cm were included in the study. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analysed with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Non-tumour-related death, complications and hospital stays were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic significance of the variables in predicting the OS and RFS.

RESULTS

OS rates were 78.2%, 40.8% and 36.7% at 1, 3 and 5 years after RFA-PEI and 76.3%, 52.5% and 42.6% after repeat hepatectomy, respectively (p = 0.413). Correspondingly, the 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS rates after RFA-PEI and repeat hepatectomy were 69.5%, 37.8%, 33.1% and 73.1%, 49.7%, 40.7%, respectively (p = 0.465). Non-tumour-related deaths in the RFA-PEI group (2/57) were significantly fewer than those in the repeat hepatectomy group (10/48) (p = 0.016). RFA-PEI was superior to repeat hepatectomy regarding the major complication rates and length of in-hospital stay (both p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the tumour number was the significant prognostic factor for the OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.961, 95% CI = 1.043-3.686, p = 0.037) and RFS (HR = 1.866, 95% CI = 1.064-3.274, p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

RFA-PEI provides comparable OS and RFS to repeat hepatectomy for elderly patients with small recurrent HCC after hepatectomy but with fewer non-tumour-related deaths, major complications and shorter hospital stays.

Nomograms for prediction of long-term survival in elderly patients after partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Partial hepatectomy is an important treatment for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, prediction of long-term outcomes of an individual elderly patient after partial hepatectomy still is lacking. This study aimed to develop 2 nomograms to pre- or postoperatively predict overall survival for these patients.

METHODS

Of the 528 elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) who underwent partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital between 2008 and 2011, 425 patients served as a training cohort to develop pre- and postoperative nomograms, and the remaining 103 patients comprised a validation cohort. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariable analyses of tumor recurrence and overall survival. Discrimination and calibration of the models were measured using the concordance index, calibration plots, and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

Based on preoperative data, the independent risk factors of overall survival were age ≥75 years, Charlson score, α-fetoprotein ≥20 μg/L, hepatitis B virus-deoxyribonucleic acid ≥10⁴ IU/mL, and tumor diameter. Based on postoperative data, nonanatomic hepatectomy, absence of tumor encapsulation, and presence of microvascular invasion were additional independent risk factors. These independent predictors were incorporated into the pre- and postoperative nomograms, respectively. The concordance indexes of the 2 nomograms for overall survival prediction were 0.70 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.74) and 0.72 (0.69-0.78), respectively. Both nomograms accurately predicted 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival probability, and their predictive performances were optimally validated.

CONCLUSION

The proposed 2 nomograms showed good individualized predictive performance in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after partial hepatectomy.

Mechanism of impairment on liver regeneration in elderly patients: Role of hepatic stellate cell function

Japan, along with most other countries in the world, is facing an increasingly aging population with a prolonged life expectancy. Concurrently, the need for medical intervention, including hepatectomy, has also increased for the elderly. Although surgical outcomes for older patients are reported to be comparable with those for younger patients, additional care in the selection of older patients for hepatectomy is considered necessary. Although the effect of aging on human liver regeneration is not fully understood, the regeneration of liver tissue after hepatectomy in elderly patients is shown to be generally worse than in younger patients and, to date, the mechanisms involved in the impairment of liver regeneration have not been fully clarified. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-specific mesenchymal cells that play critical roles in liver physiology and fibrogenesis. Recent studies in liver regeneration have increasingly focused on HSCs rather than on hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, endothelial cells, or infiltrating immune cells and suggest that HSCs might play a critical role in liver regeneration. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms involved in the impairment of liver regeneration in elderly patients, especially focusing on HSCs. We also discuss how HSCs contribute to the impairment of liver regeneration.

Assessing the feasibility of clinicopathological features of hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients over 80 years of age

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features, benefits and problems associated with hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients aged ≥80 years. Between 2006 and 2013, hepatic resection was performed in 395 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, including 351 patients aged <80 years and 44 patients aged ≥80 years. Clinicopathological examination revealed that the tumor size was significantly larger among patients of ≥80 years of age. However, recurrence-free and cumulative survival rates were similar between the two age groups. The occurrence of post-operative complications was an independent risk factor for survival among patients ≥80 years of age. In addition, the albumin level was identified as a risk factor for post-operative complications. The post-operative transition towards an improvement in the albumin level in the ≥80 years group was significantly lower compared with the <80 years group. It was revealed that hepatic resection was feasible for elderly patients. However, the post-operative improvement in the albumin levels was less marked among patients ≥80 years of age, and lower albumin levels were associated with post-operative complications and prognosis. Therefore, elderly patients undergoing hepatic resection should receive peri-operative management including special nutrition.

Short- and long-term outcomes of elderly patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis

BACKGROUND

Metastatic colorectal cancer is a disease of advancing age. Increased life expectancy has dramatically increased the number of older patients being assessed for hepatectomy. The objective of the study is to assess the safety and survival of hepatic resection in older patients, with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and compare that with younger patients.

METHODS

All patients undergoing hepatic resection of CLM were included. Patients were divided in groups, less than 75 and 75 and over. Prospectively collected data on patient demographics and post-operative complications were retrospectively analysed. Overall survival was calculated in both groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients over the age of 75 underwent hepatic resection for CLM. A total of 158 patients under the age of 75 underwent resection. Overall, 66% of patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 64% underwent major resection. Ninety-day mortality was 1 out of 29 and 1 out of 158, respectively (P = 0.15). Overall complication rate was low, 4 out of 29 and 26 out of 158 (P = 0.45). Median length of stay was similar in the older population, 8.5 versus 8 days (P = 0.65). Overall 5-year survival was 58% in the over 75 group and 56% in the under 75 group (P = 0.31).

CONCLUSION

Hepatic resection for CLM can be achieved safely in patients over the age of 75 and with equivalent short- and long-term outcomes.

Strategic overview on the best treatment option for intrahepaitc hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence

INTRODUCTION

The long-term survival after hepatectomy for HCC remains unsatisfactory because of the high incidence of recurrence. The cumulative 5-year recurrence rate ranged from 60-100% in previous studies and majority of them remains intrahepatic recurrence. The therapeutic modalities commonly used for primary tumors, including surgical resection, liver transplantation, TACE, local ablative therapy and radiotherapy have been used to treat recurrent tumors in the liver remnant and the outcomes with the heterogeneous therapeutic options are reviewed. It is important to note that the level of evidence for most therapeutic options is limited to cohort investigations with few RCTs and most were limited due to enrollment of various tumor stages and did not compare treatment modalities for specific tumor stages.

AREAS COVERED

A literature search for recurrent HCC was performed using Medline and PubMed up to May 2016. Expert commentary: The long term survival results after re-resection for recurrent HCC were favourable and aggressive management of postoperative intrahepatic recurrence remains the most important strategy in prolonging the survival of patients after resection of HCC.

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma in the elderly

Mean age of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients has been progressively increasing over the last decades and ageing of these patients is becoming a real challenge in every day clinical practice. Unfortunately, international guidelines on HCC management do not address this problem exhaustively and do not provide any specific recommendation. We carried out a literature search in MEDLINE database for studies reporting on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of HCC in elderly patients. Available data seem to indicate that in elderly patients the outcome of HCC is mostly influenced by liver function and tumor stage rather than by age and the latter should not influence treatment allocation. Age is not a risk for resection and older patients with resectable HCC and good liver function could gain benefit from surgery. Mild comorbidities do not seem a contraindication for surgery in aged patients. Conversely, major resection in elderly, even when performed in experienced high-volume centres, should be avoided. Both percutaneous ablation and transarterial chemoembolization are not contraindicated in aged patients and safety profile of these procedures is acceptable. Sorafenib is a viable option for advanced HCC in elderly provided that a careful evaluation of concomitant comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular ones, is taken into account. Available data seem to suggest that in either elderly and younger, treatment is a main predictor of outcome. Consequently, a nihilistic attitude of physicians towards under- or no-treatment of aged patients should not be longer justified.

Outcome of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients with portal hypertension

The outcome of liver resection (LR) for elderly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal hypertension (PHT) who may be excluded as liver transplantation candidates has not been fully evaluated. One hundred ninety-five patients who underwent initial curative LR for HCC with PHT were divided into 2 groups: age <70 years (n = 131) and age ≥70 years (n = 64). Clinicopathologic data and postoperative complications were compared. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications were similar in both groups. However, in-hospital mortality was significantly more frequent in elderly than in younger patients (11% versus 1%, P = 0.002). No significant intergroup differences were observed in the 5-year disease-free survival rate or recurrence rate (19.7% versus 17.2%; P = 0.338, 63% versus 56%; P = 0.339). Although LR for elderly HCC patients with PHT can be performed with curative intent and gives results comparable with those in younger patients, it is associated with higher in-hospital mortality.

Patient and tumour biology predict survival beyond the Milan criteria in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the Milan criteria are not considered for liver transplantation (LT) in many centres; however, LT may be the only treatment able to achieve long-term survival in patients with unresectable HCC. The aim of this study was to assess the role of recipient age and tumour biology expressed by the DNA index in the selection of HCC patients for LT.

PATIENTS

Clinicopathological data of 364 patients with HCC who underwent LT between 1989 and 2010 were evaluated. Overall survival (OS) was analysed by patient age, tumour burden based on Milan criteria and the DNA index.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up time of 78 months, the median survival was 100 months. Factors associated with OS on univariate analysis included Milan criteria, patient age, hepatitis C infection, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, the DNA index, number of HCC, diameter of HCC, bilobar HCC, microvascular tumour invasion and tumour grading. On multivariate analysis, HCC beyond Milan criteria and the DNA index >1.5 independently predicted a worse OS. When stratifying patients by both age and Milan criteria, patients ≤ 60 years with HCC beyond Milan criteria had an OS comparable to that of patients >60 years within Milan criteria (10-year OS: 33% versus 37%, P = 0.08). Patients ≤ 60 years with HCC beyond Milan criteria but a favourable DNA index ≤ 1.5 achieved excellent long-term outcomes, comparable with those of patients within Milan criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients ≤ 60 years may undergo LT for HCC with favourable outcomes independently of their tumour burden. Additional assessment of tumour biology, e.g. using the DNA index, especially in this subgroup of patients can support the selection of LT candidates who may derive the most long-term survival benefit, even if Milan criteria are not fulfilled.

Validation of hepatectomy for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The safety and feasibility of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the elderly population have not been defined to date.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted with 104 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC from 2005 to 2010. The patients were divided into two groups, the elderly group (age, ≥75 years; n = 22) and the nonelderly group (age, <75 years; n = 82), for comparison of short- and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

More patients were categorized as preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 1 in the elderly group (32 %) than in the nonelderly group (6 %) (P = 0.003). Complications with a Clavien-Dindo classification of grade 3a or higher were more frequently observed in the elderly group (41 %) than in the nonelderly group (17 %) (P = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression showed ECOG performance status 1 as the only independent predictor of complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 3a or higher. The in-hospital mortality rates were similar between the two groups (P = 0.20). During a median follow-up period of 47 months, the unadjusted 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were similar in the elderly (25 %) and nonelderly (33 %) groups (P = 0.80). Multiple tumors and high alpha-fetoprotein levels emerged as independent negative indicators of recurrence-free survival using multivariate Cox analyses. The adjusted risk for recurrence was not elevated in the elderly group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.50-1.68; P = 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the more frequent occurrence of complications with a Clavien-Dindo grade of 3a or higher among the elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC, their mortality and recurrence rates were comparable with those of the nonelderly patients. Therefore, age alone is not a determinant of surgical candidacy for HCC.

Age is no longer a limit: two cases of hepatectomy in patients over 90 years old

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis. The age of patients affected by HCC is considered to be increasing, and several studies have reported significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy for HCC in elderly patients. However, other studies have reported that the short- and long-term outcomes of surgery for HCC in elderly patients are similar to those in younger patients. Whether the indications for hepatic resection in elderly patients resemble those in younger patients has thus been questioned. We describe two cases of patients over 90 years old who underwent major hepatectomy for HCC, representing the oldest patients in the world to have done so.

Safety of hepatectomy for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The number of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing. Characteristics of elderly HCC patients are a higher proportion of females, a lower rate of positive hepatitis B surface antigen, and a higher rate of positive hepatitis C antibodies. Careful patient selection is vital for performing hepatectomy safely in elderly HCC patients. Treatment strategy should be decided by not only considering tumor stage and hepatic functional reserve, but also physiological status, including comorbid disease. Various assessment tools have been applied to predict the risk of hepatectomy. The reported mortality and morbidity rates after hepatectomy in elderly HCC patients ranged from 0% to 42.9% and from 9% to 51%, respectively. Overall survival rate after hepatectomy in elderly HCC patients at 5 years ranged from 26% to 75.9%. Both short-term and long-term results after hepatectomy for strictly selected elderly HCC patients are almost the same as those for younger patients. However, considering physiological characteristics and the high prevalence of comorbid disease in elderly patients, it is important to assess patients more meticulously and to select them strictly if scheduled to undergo major hepatectomy.

Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in super-elderly patients aged 80 years and older in the first decade of the 21st century

PURPOSE

We evaluated the preoperative and postoperative characteristics and prognosis of super-elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Four hundred and thirty-one patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC were classified into three groups according to their age at the time of surgery: super-elderly (≥80 years; n = 20), elderly (70-80 years; n = 172) and younger (<70 years; n = 239). We compared the clinical characteristics, preoperative and postoperative factors and prognosis among the groups to evaluate whether liver resection is appropriate for super-elderly patients.

RESULTS

The liver function was not significantly different among the groups. The proportion of patients with preoperative cardiovascular and respiratory disease and hypertension was higher in the super-elderly group compared to the other groups. The super-elderly group had shorter operations and reduced hemorrhage rates compared to the other groups. Postoperative cardiovascular complications and delirium were more frequently observed in the super-elderly group. The overall and tumor-free survival rates were not significantly different among the groups. Super-elderly patients had a lower rate of liver or HCC-related death and a higher rate of death due to other causes than the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Super-elderly HCC patients who are appropriately evaluated and selected might have a favorable prognosis after undergoing hepatic resection.

Liver resection in the elderly: significance of comorbidities and blood loss

OBJECTIVE

Liver resection is increasingly performed in elderly patients who are suspected of increased postoperative morbidity (PM) and reduced overall survival (OS). Patient selection based on the identification of age-adjusted risk factors may help to decrease PM and OS.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Prospectively collected data of 879 patients undergoing elective hepatic resection were analyzed. This population was stratified into three age cohorts: >70 years (n = 228; 26 %), 60-69 years (n = 309; 35 %), and <60 years (n = 342; 39 %). Multivariate survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The incidence of severe (p < 0.01) and non-surgical (p < 0.001) postoperative complications was higher in older compared to younger patients. Major estimated blood loss (EBL; p = 0.039) and comorbidities (p = 0.002) independently increased PM. EBL was comparable between all age cohorts. However, preexisting comorbidities, major EBL, and postoperative complications markedly decreased OS in contrast to younger patients. Adjusted for age, independent predictors of OS were comorbidities (HR = 1.51; p = 0.001), major hepatectomy (HR = 1.33; p = 0.025), increased EBL (HR = 1.32; p = 0.031), and postoperative complications (HR = 1.64; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Although increased age should not be a contraindication for liver resection, this study accents the avoidance of major blood loss in elderly patients and a stringent patient selection based on preexisting comorbidities.

Treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients: a literature review

An aging society means that the number of elderly patients with cancer is predicted to rise in the future. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually develops in patients with hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, or alcoholic liver disease. The risk of developing HCC is also known to be age-dependent and elderly patients sometimes present with HCC. The increased longevity of the population thus means that more elderly HCC patients are to be expected in the coming years. In general, many elderly patients are not receiving optimal therapy for malignancies, because it is often withheld from them because of perceived minimal survival advantage and the fear of potential toxicity. Comprehensive data with regard to treatment of elderly patients with HCC are currently limited. Furthermore, current guidelines for the management of HCC do not satisfy strategies according to age. Thus, there is urgent need for investigation of safety and clinical outcomes in elderly patients who receive therapy for HCC. In this review, we primarily refer to current knowledge of clinical characteristics and outcome in elderly patients with HCC who underwent different treatment approaches (i.e., surgical resection, liver transplantation, locoregional therapies, and molecular-targeting therapy).

Prediction of postoperative complications in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether advanced age was associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications and identify the predictive factors for postoperative complications in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Between January 2000 and December 2010, 256 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were investigated. Elderly patients were defined as those aged ≥75 y. The clinicopathologic data and outcomes after hepatectomy for 64 elderly and 192 younger patients were retrospectively collected and compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications (P = 0.936) or the long-term survival after hepatectomy (P = 0.641) between the elderly and younger patients. In multivariate analysis, the estimation of physiological ability and surgical stress-preoperative risk score (PRS) was an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity in the elderly patients (P < 0.01). Moreover, the patients were analyzed according to the PRS for the assessment of their general preoperative condition and liver damage grade based on the hepatic reserve. The rate of postoperative complications in the patients with a PRS ≥0.5 and liver damage B was significantly higher in the elderly patients (P < 0.01), whereas a PRS and liver damage grade did not affect the incidence of postoperative morbidity in the younger patients (P = 0.516).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatectomy for elderly patients with HCC is feasible as well as safe, and the preoperative assessment using the estimation of physiological ability and surgical stress scoring system, combined with the liver damage grade, can help to improve the safety of this procedure for elderly HCC patients.

Clinical efficacy and predictors of outcomes of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Primary hepatectomy is an accepted treatment for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with good long-term survival, but high rates of recurrence. This review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeat hepatectomy for recurrent HCC after initial hepatectomy.

METHODS

Electronic searches identified 22 eligible studies comprising of 1125 patients for systematic review. Studies with >10 patients, adopting repeat hepatectomy treatment for recurrent HCC initially treated with hepatectomy were selected for inclusion. A predetermined set of data comprising demographic details, morbidity and mortality indices and survival outcomes were collected for every study and tabulated.

RESULTS

Majority of patients selected for repeat hepatectomy had Child-Pugh A (median 94%, range 40-100). Intrahepatic recurrence occurred at a median of 22.4 (range 12-48) months in this patient cohort with single nodule recurrences comprising of 70% of cases. The median mortality rate was 0% (range 0-6%). Prolonged ascites was observed in a median of 4% (range 0-32%), bleeding in 1% (range 0-9%), bile leak in 1% (range 0-6%) and liver failure in 1% (range 0-2%). The median disease-free survival was 15 (range 7-32) months and median overall survival was 52 (range 22-66) months. Median 3-year and 5-year survival was 69% (range 41-88%) and 52% (range 22-83%) respectively. Recurrences occurring 12-18 months after initial hepatectomy was consistently associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSION

Synthesized data from observational studies of repeat hepatectomy suggests that this treatment approach for recurrent HCC is safe and achieves long-term survival. Standardization of criteria for repeat hepatectomy and a randomized trial are warranted.

A comparative analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection in young versus elderly patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the elderly patients compared with younger patients.

METHODS

Clinicopathological data and treatment outcomes in 61 elderly (≥70 years old) and 90 younger (≤40 years old) patients with HCC who underwent curative liver resection between 2000 and 2010 were retrospectively collected and compared using various parameters.

RESULTS

The older HCC group was more likely to have hepatitis C virus and non-B non-C hepatitis virus infection, higher values of indocyanine green retention at 15 min (ICGR)(15), more preoperative comorbidities, and more postoperative complications. There were no significant differences in intraoperative parameters and pathologic features. The recurrence rate, overall survival and disease-free survival rates were similar amongst the two groups. The only independent prognostic factor of overall survival was postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that age by itself does not have an adverse effect on operative outcomes, including long-term prognosis. For young and elderly HCC patients, hepatic resection is a safe and effective treatment.

Outcome of hepatectomy in super-elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

  The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of super-elderly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients aged 80 years or more who underwent hepatectomy and to clarify whether elderly patients with HCC benefit from hepatectomy.

METHODS

  Between March 1992 and December 2008, 278 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC were investigated. Super-elderly patients were defined as those aged 80 years or more. Clinicopathological data and outcomes after hepatectomy were compared between super-elderly and non-super-elderly groups.

RESULTS

  Preoperative parameters, such as biochemical examinations, and liver function tests in the non-super-elderly group were comparable with those of the super-elderly group (n = 11). Exceptionally, albumin level in the super-elderly group was lower than that in the non-super-elderly group (P = 0.03). Surgical data and the prevalence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. No mortality was observed in the super-elderly and non-super-elderly group.

CONCLUSIONS

  Hepatectomy for HCC was a feasible option even in super elderly patients aged 80 years or older with accurate selection.

Poor Prognostic Factors after Repeat Hepatectomy for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Modern Era

The purpose of this study was to determine the poor prognostic factors after repeat hepatectomy (Hx) in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Overall survival rates and clinicopathological variables in 112 patients with repeat Hx from 1992 to 2010 were compared with those in 531 patients who underwent a primary Hx. To clarify the poor prognosis factors after repeat Hx, survival data among 112 patients were univariately and multivariately analyzed. Overall survival after repeat Hx was similar for that of the patients who underwent a primary Hx. The mean age of repeat Hx group was significantly higher, and a well-preserved liver function was recognized than the primary Hx group. Multivariate analysis revealed that: 1) indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes; 2) disease-free interval; 3) tumor size; 4) portal vein invasion at primary Hx; 5) gender; and 6) estimated blood loss to be an independent and significant poor prognostic factors. The overall 3-year postrecurrence overall survival rates were 100, 91.3, 59.6, and 0 per cent at risk number (R) R0, R1/2, R3, R4, respectively ( P < 0.05). Repeat Hx provided a good compatible prognosis with primary Hx. In our findings, five risk factors to predict poor outcomes after repeat Hx were useful. Patients with recurrent HCC do not have universally poor outcomes, and our simple scoring system using five poor prognostic factors could serve to advise the prognosis and the potential benefit for patient selection about repeat Hx.

Prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection: are elderly patients suitable for surgery?

AIM

The indication for hepatectomy is still controversial in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined the clinicopathological features and survival of 188 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Patients were divided into four age groups: Age(<50) group (young patients <50 years of age, n = 9), Age(50-69) group (between 50-69 years, n = 110), Age(70-79) group (70-79 years, n = 57), and Age(≥80) group (≥80 years, n = 12). Physiologic ability and surgical stress (E-PASS) score, including preoperative risk score (PRS), surgical stress score (SSS), and comprehensive risk score (CRS) were assessed.

RESULTS

Proportion of patients of Age(70-79) and Age(≥80) groups increased significantly in the last 5 years (P < 0.01). Co-morbidity, performance status, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score significantly increased with age (P < 0.05). Proportions of patients with irregular findings and necro-inflammatory activity were significantly lower in Age(70-79) and Age(≥80) groups than in other groups (P < 0.05). Systemic postoperative complications were high in Age(70-79) and Age(≥80) groups. PRS increased significantly with age (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified PRS ≥0.32 and age ≥70 years as significant determinants of systemic complications (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative survivals among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful follow-up and proper decision on hepatectomy upon assessment of PRS are important in elderly HCC patients.