Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis and management of liver tumours

Multiple local recurrences of primary sternal chondrosarcoma: tumor manipulation or self-seeding

BACKGROUND

Primary sternal chondrosarcoma, although rare, is the most common malignant tumor of the sternum. The gold standard treatment is complete surgical excision, which frequently causes the instability of the thorax necessitating future reconstruction. Local recurrence is common increasing the risk of distant metastasis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old male patient was diagnosed with primary sternum chondrosarcoma and underwent surgical excision with negative resection margins. Later, he was found to have two local recurrences at 11 months and 37 months post initial excision. The two recurrences were surgically removed followed by local adjuvant radiation.

CONCLUSION

The seeding theories have been reported more frequently with relation to diagnostic biopsy procedures, tumor manipulation and self-seeding tumors. The patient developed two local recurrences despite total resection with negative margins, without concerns regarding seeding in distant metastasis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma effective stereotactic body radiotherapy using Gold Anchor and the Synchrony system: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered to have limited efficacy because of treatment intensity considering that the irradiated area includes the liver, which is highly radiosensitive. In this report, we present two cases in which tumor control by surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and lenvatinib administration was difficult, but stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using the Synchrony system by Radixact™ and Gold Anchor^® (GA) was effective.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old man had a single 10-cm HCC in the right lobe. Viable lesions remained after TACE, and levels of alpha-fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K antagonists II (PIVKA-II) decreased and quickly re-elevated. We performed SBRT with GA. Three weeks after implantation, localized radiotherapy (SBRT; 40 Gy/5 fractions) was performed using the Synchrony system by Radixact™. Four weeks later, the viable lesion had disappeared, and the PIVKA-II levels decreased. A 77-year-old man had a single 12-cm HCC in the right lobe. The patient experienced recurrence after hepatectomy. Further recurrence occurred after TACE, and we performed SBRT with GA. Because of the proximity of the HCC to the gastrointestinal tract, localized radiotherapy (SBRT; 39 Gy/13 fractions) to the HCC was performed 3 wk after implantation using the Synchrony system by Radixact™. Four weeks later, the viable lesion had disappeared on computed tomography, and the PIVKA-Ⅱ levels decreased.

CONCLUSION

SBRT using the Synchrony system and GA can deliver a large dose accurately and safely, and could have a high therapeutic effect.

Colorectal liver metastases: Current management and future perspectives

The liver is the commonest site of metastatic disease for patients with colorectal cancer, with at least 25% developing colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) during the course of their illness. The management of CRLM has evolved into a complex field requiring input from experienced members of a multi-disciplinary team involving radiology (cross sectional, nuclear medicine and interventional), Oncology, Liver surgery, Colorectal surgery, and Histopathology. Patient management is based on assessment of sophisticated clinical, radiological and biomarker information. Despite incomplete evidence in this very heterogeneous patient group, maximising resection of CRLM using all available techniques remains a key objective and provides the best chance of long-term survival and cure. To this end, liver resection is maximised by the use of downsizing chemotherapy, optimisation of liver remnant by portal vein embolization, associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, and combining resection with ablation, in the context of improvements in the functional assessment of the future remnant liver. Liver resection may safely be carried out laparoscopically or open, and synchronously with, or before, colorectal surgery in selected patients. For unresectable patients, treatment options including systemic chemotherapy, targeted biological agents, intra-arterial infusion or bead delivered chemotherapy, tumour ablation, stereotactic radiotherapy, and selective internal radiotherapy contribute to improve survival and may convert initially unresectable patients to operability. Currently evolving areas include biomarker characterisation of tumours, the development of novel systemic agents targeting specific oncogenic pathways, and the potential re-emergence of radical surgical options such as liver transplantation.

Comparison of a coaxial versus non-coaxial liver biopsy technique in an oncological setting: diagnostic yield, complications and seeding risk

Objectives

Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) poses specific challenges in oncological patients such as bleeding and tumour seeding. This study’s aim was to compare a coaxial (C-PLB) and non-coaxial (NC-PLB) biopsy technique in terms of diagnostic yield, safety and seeding risk of image-guided PLB techniques in an oncological setting.

Methods

Local research committee approval was obtained for this single-site retrospective study. Patients who underwent a PLB between November 2011 and December 2017 were consecutively included. Medical records were reviewed to determine diagnostic yield and complications. Follow-up imaging was re-reviewed for seeding, defined as visible tumour deposits along the PLB track. Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests were performed to investigate differences between biopsy techniques in sample number, complications and seeding rate.

Results

In total, 741 patients (62 ± 13 years, 378 women) underwent 932 PLB (C-PLB 72.9% (679/932); NC-PLB 27.1% (253/932)). More tissue cores (p < 0.001) were obtained with C-PLB (median 4 cores; range 1–12) compared with NC-PLB (2 cores; range 1–4) and diagnostic yield was similar for both techniques (C-PLB 92.6% (629/679); NC-PLB 92.5% (234/253); p = 0.940). Complication rate (9.3%; 87/932) using C-PLB (8.2% (56/679)) was lower compared with NC-PLB (12.3% (31/253); p = 0.024). Major complications were uncommon (C-PLB 2.7% (18/679); NC-PLB 2.8% (7/253)); bleeding developed in 1.2% (11/932; C-PLB 1.2% (8/679); NC-PLB 1.2% (3/253)). Seeding was a rare event, occurring significantly less in C-PLB cases (C-PLB 1.3% (7/544); NC-PLB 3.1% (6/197); p = 0.021).

Conclusions

C-PLB allows for high diagnostic tissue yield with a lower complication and seeding rate than a NC-PLB and should be the preferred method in an oncological setting.

Key Points

• A coaxial percutaneous liver biopsy achieves a significant higher number of cores and fewer complications than a non-coaxial biopsy technique.

• The risk of tumour seeding is very low and is significantly lower using the coaxial biopsy technique.

• In this study, a larger number of cores (median = 4) could be safely acquired using the coaxial technique, providing sufficient material for advanced molecular analysis.

Fusion Image-Guided and Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Patients With Suspected Hepatic Metastases

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic adequacy of computed tomography (CT)-ultrasound (US) fusion image-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and US-guided FNA in patients with suspected hepatic metastases.

METHODS

Thirty consecutive patients of either sex with known or unknown primary malignancy suspected of having liver metastases on both US and CT, whose multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed using a 64-slice or a higher slice CT scanner, and who were referred for percutaneous FNA were included in this prospective study approved by the institutional review board of the study institute. CT-ultrasound fusion image-guided FNA of the largest lesion using electromagnetic tracking and with freehand ultrasound-guided FNA were performed in the same sitting. Value of fitness, which is a rough estimate of how well the fusion has been achieved, was recorded. Diagnostic adequacy of smears was assessed by a scoring system based on cellular material, background blood/clot, degree of cellular degeneration or trauma, and retention of architecture.

RESULTS

The size of the lesions ranged from 1 to 10 cm, and the depth of location of the lesions ranged from 1.4 to 9.3 cm. The fusion fitness values ranged from 1.2 to 10 mm. The scores of the smears did not correlate with lesion size, depth of location, and fusion fitness value. Diagnostic adequacy was seen in 90% and 93.3% of lesions sampled by fusion image guidance and ultrasound guidance, respectively (p = 0.655). All the lesions that yielded inadequate smears by fusion guidance were deep-seated lesions (>5 cm). All the lesions that yielded inadequate smears by ultrasound guidance were small lesions (<3 cm). No complications were encountered in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Fusion image-guided FNA is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic adequacy rate. Fusion image-guided FNA is not better than US-guided FNA for conspicuous hepatic lesions; however, it may be useful in inconspicuous lesions.

Evaluation of a strategy using pretherapeutic fiducial marker placement to avoid missing liver metastases

Background

Hepatic surgery is appropriate for selected patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Advances in chemotherapy have led to modification of management, particularly when metastases disappear. Treatment should address all initial CRLM sites based on pretherapeutic cross-sectional imaging. This study aimed to evaluate pretherapeutic fiducial marker placement to optimize CRLM treatment.

Methods

This pilot investigation included patients with CRLM who were considered for potentially curative treatment between 2009 and 2016. According to a multidisciplinary team decision, lesions smaller than 25 mm in diameter that were more than 10 mm deep in the hepatic parenchyma and located outside the field of a planned resection were marked. Complication rates and clinicopathological data were analysed.

Results

Some 76 metastases were marked in 43 patients among 217 patients with CRLM treated with curative intent. Of these, 23 marked CRLM (30 per cent), with a mean(s.d.) size of 11·0(3·4) mm, disappeared with preoperative chemotherapy. There were four complications associated with marking: two intrahepatic haematomas, one fiducial migration and one misplacement. After a median follow-up of 47·7 (range 18·1-144·9) months, no needle-track seeding was noted. Of four disappearing CRLM that were marked and resected, two presented with persistent active disease. Other missing lesions were treated with thermoablation.

Conclusion

Pretherapeutic fiducial marker placement appears useful for the curative management of CRLM.

The advantage of iron-containing fiducial markers placed with a thin needle for radiotherapy of liver cancer in terms of visualization on MRI: an initial experience of Gold Anchor

Radiotherapy for liver malignancy is increasing due to advances in radiotherapy technique. Visualization of the tumor as well as fiducial markers is essential. To see if improved visibility exists on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we evaluated an iron-containing fiducial marker. A patient with hepatocellular carcinoma and a patient with cholangiocarcinoma were enrolled. Pain caused by placement of marker and the best MRI sequence for visualization of both the fiducial marker as well as the liver tumor on MRI was evaluated. CT was obtained in 2.5-mm thickness, and MRIs were obtained in eight sequences (ie, T2-weighted image). 22G preloaded needles were used for marker placement in both patients; this caused little pain during placement under local anesthesia with xylocaine. No complication occurred in either patient. Both markers and tumors were well visualized by the same MRI sequence. The iron-containing fiducial marker is safe and useful for detecting fiducial markers in the liver and for registration using CT and MRI.

Ongoing challenges in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

In 2001, the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) endorsed the possibility of achieving a non-invasive diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) for the first time. Since then, various refinements of the criteria and techniques capable of achieving this diagnosis and the role of plasma and tissue oncomarkers have been reported in the literature and have been accepted to different extents in various geographical areas. Such tools can also potentially imply prognostic significance. The present article critically discusses some of the most relevant and debated challenges which have emerged in this field, including the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and of hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance contrast agents, the pitfall of transient hepatic attenuation differences, the reliability of biopsy and the status of biomarkers.

Circulating Plasma Levels of MicroRNA-21 and MicroRNA-221 Are Potential Diagnostic Markers for Primary Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers in various malignancies. We aim to characterize miRNA expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and identify circulating plasma miRNAs with potential diagnostic and prognostic utility.

Methods

Using deep-sequencing techniques, miRNA expression between tumor samples and non-neoplastic liver parenchyma were compared. Overexpressed miRNAs were measured in plasma from an independent cohort of patients with cholangiocarcinoma using RT-qPCR and compared with that healthy volunteers. The discriminatory ability of the evaluated plasma miRNAs between patients and controls was evaluated with receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Small RNAs from 12 ICC and 11 tumor-free liver samples were evaluated. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering using the miRNA expression data showed clear grouping of ICC vs. non-neoplastic liver parenchyma. We identified 134 down-regulated and 128 upregulated miRNAs. Based on overexpression and high fold-change, miR21, miR200b, miR221, and miR34c were measured in plasma from an independent cohort of patients with ICC (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 7). Significant overexpression of miR-21 and miR-221 was found in plasma from ICC patients. Furthermore, circulating miR-21 demonstrated a high discriminatory ability between patients with ICC and healthy controls (AUC: 0.94).

Conclusion

Among the differentially expressed miRNAs in ICC, miR-21 and miR-221 are overexpressed and detectable in the circulation. Plasma expression levels of these miRNAs, particularly miR-21, accurately differentiates patients with ICC from healthy controls and could potentially serve as adjuncts in diagnosis. Prospective validation and comparison with other hepatobiliary malignancies is required to establish their potential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Seeding after ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of liver metastases in patients with colorectal or breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Neoplasm seeding is a serious complication after liver metastases biopsy. Reported incidences vary between 10% and 19% for colorectal cancer (CRC) and are unknown for breast cancer (BC). The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of tumor seeding after ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of CRC and BC liver metastases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Unselected liver biopsies performed in the period of 2005-2012 at our institution were extracted from the National Pathology Registry. Medical records including imaging from patients with biopsy-verified BC and CRC liver metastases were retrospectively reviewed. The endpoint was the development of abdominal wall recurrence following liver biopsy.

RESULTS

Of total 2981 biopsies we identified 278 patients with CRC and 155 patients with BC biopsy-verified liver metastases. During the median follow-up of 25 months after biopsy (range 3-253 months), no seeding was recorded in patients with BC. Within the median follow-up of 34 months (3-111 months), seeding was registered in 17/278 (6%) of patients with CRC; three patients of 278 (1%) had undoubtedly biopsy-related seeding, which became apparent six, nine, and 26 months after biopsy, respectively; and in nine patients (3%) seeding occurred due to either biopsy or other interventions; and five patients had seeding, which were assessed as a consequence of other invasive procedures than biopsies. The median overall survival of the 17 patients with seeding was 70 months compared to 39 months of patients without seeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed no seeding in BC patients. Seeding rate after biopsy in CRC patients is not negligible, however, without affecting outcome.

Guide for diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ranked as the 5^th common type of cancer worldwide and is considered as the 3^rd common reason for cancer-related deaths. HCC often occurs on top of a cirrhotic liver. The prognosis is determined by several factors; tumour extension, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration, histologic subtype of the tumour, degree of liver dysfunction, and the patient’s performance status. HCC prognosis is strongly correlated with diagnostic delay. To date, no ideal screening modality has been developed. Analysis of recent studies showed that AFP assessment lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity for effective surveillance and diagnosis. Many tumour markers have been tested in clinical trials without progressing to routine use in clinical practice. Thus, surveillance is still based on ultrasound (US) examination every 6 mo. Imaging studies for diagnosis of HCC can fall into one of two main categories: routine non-invasive studies such as US, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, and more specialized invasive techniques including CT during hepatic arteriography and CT arterial portography in addition to the conventional hepatic angiography. This article provides an overview and spotlight on the different diagnostic modalities and treatment options of HCC.

Screening for Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Cancer

Accurate tests for at-risk populations are available for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Effective treatments for all three diseases exist if diagnosed early. New antivirals are making a significant impact on HCV. Liver transplant is curative for early HCC and is prioritized by the United Network for Organ Sharing in the United States. Screening and surveillance for deadly disease only makes sense if there are identifiable populations at risk for the condition, there are sensitive and specific low-cost tests available for the condition, and there are effective treatments for the condition.

Liver metastases: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound compared with computed tomography and magnetic resonance

The development of ultrasound contrast agents with excellent tolerance and safety profiles has notably improved liver evaluation with ultrasound (US) for several applications, especially for the detection of metastases. In particular, contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) allows the display of the parenchymal microvasculature, enabling the study and visualization of the enhancement patterns of liver lesions in real time and in a continuous manner in all vascular phases, which is similar to contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical studies have reported that the use of a contrast agent enables the visualization of more metastases with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity compared to baseline-US. Furthermore, studies have shown that CEUS yields sensitivities comparable to CT. In this review, we describe the state of the art of CEUS for detecting colorectal liver metastases, the imaging features, the literature reports of metastases in CEUS as well as its technique, its clinical role and its potential applications. Additionally, the updated international consensus panel guidelines are reported in this review with the inherent limitations of this technique and best practice experiences.

Needle tract seeding: an avoidable complication

Needle tract seeding refers to implantation of tumor cells by contamination when instruments like biopsy needles are used to examine, excise or ablate a tumor. Implantation along needle tract may lead to change of stage of the tumor, converting a resectable tumor into an inoperable one. In this paper we have reviewed the cases of needle tract seeding due to fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) procedure. We analyzed the various aspects of needle tract seedling and suggested how to take precautionary measures to prevent it.

Does the taking of biopsies affect the metastatic potential of tumours? A systematic review of reports on veterinary and human cases and animal models

Clinicians and pathologists are sporadically asked by owners whether the taking of tumour biopsies may affect the behaviour of the tumour, including its potential to metastasise. Unfortunately, systematic studies on this subject are unavailable in veterinary medicine, and the aim of this study was to estimate the risk of adverse effects of biopsy taking on tumour progression in animals. A systematic review of veterinary and human case reports and clinical studies as well as experimental animal models of biopsy-induced tumour metastasis was undertaken. There were only two veterinary case reports of needle tract metastases (NTM) following the taking of needle biopsies from urogenital and pulmonary tumours. Seventeen experimental studies found a high incidence of NTM but only a rat osteosarcoma and a hamster squamous carcinoma model showed an increased incidence of distant or regional metastases after incision or excision biopsy. In human medicine, the occurrence of NTM has been reported after the taking of biopsies from mesotheliomas (15%), melanomas (11%) and gall bladder tumours (11%), liver metastases of colon carcinomas (4%) and mammary carcinomas (4%) but an incidence of only <1% for all other tumours. Circulating tumour cells increased immediately after the taking of biopsies from human squamous cell, prostate, breast and hepatocellular carcinomas. Although no increased risk of biopsy-induced distant metastasis has been reported for any type of tumour, this is inconclusive due to a lack of non-biopsied control groups in human studies. Reports of biopsy-induced metastasis in animal tumours indicate that the taking of transcutaneous biopsies from urogenital tumours may be associated with a risk of NTM. However, there is no evidence of a general increase in risk of distant metastases in any tumour type in people or animals. The overall risk therefore appears to be negligible when compared to the valuable information obtained from biopsies in veterinary practice.

Viable tumor tissue adherent to needle applicators after local ablation: a risk factor for local tumor progression

Background

Local tumor progression (LTP) is a serious complication after local ablation of malignant liver tumors, negatively influencing patient survival. LTP may be the result of incomplete ablation of the treated tumor. In this study, we determined whether viable tumor cells attached to the needle applicator after ablation was associated with LTP and disease-free survival.

Methods

In this prospective study, tissue was collected of 96 consecutive patients who underwent local liver ablations for 130 liver malignancies. Cells and tissue attached to the needle applicators were analyzed for viability using glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase staining and autofluorescence intensity levels of H&E stained sections. Patients were followed-up until disease progression.

Results

Viable tumor cells were found on the needle applicators after local ablation in 26.7% of patients. The type of needle applicator used, an open approach, and the omission of track ablation were significantly correlated with viable tumor tissue adherent to the needle applicator. The presence of viable cells was an independent predictor of LTP. The attachment of viable cells to the needle applicators was associated with a shorter time to LTP.

Conclusions

Viable tumor cells adherent to the needle applicators were found after ablation of 26.7% of patients. An independent risk factor for viable cells adherent to the needle applicators is the omission of track ablation. We recommend using only RFA devices that have track ablation functionality. Adherence of viable tumor cells to the needle applicator after local ablation was an independent risk factor for LTP.

Assessment of morbidity and mortality associated with EUS-guided FNA: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) permits both morphologic and cytologic analysis of lesions within or adjacent to the GI tract. Although previous studies have evaluated the accuracy of EUS-FNA, little is known about the complications of EUS-FNA. Moreover, the frequency and severity of complications may vary from center to center and may be related to differences in individual experience.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the morbidity and mortality associated with EUS-FNA.

DESIGN

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant English-language articles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

EUS-FNA-specific morbidity and mortality rates.

RESULTS

We identified 51 articles with a total of 10,941 patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria; the overall rate of EUS-FNA-specific morbidity was 0.98% (107/10,941). In the small proportion of patients with complications of any kind, the rates of pancreatitis (36/8246; 0.44%) and postprocedure pain (37/10,941; 0.34%) were 33.64% (36/107) and 34.58% (37/107), respectively. The mortality rate attributable to EUS-FNA-specific morbidity was 0.02% (2/10,941). Subgroup analysis showed that the morbidity rate was 2.44% in prospective studies compared with 0.35% in retrospective studies for pancreatic mass lesions (P=.000), whereas it was 2.33% versus 5.07% for pancreatic cysts (P=.036).

LIMITATIONS

Few articles reported well-designed, prospective studies and few focused on overall complications after EUS-FNA.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA-related morbidity and mortality rates are relatively low, and most associated events are mild to moderate in severity.

Management of an incidental liver mass

The increased use of sensitive imaging modalities has led to increased identification of the incidental liver mass (ILM). A combination of careful consideration of patient factors and imaging characteristics of the ILM enables clinicians to recommend a safe and efficient course of action. Using an algorithmic approach, this article includes pertinent clinical factors and the specific radiologic criteria of ILMs and discusses the indications for potential procedures. It is the aim of this article to assist with the development of an individualized strategy for each patient with an ILM.

Role of contrast enhanced ultrasonography in the assessment of hepatic metastases: A review

Contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has improved both the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. It is now possible to evaluate in real time the perfusion of focal liver lesions in the arterial, portal and late contrast phases, and thus to characterize focal liver lesions with high diagnostic accuracy. As a result, CEUS has taken a central diagnostic role in the evaluation of focal liver lesions that are indeterminate upon computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. The combined use of second generation contrast agents and low mechanical index techniques is essential for the detection of liver metastases, and it now allows the examination of the entire liver in both the portal and late phases. Several studies have shown that using CEUS instead of conventional ultrasonography without contrast agents significantly improves sensitivity in detection of liver metastases. Furthermore, the detection rate with CEUS seems to be similar to that of CT. This review describes the clinical role of CEUS in detecting liver metastases, including details about examination techniques, features of metastases observed with CEUS, and clinical results and guidelines.

A diagnostic paradigm for resectable liver lesions: to biopsy or not to biopsy?

BACKGROUND

Despite a growing body of evidence reporting the deleterious mechanical and oncological complications of biopsy of hepatic malignancy, a small but significant number of patients undergo the procedure prior to specialist surgical referral. Biopsy has been shown to result in poorer longterm survival following resection and advances in modern imaging modalities provide equivalent, or better, diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

The literature relating to needle-tract seeding of primary and secondary liver cancers was reviewed. MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for case reports and series relating to the oncological complications of biopsy of liver malignancies. Current non-invasive diagnostic modalities are reviewed and their diagnostic accuracy presented.

RESULTS

Biopsy of malignant liver lesions has been shown to result in poorer longterm survival following resection and does not confer any diagnostic advantage over a combination of non-invasive imaging techniques and serum tumour markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that chemotherapeutic advances now often permit downstaging and subsequent resection of 'unresectable' disease, the time has come to abandon biopsy of solid lesions outside the setting of a specialist multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT).

Contrast enhanced ultrasound should be the initial radiological investigation to characterise focal liver lesions

INTRODUCTION

Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) involves the administration of a microbubble contrast agent followed by a US scan to evaluate the liver lesion through all phases of enhancement. Although technical difficulty and operator dependence can be encountered, CEUS is thought to be superior to conventional US and CT. This study aims to determine how effective CEUS is at characterising focal liver lesions and to establish its role in the diagnostic algorithm.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a liver CEUS performed by a single consultant radiologist were identified over a 5 year period. The CEUS report, CT, MRI and/or PET report, histopathology report and case notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

127 patients were included. CEUS correctly identified 71 of 77 malignant lesions and all of the benign liver lesions. The sensitivity of CEUS for detecting and correctly characterising a malignant FLL is therefore 92% with a specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that CEUS has a high sensitivity and specificity for characterising focal liver lesions. CEUS has advantages over CT and MRI of a high degree of safety, good patient tolerance and often availability at the time of initial detection. We therefore suggest that CEUS should be used as the initial study in the characterisation of FLLs. The study should be followed, as appropriate, by CT and MRI or PET studies. Biopsy, with its risks of tumour seeding and false negative results should only be considered after review of the imaging studies and full MDT discussion.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology to distinguish dysplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma with different grades

BACKGROUND

Distinguishing dysplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is difficult. The aim of this study was to diagnose HCC and the distinction of liver cell dysplasia from HCC with different grades by interpreting and scoring the cyto-morphological features.

METHODS

Eighty-three cirrhotic patients undertook a sonography-guided FNA and subsequent needle biopsy for the tumor. HCC was confirmed in 68 cases and cirrhosis with dysplasia in 15 cases by pathology and follow-up for longer than 2 years. Eighteen cytological features were scored as degree of one, two or three according to their presence or prominence.

RESULTS

Two cases of well-differentiated HCC were diagnosed as negative for HCC initially. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive, false negative and accuracy were 97%, 100%, 0%, 3% and 97.6% for FNA cytology in the diagnosis of HCC, respectively. The score of dysplasia was 20.8 +/- 1.3 (mean +/- SD) and lower than 26.2 +/- 3.4 in Edmondson's grade I HCC (P < 0.01), 28.9 +/- 2.9 in grade II HCC (P < 0.01), and 34.9 +/- 4.3 in grade III/IV HCC (P < 0.01). The score was also significantly lower in grade II HCC than in grade III/IV HCC (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

FNA yielded a high accuracy in the distinction of dysplasia from HCC with different grades. There is a good correlation in cyto-morphological scores of liver cell dysplasia and HCC with different grades. Dysplasia displayed the lowest score and the score increased in order from dysplasia to grade III/IV HCC.

Diagnostic value and complications of fine needle aspiration for primary liver cancer and its influence on the treatment outcome-a study based on 3011 patients in China

AIM

To determine the diagnostic value and major complications of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for primary liver cancer (PLC) and its influence on the treatment outcome and prognosis.

METHODS

Information was gathered retrospectively for 3011 patients who presented with suspected PLC. Of which 2528 cases underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) biopsy. Patients were followed up through repeated office visits and imaging studies with a median follow-up of 7 months (range, 1-29 months).

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of cytological diagnosis by FNA biopsy for detection of liver malignancy were 91.5%, 100.0%, 100.00%, 59.1% and 92.4% respectively. All patients with AFP> or = 400 microg/L were associated with malignancy. Of 1154 patients with AFP<400 microg/L who were finally proved PLC, 945 were detected by FNA alone. Major complications included bleeding in 11 cases (5 of them died later), occurred mainly in hepatocellular carcinoma with superficial location, large tumors and severe cirrhosis, and implantation metastases in 5 cases, which were recognized as a subcutaneous nodule at the previous biopsy site. Implantation metastases were treated with resection or radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

FNA biopsy is valuable for the diagnosis of PLC. However, complications of post-biopsy hemorrhage should not be ignored, as such bleeding may be fatal. Implantation seems to have little effect on the prognosis.

The diagnostic value of on-site cytopathological evaluation and cell block preparation in fine-needle aspiration cytology of liver masses

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to evaluate the typing accuracy of conventional smear (CS), cell block (CB) preparations and combined use of both procedures (CS + CB) for the diagnosis of hepatic malignancies and to determine whether immediate on-site cytopathological evaluation improves the diagnostic yield of liver fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

METHODS

Ultrasound-guided FNABs were performed on 323 consecutive cases with liver masses between December 2002 and December 2004. Histologically and/or clinically correlated 167 cases were included in the study. Preliminary FNAB results, results of CS, CB, and combined use of CS and CB were compared regarding diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy. Subtyping accuracies of different methods were also compared.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of on-site cytopathological examination and CS were both 92.8%. The sensitivity of CS + CB was slightly better than that of CB (93.5% versus 84.8%). Specificity of all procedures was achieved 100%. Diagnostic accuracy of on-site cytopathological evaluation, CS, CB, and CS + CB were 93.9%, 93.9%, 87.2%, and 94.5%, respectively. A specific subtype diagnosis of malignant tumours could be rendered accurately on the basis of preliminary diagnosis in 71%, CS in 75.4%, CB in 78.3% and combined approach in 92% of cases. In terms of typing accuracy, 87.5% of HCCs, 93.2% of adenocarcinomas, 92.3% of neuroendocrine carcinomas, 100% of lymphomas and 100% of other malignant tumours were correctly subclassified in the final cytopathological diagnosis. The agreement between preliminary diagnosis and final cytopathological diagnosis was 77.2%.

CONCLUSION

With use of on-site cytopathological evaluation and combined use of CS and CB, the diagnostic accuracy of liver tumours approaches 100% and also significantly improve diagnostic and subtyping accuracy of liver malignancies.

Surgical treatment of liver metastases of colorectal cancer: Strategies and controversies in 2006

AIMS

To review the latest strategies and controversies in the surgical treatment of liver metastases of colorectal cancer systemically and comprehensively.

METHODS

A medline based literature search on relevant topics was performed in PubMed for key articles concerning the novel strategies and controversies in the management of liver metastases of colorectal cancer. Some information was obtained from 'Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol' published recently. The findings and discussions were related to our own experiences.

RESULTS

Although for well-indicated patients, a consensus has been reached that hepatic resection is the only management that could provide the patients curability, there still exist many controversies, such as the prognostic evaluation, contraindications to hepatic resection, treatment for synchronous liver metastases, the place of laparoscopic surgery, etc. Meanwhile, various strategies to improve the respectabilities are available, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, portal vein embolization, two stage hepatectomy, and some locally ablative approaches. The current condition is difficult and sometimes confusing for a relevant surgeon when designing treatment protocols for more complex diseases.

CONCLUSION

As the advancing of the management of liver metastases of colorectal cancer, more patients will become candidates for and benefit from potentially curative surgical resections. Optimal effect could only be achieved when used in a manner tailored to the individual patient.

Biopsy of resectable colorectal liver metastases causes tumour dissemination and adversely affects survival after liver resection

BACKGROUND

Liver resection is increasingly being performed for metastatic colorectal cancer. This study assessed the need for preoperative biopsy of suspected metastases and whether biopsy has any effect on long-term survival.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal metastases between 1986 and 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. The endpoints of morbidity, operative mortality and long-term survival were compared between patients who had biopsy before referral (group 1) and those who did not (group 2).

RESULTS

Patient demographics and disease distribution were similar for 90 patients in group 1 and 508 in group 2. Seventeen patients (19 per cent) who had undergone biopsy either at the time of colorectal resection or radiologically had evidence of needle-track deposits. Operative mortality and morbidity rates in the two groups were similar. The 4-year survival rate after liver resection was 32.5 (s.e. 5.5) per cent in group 1, compared with 46.7 (2.8) per cent in group 2 (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Needle-track deposits are common after biopsy of suspected colorectal liver metastases. Biopsy of metastases confers poorer long-term survival on patients after liver resection and cannot be justified in patients with potentially resectable disease.

General management

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The general management of hepatocellular carcinoma begins with an accurate diagnosis. With advances in imaging studies, noninvasive diagnosis has become an accepted standard of care for hepatocellular carcinoma, though pathologic examination is still required in selected cases. Following diagnosis, accurate staging is the next most important step in selecting the most appropriate treatment modality. Patients with localised tumor and compensated liver disease should be considered for partial hepatectomy, and patients with poor hepatic function but early tumor stage are candidates for liver transplantation. Patients who do not qualify for either of these curative treatments may be evaluated for palliative therapy, of which transarterial chemoembolisation is most widely used. This review will discuss the role of biopsy, the pros and cons of noninvasive and pathologic tissue diagnosis as well as the general approach to choose the most appropriate treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for a large proportion of cancer deaths worldwide. HCC is frequently diagnosed after the development of clinical deterioration at which time survival is measured in months. Long-term survival requires detection of small tumors, often present in asymptomatic individuals, which may be more amenable to invasive therapeutic options. Surveillance of high-risk individuals for HCC is commonly performed using the serum marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) often in combination with ultrasonography. Various other serologic markers are currently being tested to help improve surveillance accuracy. Diagnosis of HCC often requires more sophisticated imaging modalities such as CT scan and MRI, which have multiphasic contrast enhancement capabilities. Serum AFP used alone can be helpful if levels are markedly elevated, which occurs in fewer than half of cases at time of diagnosis. Confirmation by liver biopsy can be performed under circumstances when the diagnosis of HCC remains unclear.

Indication and contraindication for hepatic resection for liver tumors without fine-needle biopsy: validation and extension of an Eastern approach in a Western community hospital

Fine-needle biopsy (FNB) is associated with problems, such as tumor seeding, which are not negligible. The aim of this study was to validate prospectively the accuracy of our diagnostic work-up without FNB, not just to address but also to rule out from a surgical program patients with focal liver lesions (FLLs). From September 2001 to July 2003, 89 patients were seen at an outpatient clinic for FLLs. Nine patients were excluded because of previous FNB and 18 were excluded because carrier of advanced disease. Sixty-two patients with 101 FLLs were included. Preoperative diagnoses were established by means of clinical histories, serum tumor marker levels, ultrasonography (US), and spiral computed tomography (CT). Other imaging modalities were carried out when it was considered necessary. Forty-eight patients underwent surgery, with histological confirmation of the preoperative diagnosis. The remaining 14 patients underwent a close follow-up. The preoperative diagnoses of 47 of the 48 patients who underwent surgery were confirmed (97.9%). All of the 14 patients ruled out for surgical treatment did not show FLL progression at 6-24 months of follow-up. Of the 9 patients who had FNB previously in other centers, 2 had a wrong histological diagnosis. In view of these results, a diagnostic work-up without FNB seems adequate either to include or to exclude patients with potentially resectable FLL from the surgical program and once more highlight the fact that the use of FNB should be drastically limited.

An approach to the surgical pathology of tumours and tumour-like conditions of the liver

Hepatic masses are increasingly being found, often as a result of more frequent and sophisticated imaging. Lesions can be detected during screening for primary and metastatic tumours, or as an incidental finding. Although some have distinctive radiological appearances allowing for a confident diagnosis, histological assessment of biopsy and resection specimens remains the cornerstone for the correct identification of many lesions. This broadsheet describes the distinctive features of common and uncommon hepatic tumours and outlines diagnostic problems and pitfalls, particularly for the benign and malignant tumours of hepatocytes and bile ducts. Tumour-like lesions that mimic malignancy are also discussed. Finally, an approach to the assessment of biopsies from probable metastatic tumours is presented, as this is one of the most common indications for liver mass biopsy for the practising pathologist.

Percutaneous ablation of liver tumours

The goal of local ablation treatment of hepatic disease is to prolong survival for patients with unresectable tumours. Presently, influence on survival is difficult to estimate because of the heterogeneity of indications and treatments and short follow-up. This chapter therefore focuses on potential benefits and limitations, complications and solutions for improvement. The main problems with in situ ablation are the lack of good imaging techniques to determine the extent of disease and the lack of a method for real-time monitoring of irreversible tissue effect. With one exception, there are no prospective, randomized studies comparing local destruction methods. It appears that percutaneous ethanol injection and cryotherapy should be replaced by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or interstitial laser thermotherapy (ILT) and that there is little difference in outcome between RFA and ILT. Intraoperative RFA or ILT is valuable as an adjunct to hepatic resection in order to increase the rate of resectability. The percutaneous approach needs further development. It might be valuable in a few truly unresectable or inoperable patients or in selected patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases. In the large majority of unresectable patients it should, however, presently be used and evaluated only in prospective, randomized studies.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of solid liver lesions: a large single-center experience

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to report the sensitivity, cytological diagnoses, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) features, complications, clinical impact, and long term follow-up of a large single-center experience with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of benign and malignant solid liver lesions.

METHODS

A database of cytologic specimens from EUS-FNA was reviewed to identify all hepatic lesions aspirated between January, 1997, and July, 2002. Procedural indications, prior radiographic data, patient demographics, EUS examination results, complications, and follow-up data were obtained and recorded.

RESULTS

EUS-FNA of 77 liver lesions in 77 patients was performed without complications. Of these 77 lesions, 45 (58%) were diagnostic for malignancy, 25 (33%) were benign, and seven (9%) were nondiagnostic. A total of 22 lesions were confirmed as negative for malignancy by follow-up (mean 762 days, range 512-1556 days) or intraoperative examination; however, seven lesions could not be classified as benign or malignant. Depending on the status of the seven unclassified lesions, sensitivity of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of malignancy ranged from 82 to 94%. When compared with benign lesions, EUS features predictive of malignant hepatic masses were the presence of regular outer margins (60% vs 27%; p = 0.02) and the detection of two or more lesions (38% vs 9%; p = 0.03). Of the 42 patients with malignancy identified by EUS-FNA and other available imaging records, EUS detected the malignancy in 41% of patients with previously negative examinations. For the 45 subjects with cytology positive for malignancy, EUS-FNA changed management in 86% of subjects.

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA of the liver is a safe and sensitive procedure that can have a significant impact on patient management. Prospective studies comparing the accuracy and complication rate of EUS-FNA and percutaneous fine needle aspiration (P-FNA) for the diagnosis of liver tumors are needed.