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Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Fallah F, Bashash D, Karimi A. Unleashing the potential of gene signatures as prognostic and predictive tools: A step closer to personalized medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3913. [PMID: 38269520 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the growing malignancies globally, affecting a myriad of people and causing numerous cancer-related deaths. Despite therapeutic improvements in treatment strategies over the past decades, HCC still remains one of the leading causes of person-years of life lost. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the characteristics of HCC with the aim of predicting its prognosis and responsiveness to treatment. However, the identified biomarkers have shown limited sensitivity, and the translation of these findings into clinical practice has faced challenges. The development of sequencing techniques has facilitated the exploration of a wide range of genes, leading to the emergence of gene signatures. Although several studies assessed differentially expressed genes in normal and HCC tissues to find the unique gene signature with prognostic value, to date, no study has reviewed the task, and to the best of our knowledge, this review represents the first comprehensive analysis of relevant studies in HCC. Most gene signatures focused on immune-related genes, while others investigated genes related to metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis. Even though no identical gene signatures were found, NDRG1, SPP1, BIRC5, and NR0B1 were the most extensively studied genes with prognostic value. Finally, despite challenges such as the lack of consistent patterns in gene signatures, we believe that comprehensive analysis of pertinent gene signatures will bring us a step closer to personalized medicine in HCC, where treatment strategies can be tailored to individual patients based on their unique molecular profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Karimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Yu Q, Khanjyan M, Fidelman N, Pillai A. Contemporary applications of Y90 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0288. [PMID: 37782464 PMCID: PMC10545406 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres has been widely adopted for the treatment of HCC. Recent advances in yttrium-90 (90Y) dosimetry have led to durable local responses. Radiation segmentectomy has become a viable alternative to thermal ablation for early-stage HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer 0 and A) and has been commonly used as a bridge to transplant. TARE is also commonly used for downstaging to transplant using traditional lobar dosimetry and radiation segmentectomy techniques. Radiation lobectomy has a dual role in local tumor control and induction of contralateral liver lobe hypertrophy as a bridge to resection for patients with an inadequate future liver remnant. TARE continues to provide disease control for patients with limited vascular invasion and may be an alternative to systemic therapy for patients with localized advanced disease. The potential synergy between TARE and immunotherapy has been recognized, and prospective studies evaluating this combination are needed for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B and C HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Khanjyan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Fidelman
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Ducreux M, Abou-Alfa GK, Bekaii-Saab T, Berlin J, Cervantes A, de Baere T, Eng C, Galle P, Gill S, Gruenberger T, Haustermans K, Lamarca A, Laurent-Puig P, Llovet JM, Lordick F, Macarulla T, Mukherji D, Muro K, Obermannova R, O'Connor JM, O'Reilly EM, Osterlund P, Philip P, Prager G, Ruiz-Garcia E, Sangro B, Seufferlein T, Tabernero J, Verslype C, Wasan H, Van Cutsem E. The management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Current expert opinion and recommendations derived from the 24th ESMO/World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, Barcelona, 2022. ESMO Open 2023; 8:101567. [PMID: 37263081 PMCID: PMC10245111 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This article summarises expert discussion on the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which took place during the 24th World Gastrointestinal Cancer Congress (WGICC) in Barcelona, July 2022. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to ensure an optimal diagnosis and staging of HCC, planning of curative and therapeutic options, including surgical, embolisation, ablative strategies, or systemic therapy. Furthermore, in many patients with HCC, underlying liver cirrhosis represents a challenge and influences the therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ducreux
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
| | - G K Abou-Alfa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Weill Cornell College of Medicine, New York, USA; Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - J Berlin
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, USA
| | - A Cervantes
- INCLIVA, Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Clínico Universitario, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - T de Baere
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - C Eng
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, USA
| | - P Galle
- University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - S Gill
- BC Cancer/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - T Gruenberger
- Clinic Favoriten, HPB Center Health Network Vienna and Sigmund Freud University, Medical School, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Haustermans
- University Hospitals Gasthuisbergs, Leuven; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Lamarca
- Department of Oncology, OncoHealth Institute, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation, Manchester; Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P Laurent-Puig
- Institut du cancer Paris CARPEM, APHP, Georges Pompidou Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - J M Llovet
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, New York, USA; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Lordick
- University of Leipzig Medical Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany, Leipzig, Germany
| | - T Macarulla
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Oncology, IOB-Quiron, UVic-UCC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Mukherji
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - K Muro
- Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - R Obermannova
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J-M O'Connor
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E M O'Reilly
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Weill Cornell College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - P Osterlund
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - P Philip
- Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Departments of Oncology and Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - G Prager
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - B Sangro
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - J Tabernero
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus and Institute of Oncology, IOB-Quiron, UVic-UCC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Verslype
- University Hospitals Gasthuisbergs, Leuven; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - H Wasan
- Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - E Van Cutsem
- University Hospitals Gasthuisbergs, Leuven; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Marín JI, Anders M, Chagas A, Menéndez J, Beltran O, Estupiñan EC, Ferrer JD, Mattos AA, Piñero F. The leading and key role of hepatologists in the multidisciplinary management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:101112. [PMID: 37127262 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aline Chagas
- Division of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital das Clínicas Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josemaría Menéndez
- Programa Nacional de Traslante Hepático, Hospital Militar, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | - Javier Diaz Ferrer
- Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Facultad de Medicina UNMSM, Perú
| | - Angelo A Mattos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre
| | - Federico Piñero
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Austral University, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Wang J, Bao J, Wang R, Hong J, Zhang L, Que Q, Xu S, Wu Y, Zhan Q, Liu Y, Liu J, Zheng S, Ling S, Xu X. The predictive value of the modified AFP model for liver transplantation outcomes in multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma patients. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:104. [PMID: 36967432 PMCID: PMC10041809 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of studies focusing on the benefit of liver transplantation (LT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with > 3 tumors. This study aims to establish a model to effectively predict overall survival in Chinese HCC patients with multiple tumors (> 3 tumors) who undergo LT. METHODS This retrospective study included 434 HCC liver transplant recipients from the China Liver Transplant Registry. All HCC patients had more than 3 tumor nodules. Three selection criteria systems (i.e., AFP, Metroticket 2.0, and Up-to-7) were compared regarding the prediction of HCC recurrence. The modified AFP model was established by univariate and multivariate competing risk analyses. RESULTS The AFP score 2 and the AFP score ≥ 3 groups had 5-year recurrence rates of 19.6% and 40.5% in our cohort. The prediction of HCC recurrence based on the AFP model was associated with a c-statistic of 0.606, which was superior to the Up-to-7 and Metroticket 2.0 models. AFP level > 1000 ng/mL, largest tumor size ≥ 8 cm, vascular invasion, and MELD score ≥ 15 were associated with overall survival. The 5-year survival rate in the modified AFP score 0 group was 71.7%. CONCLUSIONS The AFP model is superior in predicting tumor recurrence in HCC patients with > 3 tumors prior to LT. With the modified AFP model, patients likely to derive sufficient benefit from LT can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrui Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jiaqi Bao
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jiachen Hong
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Lincheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingyang Que
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yongfeng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qifan Zhan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jimin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management of Liver Transplant, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Sunbin Ling
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Center for Integrated Oncology and Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management of Liver Transplant, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Outcomes of Sorafenib for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Liver Transplantation in the Era of Combined and Sequential Treatments. Transplantation 2023; 107:156-161. [PMID: 35996072 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the current standard of care for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurring after liver transplantation (LT). Sorafenib is sometimes regarded as a scarcely effective treatment in this setting because of some studies showing a short overall survival (OS) indirectly compared with historical series of nontransplanted patients. Additional data from multicenter prospective studies are needed before drawing definite conclusions. METHODS Retrospective analyses of a large prospective multicenter dataset of sorafenib-treated HCC patients to report the characteristics and outcomes of LT recipients (n = 81). RESULTS At the baseline, LT patients had key prognostic features (high prevalence of metastatic disease, and low prevalence of macrovascular invasion, α-fetoprotein >400 ng/mL, ALBI grade >1, performance status >0) that differentiated them from the typical populations of non-LT patient reported in clinical trials and observational studies. Moreover, a relevant proportion of LT patients received concurrent locoregional (12.3%) and postprogression systemic treatments (34.2%), resulting in a median OS of 18.7 mo. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal and sequential treatments are relatively frequent in post-LT HCC patients and contribute to a remarkable OS, together with favorable baseline characteristics. Despite the impossibility of matching with non-LT patients, our results indirectly suggest that the metastatic nature of post-LT recurrence and concurrent antirejection regimens should not discourage systemic treatments.
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AFP score and metroticket 2.0 perform similarly and could be used in a "within-ALL" clinical decision tool. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2022; 5:100644. [PMID: 36691474 PMCID: PMC9860475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background & Aims Two recently developed composite models, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) score and Metroticket 2.0, could be used to select patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are candidates for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to compare the predictive performance of both models and to evaluate the net risk reclassification of post-LT recurrence between them using each model's original thresholds. Methods This multicenter cohort study included 2,444 adult patients who underwent LT for HCC in 47 centers from Europe and Latin America. A competing risk regression analysis estimating sub-distribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and 95% CIs for recurrence was used (Fine and Gray method). Harrell's adapted c-statistics were estimated. The net reclassification index for recurrence was compared based on each model's original thresholds. Results During a median follow-up of 3.8 years, there were 310 recurrences and 496 competing events (20.3%). Both models predicted recurrence, HCC survival and survival better than Milan criteria (p <0.0001). At last tumor reassessment before LT, c-statistics did not significantly differ between the two composite models, either as original or threshold versions, for recurrence (0.72 vs. 0.68; p = 0.06), HCC survival, and overall survival after LT. We observed predictive gaps and overlaps between the model's thresholds, and no significant gain on reclassification. Patients meeting both models ("within-ALL") at last tumor reassessment presented the lowest 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC recurrence (7.7%; 95% CI 5.1-11.5) and higher 5-year post-LT survival (70.0%; 95% CI 64.9-74.6). Conclusions In this multicenter cohort, Metroticket 2.0 and the AFP score demonstrated a similar ability to predict HCC recurrence post-LT. The combination of these composite models might be a promising clinical approach. Impact and implications Composite models were recently proposed for the selection of liver transplant (LT) candidates among individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that both the AFP score and Metroticket 2.0 predicted post-LT HCC recurrence and survival better than Milan criteria; the Metroticket 2.0 did not result in better reclassification for transplant selection compared to the AFP score, with predictive gaps and overlaps between the two models; patients who met low-risk thresholds for both models had the lowest 5-year recurrence rate. We propose prospectively testing the combination of both models, to further optimize the LT selection process for candidates with HCC.
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Kim SJ, Kim JM. Prediction models of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation: A comprehensive review. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:739-753. [PMID: 35468711 PMCID: PMC9597239 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although LT eliminates HCC and greatly reduces recurrence, some patients experience recurrence after LT. Criteria and models for screening patients with a high probability of HCC recurrence after LT, starting with the Milan criteria, have been published. These models have changed over time, but a standard has not been established. We summarized HCC prediction models after LT by focusing on the application of radiologic, serologic, and pathologic factors and recent trends. This review will look at studies that are based on living donor LT and deceased donor LT, as well as studies that downstaging procedures have been performed preoperatively. This ultimately aims to help make decisions for evaluating the HCC state and selecting candidates for LT according to the circumstances of each transplantation center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Jin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Division of Hepatobiliopancreas and Transplant Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Republic of Korea, Ansan, Korea
| | - Jong Man Kim
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Corresponding author : Jong Man Kim Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea Tel: +82-2-3410-1719, Fax: +82-2-3410-0040, E-mail:
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Li Z, Gao H, Zhang X, Liu Q, Chen G. Mutational and transcriptional alterations and clinicopathological factors predict the prognosis of stage I hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:427. [PMID: 36153509 PMCID: PMC9509563 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been extensively studied. However, the impact on prognosis of stage I HCC has not been well studied at clincopathological, mutational and transcriptional levels.
Methods
Here we first characterized the influencing factors of prognosis of stage I HCC patients by downloading and analyzing the whole-exome somatic mutation data, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcription data, along with demographic and clinical information of 163 stage I HCC patients from the TCGA database. The relationship between the influencing factors and HCC prognosis was studied in detail, and a prediction Nomogram model was established. Figures and tables were plotted using the R software.
Results
TP53, CTNNB1, TTN, MUC16 and ALB were the top mutated genes in stage I HCC. A series of co-mutations and mutually exclusive mutations were identified. Twenty-nine genes with significant stratification on prognosis were identified, including highly mutated LRP1B, ARID1A and PTPRQ. Patients with wild type (WT) genes unanimously exhibited significantly better overall survival rate than those with mutants. Patients with the top 10% tumor mutational burden (TMB) exhibited significantly worse prognosis than the rest 90%. Further characterization of transcriptional profile revealed that membrane functions, cell skeleton proteins, ion channels, receptor function and cell cycle were comprehensively altered in stage I HCC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed at clinicopathological, mutational and transcriptional levels. The combined analysis revealed sex, race, TMB, neoplasm histologic grade, Child–Pugh grade, MMRN1, OXT and COX6A2 transcription as independent risk factors. These factors were used to establish a Nomogram model to predict the prognosis of individual HCC patients.
Conclusions
The influencing factors of prognosis of stage I HCC have been characterized for the first time at clinicopathological, mutational and transcriptional levels. A Nomogram model has been established to predict the prognosis. Further validation is needed to confirm the effectiveness and reliability of the model.
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The impact of biological features for a better prediction of posttransplant hepatocellular cancer recurrence. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:305-311. [PMID: 36354256 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Morphological criteria (i.e., Milan Criteria) have been considered for a long time to be the best tool for selecting patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) waiting for liver transplantation (LT). In the last ten years, a refinement of the selection criteria has been observed, with the introduction of biological tumor characteristics enabling to enlarge the number of potential transplant candidates and to select LT candidates with a lower risk of posttransplant recurrence. RECENT FINDINGS Several biological tumor aspects have been explored and validated in international cohorts to expand the ability to predict patients at high risk for recurrence. Alpha-fetoprotein, radiological response to locoregional treatments, and other more recently proposed markers have been principally explored. Moreover, more complex statistical approaches (i.e., deep learning) have been advocated to explore the nonlinear intercorrelations between the investigated features. SUMMARY The addition of biological aspects to morphology has improved the ability to discriminate among high- and low-risk patients for recurrence. New prognostic algorithms based on the more sophisticated artificial intelligence approach are further improving the capability to select LT candidates with HCC.
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de Ataide EC, Perales SR, Teramoto FD, Garcia A, Cunha-Silva M, Sevá-Pereira T, Foratto A, Fernandes DP, Marcondes DC, Meneses CJ, da Costa LBE, Neto FC, de Fatima Santana Ferreira Boin IS. Validation of New York/California Score in the Preoperative Period of Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma at University of Campinas's Hospital. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:1300-1303. [PMID: 35810016 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplant is the main treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma and there is currently an important demand from patients waiting in transplant queues. Thus, it is extremely important to improve the criteria for selecting patients who will undergo transplant to mitigate graft loss and reduce cases of recurrence. Thus, it becomes necessary to use models, such as the New York/California (NYCA), that include alpha fetoprotein as a marker of recurrence and prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether the NYCA score correlated with the presence of tumor recurrence after transplant in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant at the Clinics Hospital of the University of Campinas. We had 214 patients undergoing liver transplant who met the inclusion Milan criteria. The age of the patients ranged from 34 to 77 years, with a median age of 61 years. The mean waiting time on the transplant list was 6.12 months. After calculating the NYCA score, it was possible to stratify 13 patients (6.1%) as high risk, 64 patients (29.9%) as medium risk, and 137 patients (64%) as low risk. Patients with recurrence had higher scores with a mean of 4 points in relapse and 2 points in the absence of relapse (P = .0011). Patients with recurrence had statistically higher high- and medium-risk scores (P = .0010). Therefore, the NYCA score was higher in patients with recurrence. Therefore, in this study, our findings suggest the possibility of using the NYCA score as an aid to detect patients with a higher risk of tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Reges Perales
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Aline Garcia
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlone Cunha-Silva
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago Sevá-Pereira
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Foratto
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Felicio Chueiri Neto
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, São Paulo, Brazil
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Galdino-Vasconcelos MR, Feijó MS, Ferro HM, Gomes ACR, De Almeida Santos ME, Ferreira G, Jorge F, Trevizoli N, Diaz LG, De Campos PB, Cajá G, Ullmann R, Figueira AV, Morato T, Watanabe ALC. Preoperative Alpha-Fetoprotein and Radiological Total Tumor Diameter as Predictors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:1333-1340. [PMID: 35768294 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is a unique treatment opportunity for patients with chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Selection of HCC patients for transplantation was revolutionized by Milan-based criteria, but tumor recurrence and shortage of organs are still a major concern. Nowadays, additional preoperative tumor parameters can help to refine the graft allocation process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value and cut-off points of pretransplant serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and radiological tumor parameters on liver transplantation outcomes. METHODS This is a single-team retrospective cohort of 162 consecutive deceased donor liver transplants (DDLT) with pathologically confirmed HCC. Pretransplant serum AFP levels and radiological tumor parameters were retrieved from a preoperative follow-up. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to evaluate cut-off points for each outcome. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to assess the predictors of HCC relapse and recipient mortality. RESULTS Twelve recipients (7.4%) had HCC recurrence after transplantation, with median survival time of 5.8 months. Pretransplant AFP ≥30 ng/mL (hazard ratio [HR]: 13.84, P = .003) and radiological total tumor diameter (TTD) ≥5 cm (HR: 12.89, P = .005) were independent predictors for HCC relapse. Moreover, pretransplant AFP ≥150 ng/mL was independently associated with recipient mortality (HR: 4.45, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS Pretransplant AFP levels and radiological TTD were independently associated with HCC relapse and recipient mortality after DDLT, with different cut-off points predicting different outcomes. These findings may contribute to improving decision-making in the context of liver transplantation for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mateus Silva Feijó
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil.
| | - Henrique Metzker Ferro
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Ramalho Gomes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Ferreira
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Fernando Jorge
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Natália Trevizoli
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo Diaz
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Priscila Brizolla De Campos
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Cajá
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Raquel Ullmann
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Ana Virgínia Figueira
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Tiago Morato
- Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - André Luís Conde Watanabe
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Instituto de Cardiologia do Distrito Federal (ICDF), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Department of Liver Transplantation, Hospital Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
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Liver Diseases in Latin America: Current Status, Unmet Needs, and Opportunities for Improvement. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2022; 20:261-278. [PMID: 35729970 PMCID: PMC9202671 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-022-00382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review
To assess the current challenges regarding liver diseases, including the burden of disease, access to care, screening, and treatment needs in Latin America. Recent findings Latin America is a region with a rich multicultural heritage and important socioeconomic differences. The burden of liver diseases is high and mainly determined by a high level of alcohol intake and the surge of risk factors associated with NAFLD (i.e., sedentary lifestyles, broader access to highly processed foods, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus). Hepatotropic viruses also play a role in the development of chronic liver diseases, although their comparative frequency has been decreasing over the last decades. There are important disparities in access to screening and treatment for liver diseases in Latin America, which are reflected in low access to critical treatments such as direct-acting antiviral agents and drugs to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. Also, important barriers to liver transplantation are present in multiple countries, including a low deceased donors’ rate and a lack of availability in several countries (especially in Central America). Our region also has disadvantages in research and education in liver diseases, which limits regional academic development and improvement in quality of care of liver diseases. Summary In order to tackle an increasing health burden due to liver diseases, Latin America urgently needs tailored interventions aiming to control the main risk factors for these disorders through the establishment of effective public health policies. Also, development of liver transplantation programs and improvement of medical education and research capabilities as well as extensive collaboration between all stakeholders are keys to address the liver disease agenda in the region.
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Degroote H, Geerts A, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H. Different Models to Predict the Risk of Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Setting of Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122973. [PMID: 35740638 PMCID: PMC9221160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver transplantation is considered the first-choice curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in the early phase of the disease, when surgical resection is not possible. Even when implementing restrictive criteria to select patients for liver transplantation, there is a risk of recurrence in the transplanted liver, influencing the long-term outcome and prognosis. As it is challenging to predict the individual risk of recurrence, there is a need for validated and predictive scoring systems to use to stratify patients before and/or after liver transplantation. Most of the proposed scorings include biological markers for tumour behavior, in addition to the number and size of tumoral nodules. In this review, we discuss different published models to assess the risk of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after transplantation. Our aim is to refine clinical decisions about prioritization and listing for liver transplantation, to better inform patients and provide an appropriate surveillance strategy to influence their prognosis. Abstract Liver transplantation is the preferred therapeutic option for non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma in early-stage disease. Taking into account the limited number of donor organs, liver transplantation is restricted to candidates with long-term outcomes comparable to benign indications on the waiting list. Introducing the morphometric Milan criteria as the gold standard for transplant eligibility reduced the recurrence rate. Even with strict patient selection, there is a risk of recurrence of between 8 and 20% in the transplanted liver, and this is of even greater importance when using more expanded criteria and downstaging protocols. Currently, it remains challenging to predict the risk of recurrence and the related prognosis for individual patients. In this review, the recurrence-risk-assessment scores proposed in the literature are discussed. Currently there is no consensus on the optimal model or the implications of risk stratification in clinical practice. The most recent scorings include additional biological markers for tumour behavior, such as alfa-foetoprotein, and the response to locoregional therapies, in addition to the number and diameter of tumoral nodules. The refinement of the prediction of recurrence is important to better inform patients, guide decisions about prioritization and listing and implement individualized surveillance strategies. In the future, this might also provide indications for tailored immunosuppressive therapy or inclusion in trials for adjuvant treatment.
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Herrero A, Boivineau L, Cassese G, Assenat E, Riviere B, Faure S, Bedoya JU, Panaro F, Guiu B, Navarro F, Pageaux GP. Progression of AFP SCORE is a Preoperative Predictive Factor of Microvascular Invasion in Selected Patients Meeting Liver Transplantation Criteria for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10412. [PMID: 35401038 PMCID: PMC8983829 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular invasion (MVI) is one of the main prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT), but its occurrence is unpredictable before surgery. The alpha fetoprotein (AFP) model (composite score including size, number, AFP), currently used in France, defines the selection criteria for LT. This study’s aim was to evaluate the preoperative predictive value of AFP SCORE progression on MVI and overall survival during the waiting period for LT. Data regarding LT recipients for HCC from 2007 to 2015 were retrospectively collected from a single institutional database. Among 159 collected cases, 34 patients progressed according to AFP SCORE from diagnosis until LT. MVI was shown to be an independent histopathological prognostic factor according to Cox regression and competing risk analysis in our cohort. AFP SCORE progression was the only preoperative predictive factor of MVI (OR = 10.79 [2.35–49.4]; p 0.002). The 5-year overall survival in the progression and no progression groups was 63.9% vs. 86.3%, respectively (p = 0.001). Cumulative incidence of HCC recurrence was significantly different between the progression and no progression groups (Sub-HR = 4.89 [CI 2–11.98]). In selected patients, the progression of AFP SCORE during the waiting period can be a useful preoperative tool to predict MVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Herrero
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucile Boivineau
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Hepatology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gianluca Cassese
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Minimally invasive and robotic HPB Surgery Unit, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Riviere
- Department of Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphanie Faure
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Hepatology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - José Ursic Bedoya
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Hepatology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabrizio Panaro
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Boris Guiu
- Department of Digestive Imaging, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francis Navarro
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Hepatology, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Costentin C, Piñero F, Degroote H, Notarpaolo A, Boin IF, Boudjema K, Baccaro C, Podestá LG, Bachellier P, Ettorre GM, Poniachik J, Muscari F, Dibenedetto F, Hoyos Duque S, Salame E, Cillo U, Marciano S, Vanlemmens C, Fagiuoli S, Burra P, Van Vlierberghe H, Cherqui D, Lai Q, Silva M, Rubinstein F, Duvoux C, Boudjema K, Bachellier P, Conti F, Scatton O, Muscari F, Salame E, Bernard PH, Francoz C, Durand F, Dharancy S, Woehl ML, Vanlemmens C, Laurent A, Radenne S, Dumortier J, Abergel A, Cherqui D, Barbier L, Houssel-Debry P, Pageaux GP, Chiche L, Deledinghen V, Hardwigsen J, Gugenheim J, altieri M, Hilleret MN, Decaens T, Duvoux C, Piñero F, Chagas A, Costa P, Cristina de Ataide E, Quiñones E, Duque SH, Marciano S, Anders M, Varón A, Zerega A, Poniachik J, Soza A, Machaca MP, Arufe D, Menéndez J, Zapata R, Vilatoba M, Muñoz L, Menéndez RC, Maraschio M, Podestá LG, McCormack L, Mattera J, Gadano A, Fatima Boin ISF, Parente García JH, Carrilho F, Silva M, Notarpaolo A, Magini G, Miglioresi L, Gambato M, Benedetto FD, D’Ambrosio C, Ettorre GM, Vitale A, Burra P, Fagiuoli S, Cillo U, Colledan M, Pinelli D, Magistri P, Vennarecci G, Colasanti M, Giannelli V, Pellicelli A, Baccaro C, Lai Q, Degroote H, Vlierberghe HV, Eduard C, Samuele I, Jeroen D, Jonas S, Jacques P, Chris V, Dirk Y, Peter M, Valerio L, Christophe M, Olivier D, Jean D, Roberto T, Paul LJ. R3-AFP score is a new composite tool to refine prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100445. [PMID: 35360522 PMCID: PMC8961219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are selected for liver transplantation (LT) based on pre-LT imaging ± alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) level, but discrepancies between pre-LT tumour assessment and explant are frequent. Our aim was to design an explant-based recurrence risk reassessment score to refine prediction of recurrence after LT and provide a framework to guide post-LT management. Methods Adult patients who underwent transplantation between 2000 and 2018 for HCC in 47 centres were included. A prediction model for recurrence was developed using competing-risk regression analysis in a European training cohort (TC; n = 1,359) and tested in a Latin American validation cohort (VC; n=1,085). Results In the TC, 76.4% of patients with HCC met the Milan criteria, and 89.9% had an AFP score of ≤2 points. The recurrence risk reassessment (R3)-AFP model was designed based on variables independently associated with recurrence in the TC (with associated weights): ≥4 nodules (sub-distribution of hazard ratio [SHR] = 1.88, 1 point), size of largest nodule (3–6 cm: SHR = 1.83, 1 point; >6 cm: SHR = 5.82, 5 points), presence of microvascular invasion (MVI; SHR = 2.69, 2 points), nuclear grade >II (SHR = 1.20, 1 point), and last pre-LT AFP value (101–1,000 ng/ml: SHR = 1.57, 1 point; >1,000 ng/ml: SHR = 2.83, 2 points). Wolber’s c-index was 0.76 (95% CI 0.72–0.80), significantly superior to an R3 model without AFP (0.75; 95% CI 0.72–0.79; p = 0.01). Four 5-year recurrence risk categories were identified: very low (score = 0; 5.5%), low (1–2 points; 15.1%), high (3–6 points; 39.1%), and very high (>6 points; 73.9%). The R3-AFP score performed well in the VC (Wolber’s c-index of 0.78; 95% CI 0.73–0.83). Conclusions The R3 score including the last pre-LT AFP value (R3-AFP score) provides a user-friendly, standardised framework to design post-LT surveillance strategies, protocols, or adjuvant therapy trials for HCC not limited to the Milan criteria. Clinical Trials Registration NCT03775863. Lay summary Considering discrepancies between pre-LT tumour assessment and explant are frequent, reassessing the risk of recurrence after LT is critical to further refine the management of patients with HCC. In a large and international cohort of patients who underwent transplantation for HCC, we designed and validated the R3-AFP model based on variables independently associated with recurrence post-LT (number of nodules, size of largest nodule, presence of MVI, nuclear grade, and last pre-LT AFP value). The R3-AFP model including last available pre-LT AFP value outperformed the original R3 model only based on explant features. The final R3-AFP scoring system provides a robust framework to design post-LT surveillance strategies, protocols, or adjuvant therapy trials, irrespective of criteria used to select patients with HCC for LT. Discrepancies between pretransplant tumour assessment and liver explant are frequent. The R3-AFP predictive model of recurrence was designed and validated in a large and international cohort of patients transplanted for HCC. The components of the final model are the following: number of nodules, size of the largest nodule, presence of MVI, nuclear grade, and last pre-LT AFP value. The R3-AFP model including the last available pre-LT AFP value outperformed the original R3 model only based on explant features. The final R3-AFP scoring system provides a standardised framework to refine post-LT management of patients, irrespective of criteria used to select patients with HCC for LT.
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Lozanovski VJ, Ramouz A, Aminizadeh E, Al-Saegh SAH, Khajeh E, Probst H, Picardi S, Rupp C, Chang DH, Probst P, Mehrabi A. Prognostic role of selection criteria for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a network meta-analysis. BJS Open 2022; 6:6536147. [PMID: 35211739 PMCID: PMC8874238 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are selected for transplantation if they have a low tumour burden and low risk of recurrence. The morphometric Milan criteria have been the cornerstone for patient selection, but dynamic morphological and biological tumour characteristics surfaced as an encouraging tool to refine the selection of patients with HCC and to support the expansion of the Milan criteria. The outcomes of the most prevalent models that select patients with HCC for liver transplantation were analysed in this study, which aimed to identify the selection model that offered the best recurrence-free and overall survival after transplantation. METHODS Studies that compared Milan, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), up-to-seven (UPTS), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and MetroTicket 2.0 (MT2) models were included. One-year, 3-year, and 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates of patients selected for transplantation using different models were analysed. RESULTS A total of 60 850 adult patients with HCC selected for liver transplantation using Milan, UCSF, UPTS, AFP, or MT2 criteria were included. Patients selected for transplantation using the MT2 model had the highest 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival. In addition, patients selected for transplantation using MT2 criteria had the best 1- and 3-year overall survival, whereas patients selected for transplantation using the Milan criteria had the best 5-year overall survival rates. CONCLUSION The MT2 model offered the best post-transplant outcomes in patients with HCC, highlighting the importance of considering tumour morphology and biology when selecting patients with HCC for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir J Lozanovski
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ali Ramouz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ehsan Aminizadeh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sadeq Ali-Hasan Al-Saegh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elias Khajeh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Probst
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Picardi
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Rupp
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - De-Hua Chang
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pascal Probst
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,The Study Center of the German Surgical Society (SDGC), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Impact of Brazilian expanded criteria for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter study. Ann Hepatol 2021; 22:100294. [PMID: 33276136 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main indications for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In Brazil, selection criteria for HCC is an expanded version of the Milan Criteria (MC), the so-called "Brazilian Milan Criteria" (BMC). Our aims were to evaluate post-OLT outcomes in patients with HCC and analyze the BMC performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study, analyzing medical records of 1,059 liver transplant recipients with HCC. Tumor was staged according to MC and BMC and correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). We compared the ability of MC and BMC to predict OS and DFS using Delta C-statistic. RESULTS Post-OLT OS were 63% in five years and HCC recurrence was observed in 8% of patients. At diagnosis, 85% of patients were within MC. Patients within MC at diagnosis and in the explant showed a higher OS and DFS than patients outside MC and within BMC and patients outside both criteria (p < 0.001). Patients outside MC in the explant had an increased risk of tumor recurrence (HR: 3.78; p < 0.001) and poor survival (HR:1.77; p = 0.003). The BMC presented a lower performance than MC in properly classifying patients regarding recurrence risk. CONCLUSIONS In a large Brazilian cohort of HCC patients submitted to liver transplantation, we observed satisfactory overall survival and recurrence rates. However, patients transplanted within the Brazilian expanded criteria had lower OS and DFS when compared to patients within MC, which may generate future discussions regarding the criteria currently used.
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Comment on "Shadows Behind Using Simple Risk Models in Selection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients for Liver Transplantation". Ann Surg 2021; 274:e832-e833. [PMID: 33214429 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000004511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Response to the Comment on "Shadows Behind Using Simple Risk Models in Selection of Hepatocellular Cancer Patients for Liver Transplantation". Ann Surg 2021; 274:e833-e836. [PMID: 33214427 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000004509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Piñero F, Thompson MA, Diaz Telli F, Trentacoste J, Padín C, Mendizabal M, Colaci C, Gonzalez Campaña A, Pages J, Montal S, Barreiro M, Fauda M, Podestá G, Perotti JP, Silva M. LI-RADS 4 or 5 categorization may not be clinically relevant for decision-making processes: A prospective cohort study. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:662-667. [PMID: 32683095 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The liver imaging reporting data system (LI-RADS) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was proposed to standardize and enhance consensus of reporting. However, clinical utility of LI-RADS has not been evaluated in Latin America. We therefore sought to compare LI-RADS categories with histopathology findings in liver transplant (LT) explants in a regional center. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospective cohort study conducted between 2012 and 2018 in a single center from Argentina including patients with HCC listed for LT. LI-RADS definitions were applied to magnetic resonance images (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) abdominal scans at time of listing and at final pre-LT reassessment and compared to explant pathology findings; specifically, major nodule (NOD1). RESULTS Of 130 patients with HCC listed for LT (96.1% with cirrhosis and 35.6% with hepatitis C virus infection), 72 underwent LT. Overall, 65% had imaging HCC diagnosis based on MRI (n = 84), 26% with CT (n = 34) and 9% (n = 12) with both methods. Among LT patients with pre-transplant imaging at our institution (n = 42/72), 69% of the NOD1 were LR-5, 21% LR-4 and 10% LR-3. Definite HCC diagnosis was 50% in LR-3 NOD1 (CI 18-90); none presented microvascular invasion. In LR-4 NOD1, HCC was confirmed in 89% (CI 59-98), of which 11% showed microvascular invasion; whereas in LR-5 NOD1 77% (CI 64-87) had confirmed HCC, 17% with microvascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS LI-RADS was useful to standardize reports; however, no significant differences were observed between LR-4 and LR-5 HCC probability when compared to explant pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marcos A Thompson
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Diaz Telli
- Images and Diagnosis Department, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Trentacoste
- Images and Diagnosis Department, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Padín
- Images and Diagnosis Department, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manuel Mendizabal
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Colaci
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Gonzalez Campaña
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Josefina Pages
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Montal
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Barreiro
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Fauda
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Podestá
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Perotti
- Images and Diagnosis Department, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pelizzaro F, Gambato M, Gringeri E, Vitale A, Cillo U, Farinati F, Burra P, Russo FP. Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194882. [PMID: 34638365 PMCID: PMC8508053 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly important indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. However, LT in the setting of liver cancer is burdened by the risk of tumor recurrence. The prognosis of patients with post-LT HCC recurrence is still very poor and several areas of uncertainty remain in the management of these patients. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of available evidence regarding the management of HCC recurrence after LT, starting from the pre- and post-transplant stratification criteria and encompassing post-LT surveillance, preventive strategies and treatment. Much work has been done in the last several years but further effort is still needed in order to improve the outcome of these patients. Abstract Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT), occurring in 10–15% of cases, is a major concern. A lot of work has been done in order to refine the selection of LT candidates with HCC and to improve the outcome of patients with recurrence. Despite this, the prognosis of these patients remains poor, partly due to the several areas of uncertainty in their management. Even if surveillance for HCC recurrence is crucial for early detection, there is currently no evidence to support a specific and cost-effective post-LT surveillance strategy. Concerning preventive measures, consensus on the best immunosuppressive drugs has not been reached and not enough data to support adjuvant therapy are present. Several therapeutic approaches (surgical, locoregional and systemic treatments) are available in case of recurrence, but there are still few data in the post-LT setting. Moreover, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is controversial in transplant recipients considered the risk of rejection. In this paper, the available evidence on the management of HCC recurrence after LT is comprehensively reviewed, considering pre- and post-transplant risk stratification, post-transplant surveillance, preventive strategies and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Gringeri
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (E.G.); (A.V.); (U.C.)
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (P.B.)
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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23
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Arab JP, Dirchwolf M, Álvares-da-Silva MR, Barrera F, Benítez C, Castellanos-Fernandez M, Castro-Narro G, Chavez-Tapia N, Chiodi D, Cotrim H, Cusi K, de Oliveira CPMS, Díaz J, Fassio E, Gerona S, Girala M, Hernandez N, Marciano S, Masson W, Méndez-Sánchez N, Leite N, Lozano A, Padilla M, Panduro A, Paraná R, Parise E, Perez M, Poniachik J, Restrepo JC, Ruf A, Silva M, Tagle M, Tapias M, Torres K, Vilar-Gomez E, Costa Gil JE, Gadano A, Arrese M. Latin American Association for the study of the liver (ALEH) practice guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:674-690. [PMID: 33031970 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently represents an epidemic worldwide. NAFLD is the most frequently diagnosed chronic liver disease, affecting 20-30% of the general population. Furthermore, its prevalence is predicted to increase exponentially in the next decades, concomitantly with the global epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD is a clinical syndrome that encompasses a wide spectrum of associated diseases and hepatic complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, this disease is believed to become the main indication for liver transplantation in the near future. Since NAFLD management represents a growing challenge for primary care physicians, the Asociación Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hígado (ALEH) has decided to organize this Practice Guidance for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, written by Latin-American specialists in different clinical areas, and destined to general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, gastroenterologists, and hepatologists. The main purpose of this document is to improve patient care and awareness of NAFLD. The information provided in this guidance may also be useful in assisting stakeholders in the decision-making process related to NAFLD. Since new evidence is constantly emerging on different aspects of the disease, updates to this guideline will be required in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Unidad de Trasplante Hepático, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Mário Reis Álvares-da-Silva
- Hepatology Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Graduate Program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Francisco Barrera
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Carlos Benítez
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Graciela Castro-Narro
- Gastroenterology Department, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Daniela Chiodi
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Helma Cotrim
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | | | - Javier Díaz
- Departamento del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, EsSalud, Lima, Peru.
| | - Eduardo Fassio
- Sección Hígado, Vías Biliares y Páncreas, Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, El Palomar, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Solange Gerona
- Liver Unit, Hospital de Fuerzas Armadas, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | | | - Nelia Hernandez
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | | | - Walter Masson
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | - Nathalie Leite
- School of Medicine, Internal Medicine Department and Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Adelina Lozano
- Unidad de Hígado, Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | | | - Arturo Panduro
- Department of Molecular Biology in Medicine, Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Raymundo Paraná
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Edison Parise
- Department of Gastroenterology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Marlene Perez
- Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
| | - Jaime Poniachik
- Sección de Gastroenterología, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Juan Carlos Restrepo
- Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Program, Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe-Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Gastrohepatologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad of Antioquía UdeA, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Andrés Ruf
- Unidad de Trasplante Hepático, Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina.
| | - Martín Tagle
- Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | - Monica Tapias
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Kenia Torres
- Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
| | - Eduardo Vilar-Gomez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | | | - Adrian Gadano
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marco Arrese
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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24
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Degroote H, Piñero F, Costentin C, Notarpaolo A, Boin IF, Boudjema K, Baccaro C, Chagas AL, Bachellier P, Ettorre GM, Poniachik J, Muscari F, Di Benedetto F, Duque SH, Salame E, Cillo U, Gadano A, Vanlemmens C, Fagiuoli S, Rubinstein F, Burra P, Cherqui D, Silva M, Van Vlierberghe H, Duvoux C. International study on the outcome of locoregional therapy for liver transplant in hepatocellular carcinoma beyond Milan criteria. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100331. [PMID: 34485882 PMCID: PMC8405981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Good outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) have been reported after successfully downstaging to Milan criteria in more advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to compare post-LT outcomes in patients receiving locoregional therapies (LRT) before LT according to Milan criteria and University of California San Francisco downstaging (UCSF-DS) protocol and 'all-comers'. Methods This multicentre cohort study included patients who received any LRT before LT from Europe and Latin America (2000-2018). We excluded patients with alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) above 1,000 ng/ml. Competing risk regression analysis for HCC recurrence was conducted, estimating subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and corresponding 95% CIs. Results From 2,441 LT patients, 70.1% received LRT before LT (n = 1,711). Of these, 80.6% were within Milan, 12.0% within UCSF-DS, and 7.4% all-comers. Successful downstaging was achieved in 45.2% (CI 34.8-55.8) and 38.2% (CI 25.4-52.3) of the UCSF-DS group and all-comers, respectively. The risk of recurrence was higher for all-comers (SHR 6.01 [p <0.0001]) and not significantly higher for the UCSF-DS group (SHR 1.60 [p = 0.32]), compared with patients remaining within Milan. The all-comers presented more frequent features of aggressive HCC and higher tumour burden at explant. Among the UCSF-DS group, an AFP value of ≤20 ng/ml at listing was associated with lower recurrence (SHR 2.01 [p = 0.006]) and better survival. However, recurrence was still significantly high irrespective of AFP ≤20 ng/ml in all-comers. Conclusions Patients within the UCSF-DS protocol at listing have similar post-transplant outcomes compared with those within Milan when successfully downstaged. Meanwhile, all-comers have a higher recurrence and inferior survival irrespective of response to LRT. Additionally, in the UCSF-DS group, an ALP of ≤20 ng/ml might be a novel tool to optimise selection of candidates for LT. Clinical trial number This study was registered as part of an open public registry (NCT03775863). Lay summary Patients with more extended HCC (within the UCSF-DS protocol) successfully downstaged to the conventional Milan criteria do not have a higher recurrence rate after LT compared with the group remaining in the Milan criteria from listing to transplantation. Moreover, in the UCSF-DS patient group, an ALP value equal to or below 20 ng/ml at listing might be a novel tool to further optimise selection of candidates for LT.
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Key Words
- AC, all-comers
- AFP, alpha-foetoprotein
- All-comers
- Alpha-foetoprotein
- DS, downstaging
- Downstaging
- EASL, European Association for the Study of the Liver
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HR, hazard ratio
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- ITT, intention to treat
- LR, liver resection
- LRT, locoregional therapies
- LT, liver transplantation
- MC, Milan criteria
- MVI, microvascular invasion
- PEI, percutaneous ethanol ablation
- RFA, radiofrequency ablation
- SHR, subdistribution hazard ratio
- TACE, transarterial chemoembolisation
- UCSF downstaging protocol
- UCSF-DS, University of California San Francisco downstaging
- UNOS, United Network for Organ Sharing
- WL, waiting list
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Degroote
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Federico Piñero
- Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Argentina.,Argentina and Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN)
| | - Charlotte Costentin
- Grenoble Alpes University; Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309; Gastroenterology, Hepatology and GI Oncology Department, Digidune, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital; 38700 La Tronche, France
| | | | - Ilka F Boin
- Hospital das Clinicas UNICAMP Campiñas, Campiñas, Brazil
| | - Karim Boudjema
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Digestive Surgery, Pontchaillou Hospital Rennes 1 University, Rennes, France
| | | | - Aline Lopes Chagas
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Philippe Bachellier
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant, Hôpital de Hautepierre, CHU de Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Jaime Poniachik
- Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabrice Muscari
- Digestive Surgery and Transplant Unit, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabrio Di Benedetto
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Department of General Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Hoyos Duque
- Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe y Grupo de Gastrohepatología de la Universidad de Antioquía, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Adrián Gadano
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantation, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Fernando Rubinstein
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padova University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniel Cherqui
- Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP - University Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, Argentina.,Argentina and Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN)
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Duvoux
- Liver and Medical Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Henri Mondor, University of Paris-Est, Creteil, France
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25
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Liver Transplantation in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma beyond the Milan Criteria: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173932. [PMID: 34501381 PMCID: PMC8432180 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Milan criteria (MC) were developed more than 20 years ago and are still considered the benchmark for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the strict application of MC might exclude some patients who may receive a clinical benefit of LT. Several expanded criteria have been proposed. Some of these consider pretransplant morphological and biological variables of the tumor, others consider post-LT variables such as the histology of the tumor, and others combine pre- and post-LT variables. More recently, the HCC response to locoregional treatments before transplantation emerged as a surrogate marker of the biological aggressiveness of the tumor to be used as a better selection criterion for LT in patients beyond the MC at presentation. This essential review aims to present the current data on the pretransplant selection criteria for LT in patients with HCC exceeding the MC at presentation based on morphological and histological characteristics of the tumor and to critically discuss those that have been validated in clinical practice. Moreover, the role of HCC biological markers and the tumor response to downstaging procedures as new tools for selecting patients with a tumor burden outside of the MC for LT is evaluated.
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26
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Piñero F, Tanno M, Aballay Soteras G, Tisi Baña M, Dirchwolf M, Fassio E, Ruf A, Mengarelli S, Borzi S, Fernández N, Ridruejo E, Descalzi V, Anders M, Mazzolini G, Reggiardo V, Marciano S, Perazzo F, Spina JC, McCormack L, Maraschio M, Lagues C, Gadano A, Villamil F, Silva M, Cairo F, Ameigeiras B. Argentinian clinical practice guideline for surveillance, diagnosis, staging and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:546-569. [PMID: 32593747 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The A.A.E.E.H has developed this guideline for the best care of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from Argentina. It was done from May 2018 to March 2020. Specific clinical research questions were systematically searched. The quality of evidence and level of recommendations were organized according to GRADE. HCC surveillance is strongly recommended with abdominal ultrasound (US) every six months in the population at risk for HCC (cirrhosis, hepatitis B or hepatitis C); it is suggested to add alpha-feto protein (AFP) levels in case of inexeperienced sonographers. Imaging diagnosis in patients at risk for HCC has high specificity and tumor biopsy is not mandatory. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer algorithm is strongly recommended for HCC staging and treatment-decision processes. Liver resection is strongly recommended for patients without portal hypertension and preserved liver function. Composite models are suggested for liver transplant selection criteria. Therapies for HCC with robust clinical evidence include transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and first to second line systemic treatment options (sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and ramucirumab). Immunotherapy with nivolumab and pembrolizumab has failed to show statistical benefit but the novel combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has recently shown survival benefit over sorafenib in frontline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mario Tanno
- Hospital Centenario de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Matías Tisi Baña
- Internal Medicine and Epidemiology Department, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Andrés Ruf
- Hospital Privado de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Silvia Borzi
- Instituto Rossi, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Guillermo Mazzolini
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cecilia Lagues
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629HJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Brusset B, Dumortier J, Cherqui D, Pageaux GP, Boleslawski E, Chapron L, Quesada JL, Radenne S, Samuel D, Navarro F, Dharancy S, Decaens T. Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Real-Life Comparison of Milan Criteria and AFP Model. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102480. [PMID: 34069594 PMCID: PMC8160826 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The α-fetoprotein (AFP) model officially replaced the Milan criteria in France for liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in January 2013. The aim of our retrospective study was to analyze the agreement of the criteria and the results of LT with an intention-to-treat design since the adoption of the AFP model and to compare them to the practice and results of LT before the adoption of the AFP model. We did not observe significant changes in practices in 523 consecutively listed patients, with a good agreement (88%) to AFP criteria on the explants before and after the adoption of the AFP model. However, the prognosis of patients listed in the most recent period was worse, maybe because of a significant increase in bridging treatments and in the waiting time. This observational study provides an insight into the real-life course of LT for HCC. Abstract Purpose: To compare the agreement for the criteria on the explant and the results of liver transplantation (LT) before and after adoption of the AFP (α-fetoprotein) model. Methods: 523 patients consecutively listed in five French centers were reviewed to compare results of the Milan criteria period (MilanCP, n = 199) (before 2013) and the AFP score period (AFPscP, n = 324) (after 2013). (NCT03156582). Results: During AFPscP, there was a significantly longer waiting time on the list (12.3 vs. 7.7 months, p < 0.001) and higher rate of bridging therapies (84 vs. 75%, p = 0.012) compared to the MilanCP. Dropout rate was slightly higher in the AFPscP (31 vs. 24%, p = 0.073). No difference was found in the histological AFP score between groups (p = 0.838) with a global agreement in 88% of patients. Post-LT recurrence was 9.2% in MilanCP vs. 13.2% in AFPscP (p = 0.239) and predictive factors were AFP > 2 on the last imaging, downstaging policy and salvage transplantation. Post-LT survival was similar (83 vs. 87% after 2 years, p = 0.100), but after propensity score analysis, the post-listing overall survival (OS) was worse in the AFPscP (HR 1.45, p = 0.045). Conclusions: Agreement for the AFP model on explant analysis (≤2) did not significantly change. AFP score > 2 was the major prognostic factor for recurrence. Graft allocation policy has a major impact on prognosis, with a post-listing OS significantly decreased, probably due to the increase in waiting time, increase in bridging therapies, downstaging policy and salvage transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bleuenn Brusset
- Faculty of Medicine, University Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (L.C.); (J.-L.Q.)
| | - Jerome Dumortier
- Hospices Civiles de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, 69003 Lyon, France;
| | - Daniel Cherqui
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, 94800 Villejuif, France; (D.C.); (D.S.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sylvie Radenne
- Hospices Civiles de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France;
| | - Didier Samuel
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, 94800 Villejuif, France; (D.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Francis Navarro
- CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (G.-P.P.); (F.N.)
| | | | - Thomas Decaens
- Faculty of Medicine, University Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (L.C.); (J.-L.Q.)
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-7676-5441
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28
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Kubal C, Mihaylov P, Holden J. Oncologic indications of liver transplantation and deceased donor liver allocation in the United States. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2021; 26:168-175. [PMID: 33650998 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Liver transplantation is a standard therapy for certain liver cancers. The majority of liver transplantation in the United States is through deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). A significant disparity between the demand of livers and patients awaiting liver transplantation still remains, relying on United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to make policies to determine priority amongst recipients, including for patients with liver cancer. We review the scope of liver transplantation in patients with liver cancer with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), and unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with respect to current liver allocation policy. RECENT FINDINGS Recently, liver allocation changed in the United States. Under the current allocation policy, select patients with HCC and hilar CCA (hCCA) receive priority with an exception score of median MELD score at transplant (MMAT)-3. There is scope for other liver cancers, such as iCCA and CRLM to be considered, as reasonable outcomes have been achieved in these patients outside of the United States through DDLT and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). SUMMARY With the growing experience of liver transplantation for nonconventional oncologic indications, the current policy for prioritization of liver cancer within deceased donor liver allocation may need to be re-evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Holden
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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29
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Zhu AX, Finn RS, Kang YK, Yen CJ, Galle PR, Llovet JM, Assenat E, Brandi G, Motomura K, Ohno I, Daniele B, Vogel A, Yamashita T, Hsu CH, Gerken G, Bilbruck J, Hsu Y, Liang K, Widau RC, Wang C, Abada P, Kudo M. Serum alpha-fetoprotein and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with ramucirumab. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1388-1397. [PMID: 33531690 PMCID: PMC8039038 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post hoc analyses assessed the prognostic and predictive value of baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), as well as clinical outcomes by AFP response or progression, during treatment in two placebo-controlled trials (REACH, REACH-2). METHODS Serum AFP was measured at baseline and every three cycles. The prognostic and predictive value of baseline AFP was assessed by Cox regression models and Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot method. Associations between AFP (≥ 20% increase) and radiographic progression and efficacy were assessed. RESULTS Baseline AFP was confirmed as a continuous (REACH, REACH-2; p < 0.0001) and dichotomous (≥400 vs. <400 ng/ml; REACH, p < 0.01) prognostic factor, and was predictive for ramucirumab survival benefit in REACH (p = 0.0042 continuous; p < 0.0001 dichotomous). Time to AFP (hazard ratio [HR] 0.513; p < 0.0001) and radiographic (HR 0.549; p < 0.0001) progression favoured ramucirumab. Association between AFP and radiographic progression was shown for up to 6 (odds ratio [OR] 5.1; p < 0.0001) and 6-12 weeks (OR 1.8; p = 0.0065). AFP response was higher with ramucirumab vs. placebo (p < 0.0001). Survival was longer in patients with an AFP response than patients without (13.6 vs. 5.6 months, HR 0.451; 95% confidence interval, 0.354-0.574; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AFP is an important prognostic factor and a predictive biomarker for ramucirumab survival benefit. AFP ≥ 400 ng/ml is an appropriate selection criterion for ramucirumab. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, REACH (NCT01140347) and REACH-2 (NCT02435433).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew X Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Jiahui International Cancer Center, Jiahui Health, Shanghai, China.
| | - Richard S Finn
- Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yoon-Koo Kang
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institut d'Investigations Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Izumi Ohno
- National Cancer Center Hospital East-Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Bruno Daniele
- Azienda Ospedaliera Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
- Ospedale del Mare, Napoli, Italy
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | - Yanzhi Hsu
- Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kun Liang
- Eli Lilly and Company, Branchburg, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Paolo Abada
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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30
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Kim Y, Lee HA, Lee JS, Jeon MY, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Um SH, Seo YS, Kim SU. Association Between Curative Treatment after Transarterial Radioembolization and Better Survival Outcomes in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2021; 39:274-283. [PMID: 33356630 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2020.1870126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is one of the therapeutic options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the predictors and prognostic values of achieving curative treatments after TARE. Overall, 143 patients with intrahepatic HCC treated with TARE between 2011 and 2017 were recruited from two Korean tertiary institutes. Twenty-seven patients received curative treatments after TARE. Younger age than 65 years and AFP of ≤200 ng/mL independently predicted the increased probability of achieving curative treatment after TARE, and the curative treatment after TARE provided a survival benefit in patients with intrahepatic HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han Ah Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Seung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Young Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon Ho Um
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon Seok Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Piñero F, Thompson M, Marín JI, Silva M. Lenvatinib as first-line therapy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: Is the current evidence applicable to these patients? World J Transplant 2020; 10:297-306. [PMID: 33312891 PMCID: PMC7708877 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v10.i11.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is one of the leading curative therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite recent optimization of transplant selection criteria, including alpha-feto protein, HCC recurrence after LT is still the leading cause of death in these patients. During the last decades, effective systemic treatments for HCC, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy, have been approved. We describe the clinical scenario of a patient with recurrence of HCC five years after LT, who received lenvatinib as first-line systemic therapy to introduce systemic treatment options in this clinical setting. In this opinion review, we detail first and second-line systemic treatment options, focusing on those feasible for patients with recurrent HCC after LT. Several trials have evaluated new drugs to treat HCC patients in first and second-line therapy, but patients with recurrent HCC after LT have been excluded from these trials. Consequently, most of the evidence comes from observational retrospective studies. Whether tyrosine kinase inhibitors will remain the primary therapeutic approach in these patients, due to a relative contraindication for immunotherapy, may be clarified in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
| | - Marcos Thompson
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
| | - Juan Ignacio Marín
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín 240, Colombia
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
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32
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Piñero F, Anders M, Boin IF, Chagas A, Quiñonez E, Marciano S, Vilatobá M, Santos L, Hoyos Duque S, Lima AS, Menendez J, Padilla M, Poniachik J, Zapata R, Soza A, Maraschio M, Chong Menéndez R, Muñoz L, Arufe D, Figueroa R, de Ataide EC, Maccali C, Vergara Sandoval R, Bermudez C, Podesta LG, McCormack L, Varón A, Gadano A, Mattera J, Villamil F, Rubinstein F, Carrilho F, Silva M. Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: impact of expansion criteria in a multicenter cohort study from a high waitlist mortality region. Transpl Int 2020; 34:97-109. [PMID: 33040420 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare liver transplantation (LT) outcomes and evaluate the potential rise in numbers of LT candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of different allocation policies in a high waitlist mortality region. Three policies were applied in two Latin American cohorts (1085 HCC transplanted patients and 917 listed patients for HCC): (i) Milan criteria with expansion according to UCSF downstaging (UCSF-DS), (ii) the AFP score, and (iii) restrictive policy or Double Eligibility Criteria (DEC; within Milan + AFP score ≤2). Increase in HCC patient numbers was evaluated in an Argentinian prospective validation set (INCUCAI; NCT03775863). Expansion criteria in policy A showed that UCSF-DS [28.4% (CI 12.8-56.2)] or "all-comers" [32.9% (CI 11.9-71.3)] had higher 5-year recurrence rates compared to Milan, with 10.9% increase in HCC patients for LT. The policy B showed lower recurrence rates for AFP scores ≤2 points, even expanding beyond Milan criteria, with a 3.3% increase. Patients within DEC had lower 5-year recurrence rates compared with those beyond DEC [13.3% (CI 10.1-17.3) vs 24.2% (CI 17.4-33.1; P = 0.0006], without significant HCC expansion. In conclusion, although the application of a stricter policy may optimize the selection process, this restrictive policy may lead to ethical concerns in organ allocation (NCT03775863).
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Margarita Anders
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ilka F Boin
- Hospital das Clínicas UNICAMP Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Chagas
- Hospital das Clínicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mario Vilatobá
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Tlalpan, México
| | | | - Sergio Hoyos Duque
- Grupo de Gastrohepatología, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Zapata
- Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Soza
- Hospital Clínico, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Linda Muñoz
- Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González", Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Diego Arufe
- Sanatorio Sagrado Corazón, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Claudia Maccali
- Hospital das Clínicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Carla Bermudez
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Adriana Varón
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Tlalpan, México
| | | | - Juan Mattera
- Hospital das Clínicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Federico Villamil
- Hospital El Cruce, Florencio Varela, Argentina.,Hospital Británico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Rubinstein
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Flair Carrilho
- Hospital das Clínicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Finotti M, Vitale A, Volk M, Cillo U. A 2020 update on liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 14:885-900. [PMID: 32662680 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1791704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent liver tumor and is associated with chronic liver disease in 90% of cases. In selected cases, liver transplantation represents an effective therapy with excellent overall survival. AREA COVERED Since the introduction of Milan criteria in 1996, numerous alternative selection systems to LT for HCC patients have been proposed. Debate remains about how best to select HCC patients for transplant and how to prioritize them on the waiting list. EXPERT OPINION The selection of the best scoring system to propose in the context of LT for HCC is far to be identified. In this review, we analyze and categorize the various selection systems, assessing their roles in the different decisional phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Finotti
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padova University Hospital , Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padova University Hospital , Padova, Italy
| | - Michael Volk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Loma Linda University Health , Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padova University Hospital , Padova, Italy
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34
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Özdemir F, Baskiran A. The Importance of AFP in Liver Transplantation for HCC. J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 51:1127-1132. [DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00486-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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35
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Ren A, Li Z, Zhou X, Zhang X, Huang X, Deng R, Ma Y. Evaluation of the Alpha-Fetoprotein Model for Predicting Recurrence and Survival in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Related Cirrhosis Who Received Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Surg 2020; 7:52. [PMID: 32974380 PMCID: PMC7472557 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) model is superior to the Milan criteria in predicting the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation in European and Latin American populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of the AFP model in Chinese hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis HCC patients. Methods: A total of 189 patients with HBV-related cirrhotic HCC were included. The recurrence rate and survival rate were estimated, and predictability was assessed by the Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) method. Results: Of the 189 patients, patients with an AFP score >2 had a higher recurrence rate at 5 years (48.94 vs. 13.53%, p < 0.05) and lower survival rate (43.96 vs. 68.97%, p < 0.05). Considering patients within the Milan criteria, a higher 5-year recurrence rate and lower survival rate were observed in patients with an AFP model score >2 points compared to patients with a score of ≤ 2 points (recurrence rate: 58.75 vs. 12.98%, p < 0.05; survival rate: 28.57 vs. 67.41%, p = 0.047). NRI analysis showed that the AFP model exhibited superior predictability as compared to the Milan criteria. Conclusions: The AFP model may be used as a selection tool for Chinese HBV patients who require liver transplantation due to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Ren
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiu Li
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhuan Zhou
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuzhi Zhang
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun Huang
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronghai Deng
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Shadows Behind Using Simple Risk Models in Selection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients for Liver Transplantation. Ann Surg 2020; 271:1124-1131. [PMID: 30601254 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the potential influence of replacing Milan criteria with simple risk scores on outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing liver transplantation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Several risk scores combining morphological and biological features were recently proposed for precise selection of HCC patients for transplantation. METHODS This retrospective study included 282 HCC liver transplant recipients. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), the primary outcome measure, was evaluated according to Metroticket 2.0 model and French AFP model with Milan criteria serving as benchmark. RESULTS Patients were well stratified with respect to RFS by Milan criteria, Metroticket 2.0 criteria, and AFP model cut-off ≤2 points (all P < 0.001) with c-statistics of 0.680, 0.695, and 0.681, respectively. Neither Metroticket 2.0 criteria (0.014, Z = 0.023; P = 0.509) nor AFP model (-0.014, Z = -0.021; P = 0.492) provided significant net reclassification improvement. Both patients within the Metroticket 2.0 criteria and AFP model ≤2 points exhibited heterogeneous recurrence risk, dependent upon alpha-fetoprotein (P = 0.026) and tumor number (P = 0.024), respectively. RFS of patients beyond Milan but within Metroticket 2.0 criteria (75.3%) or with AFP model ≤2 points (74.1%) was inferior to that observed for patients within Milan criteria (87.1%; P = 0.067 and P = 0.045, respectively). Corresponding microvascular invasion rates were 37.2% and 50.0%, compared with 13.6% in patients within Milan criteria (both P < 0.001). Moreover, Milan-out status was associated with significantly higher recurrence risk in subgroups within Metroticket 2.0 criteria (P = 0.021) or AFP model ≤2 points (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION Utilization of simple risk scores for liver transplant eligibility assessment leads to selection of patients at higher risk of posttransplant HCC recurrence.
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Piñero F, Dirchwolf M, Pessôa MG. Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment Response Assessment. Cells 2020; 9:E1370. [PMID: 32492896 PMCID: PMC7349517 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main cancer-related causes of death worldwide. Thus, there is a constant search for improvement in screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of this malignancy. The identification of useful biomarkers for surveillance and early HCC diagnosis is still deficient, with available serum biomarkers showing low sensitivity and heterogeneous specificity despite different cut-off points, even when assessed longitudinally, or with a combination of serum biomarkers. In contrast, HCC biomarkers used for prognostic (when associated with clinical outcomes) or predictive purposes (when associated with treatment response) may have an increased clinical role in the near future. Furthermore, some serum biomarkers are already implicated as a treatment selection tool, whether to provide access to certain therapies or to assess clinical benefit after treatment. In the present review we will discuss the clinical utility and foreseen future of HCC biomarkers implicated in surveillance, diagnosis, prognosis, and post-treatment assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629AHJ Buenos Aires, Argentina;
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), B1629AHJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Liver Unit, Hospital Privado de Rosario, 2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina;
| | - Mário G. Pessôa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, 05403-000 São Paulo, Brazil
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38
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Alcohol-related liver disease: Clinical practice guidelines by the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (ALEH). Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:518-535. [PMID: 31053546 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of advanced chronic liver disease in Latin-America, although data on prevalence is limited. Public health policies aimed at reducing the alarming prevalence of alcohol use disorder in Latin-America should be implemented. ALD comprises a clinical-pathological spectrum that ranges from steatosis, steatohepatitis to advanced forms such as alcoholic hepatitis (AH), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Besides genetic factors, the amount of alcohol consumption is the most important risk factor for the development of ALD. Continuous consumption of more than 3 standard drinks per day in men and more than 2 drinks per day in women increases the risk of developing liver disease. The pathogenesis of ALD is only partially understood and recent translational studies have identified novel therapeutic targets. Early forms of ALD are often missed and most clinical attention is focused on AH, which is defined as an abrupt onset of jaundice and liver-related complications. In patients with potential confounding factors, a transjugular biopsy is recommended. The standard therapy for AH (i.e. prednisolone) has not evolved in the last decades yet promising new therapies (i.e. G-CSF, N-acetylcysteine) have been recently proposed. In both patients with early and severe ALD, prolonged abstinence is the most efficient therapeutic measure to decrease long-term morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary team including alcohol addiction specialists is recommended to manage patients with ALD. Liver transplantation should be considered in the management of patients with end-stage ALD that do not recover despite abstinence. In selected cases, increasing number of centers are proposing early transplantation for patients with severe AH not responding to medical therapy.
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39
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Al-Ameri AAM, Wei X, Wen X, Wei Q, Guo H, Zheng S, Xu X. Systematic review: risk prediction models for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. Transpl Int 2020; 33:697-712. [PMID: 31985857 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) is a significant clinical problem associated with poor surgical outcomes. This study aims to summarize the current evidence on risk prediction models of HCC recurrence after LT. PubMed and EMBASE were searched to May 25, 2019, for relevant articles. Studies originally designed to develop or validate a risk prediction model for HCC recurrence after LT were included. Two independent authors summarized the study characteristics and evaluated the risk of bias and applicability concerns in the included studies. From 26 included studies, 18 original risk prediction models were determined, but only five models were externally validated. The average number of predictors involved in the construction of risk models was three. The most frequently employed predictors were alpha-fetoprotein, tumor size, vascular invasion, tumor number, tumor differentiation, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Most studies showed good discriminatory performance (AUC >0.75). The overall quality of the included studies was generally low. Most of the original models lacked the highly recommended external and prospective validation in diverse populations. The AFP model was the well-validated preoperative risk model that can stratify patients into high- and low-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulahad Abdulrab Mohammed Al-Ameri
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xue Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haijun Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institution of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Galle PR, Foerster F, Kudo M, Chan SL, Llovet JM, Qin S, Schelman WR, Chintharlapalli S, Abada PB, Sherman M, Zhu AX. Biology and significance of alpha-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2019; 39:2214-2229. [PMID: 31436873 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths globally due, in part, to the majority of patients being diagnosed with intermediate or advanced stage disease. Our increased understanding of the heterogeneous molecular pathogenesis of HCC has led to significant developments in novel targeted therapies. Despite these advances, there remains a high unmet need for new treatment options. HCC is a complex disease with multiple pathogenic mechanisms caused by a variety of risk factors, making it difficult to characterize with a single biomarker. In fact, numerous biomarkers have been studied in HCC, but alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) remains the most widely used and accepted serum marker since its discovery over 60 years ago. This review summarizes the most relevant studies associated with the regulation of AFP at the gene and protein levels; the pathophysiology of AFP as a pro-proliferative protein; and the correlation of AFP with molecular HCC subclasses, the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway and angiogenesis. Also described are the historical and current uses of AFP for screening and surveillance, diagnosis, its utility as a prognostic and predictive biomarker and its role as a tumour antigen in HCC. Taken together, these data demonstrate the relevance of AFP for patients with HCC and identify several remaining questions that will benefit from future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Friedrich Foerster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Josep M Llovet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shukui Qin
- Cancer Center of Bayi Hospital, Nanjing Chinese Medicine University, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew X Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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41
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Rosenblatt RE, Halazun KJ. Striving for decreased post-transplant hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence without excluding potentially curable patients: the utility of tumor biology. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2019; 8:541-542. [PMID: 31673552 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.04.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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42
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Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation in a Brazilian multicenter study: clinical profile and prognostic factors of survival. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:1148-1156. [PMID: 31247632 PMCID: PMC6687037 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for patients with unresectable early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Post-LT HCC recurrence rates range from 8 to 20% and still impact on overall survival (OS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of HCC recurrence on post-LT survival and analyze prognostic factors among those patients with recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS We carried out a national, multicenter, retrospective cohort study in Brazil. Medical records of 1119 LT recipients with HCC were collected. Data from patients with post-LT HCC recurrence were analyzed and correlated with post-relapse survival. RESULTS OS of the 1119 patients included in the study was 63% over 5 years. Post-LT HCC recurrence occurred in 86 (8%) patients. The mean time to recurrence was 12 months. Sites of recurrence were extrahepatic in 55%, hepatic in 27%, and both hepatic and extrahepatic in 18%. Recurrence treatment was performed in 50 (64%) cases, mostly with sorafenib. Post-relapse survival rates were 34% at 1 year and 13% at 5 years. Univariable analysis identified α-fetoprotein more than 1000 ng/ml at relapse, recurrence treatment, extrahepatic location, and time to recurrence more than 2 years as prognostic factors. In multivariable analysis, recurrence treatment, extrahepatic location, and time to recurrence more than 2 years were independent predictors of better survival. CONCLUSION In a large Brazilian cohort of LT recipients with HCC, post-LT HCC recurrence occurred in 8% and impacted significantly on the OS. Patients with early recurrence presented a worse prognosis. However, treatment of recurrence improved outcomes, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.
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Al-Ameri AAM, Wei X, Liu P, Lin L, Shao Z, Xie H, Zhou L, Zheng S, Xu X. Prediction of Early Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Cirrhosis Who Had Received Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Study. Ann Transplant 2019; 24:489-498. [PMID: 31427563 PMCID: PMC6713034 DOI: 10.12659/aot.917296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) is still a clinical problem. This multicenter study evaluated the Milan, Hangzhou, and AFP model-based criteria for prediction of early recurrence of HCC in patients with cirrhosis who had undergone LT. MATERIAL AND METHODS From the China Liver Transplant Registry (CLTR) database, we analyzed data of 589 HCC patients who had undergone LT between Jan 2015 and Jan 2019. Imaging data and AFP levels were evaluated immediately before LT. Recurrence and overall survival rates at 2 years were tested using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. The Milan criteria, Hangzhou criteria, and AFP model-based criteria were evaluated. RESULTS We found that 62.0%, 91.2%, and 67.6% of patients were within the Milan criteria, Hangzhou criteria, and AFP model-based criteria, respectively. The 2-year recurrence rate was 8.9%, 15.8%, and 11.8% with corresponding overall survival of 85.3%, 82.7%, and 86.5%, respectively. The 2-year recurrence rate was different in patients fulfilling and exceeding the AFP model-based criteria among patients who met either the Milan criteria (7.9% vs. 18.8%, HR=3.83, p=0.006) or Hangzhou criteria (12.0% vs. 27.6%, HR=2.95, p<0.001). However, the 2-year recurrence rate was not significantly different among patients who were beyond either the Milan or Hangzhou criteria. CONCLUSIONS For the prediction of early recurrence of HCC in patients with cirrhosis after liver transplantation, Milan criteria, Hangzhou criteria, and AFP model-based criteria are effective predictive tools for stratification of patients into low- and high-risk groups of recurrence with different prognoses. The AFP model-based criteria can identify a subgroup of patients with high risk of recurrence among patients who met either Milan or Hangzhou criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulahad Abdulrab Mohammed Al-Ameri
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Peng Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Lidan Lin
- China Liver Transplant Registry, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Zhou Shao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Haiyang Xie
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Lin Zhou
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,China Liver Transplant Registry, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland).,China Liver Transplant Registry, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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44
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Piñero F, Chagas A, Boin EI. [Not Available]. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2019; 13:S12-S16. [PMID: 31333823 PMCID: PMC6541171 DOI: 10.1002/cld.839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Unidad de Hepatología y trasplante hepáticoFacultad de Medicina de la Universidad AustralBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Aline Chagas
- Hospital das Clínicas, Servicio de GastroenterologíaFacultad de Medicina de la Universidad de São PauloSão PauloBrasil
| | - e ilka Boin
- Hospital das Clínicas, Unidad de Trasplante HepáticoUniversidad Estatal de CampinasSão PauloBrasil
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Piñero F, Chagas A, Boin I. Looking for the Best Model to Predict Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation in Latin America. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2019; 13:46-50. [PMID: 31139355 PMCID: PMC6465788 DOI: 10.1002/cld.773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Liver Transplant and Hepatology Unit, School of MedicineAustral UniversityBuenos AriesArgentina
| | - Aline Chagas
- Hospital das Clínicas, Department of GastroenterologyUniversity of São Paulo School of MedicineSão PauloBrazil
| | - Ilka Boin
- Hospital de Clinicas, Unit of Liver TransplantationState University of CampinasSão PauloBrazil
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46
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Costentin CE, Bababekov YJ, Zhu AX, Yeh H. Is It Time to Reconsider the Milan Criteria for Selecting Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Deceased-Donor Liver Transplantation? Hepatology 2019; 69:1324-1336. [PMID: 30229978 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is considered the optimal treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because it removes tumor as well as the underlying cirrhotic liver. Because of a global organ shortage, LT for patients with HCC is limited to patients with expected survival comparable to that of nonmalignant indications. Therefore, identifying patients with lower rates of HCC recurrence and higher rates of survival is critical. International guidelines have considered the Milan Criteria (MC) the standard for selecting patients with HCC for deceased-donor LT (DDLT). However, several alternative criteria have been reported in the Western world. Interestingly, the two most recent models combining α-fetoprotein level, number of nodules, and size of the largest nodule have been shown to outperform MC in identifying patients with low risk of HCC recurrence or those who will survive for 5 years after liver transplantation. In addition, new models overcome limitations of MC in improving classification of high- versus low-risk patients with HCC for DDLT. These recent scoring systems also provide clinicians with user-friendly tools to better identify patients at lower risk of recurrence. Conclusion: Although most Western countries still select patients based on MC, there is a mounting change in recent practice patterns regarding the selection of patients with HCC for DDLT. Herein, we describe how alternative criteria should lead to reconsideration of MC as it applies to selecting patients with HCC for DDLT in international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanik J Bababekov
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew X Zhu
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Heidi Yeh
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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47
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Piñero F, Rubinstein F, Marciano S, Fernández N, Silva J, Zambelo Y, Anders M, Zerega A, Ridruejo E, Miguez C, Ameigeiras B, D'Amico C, Gaite L, Bermúdez C, Rosales C, Romero G, McCormack L, Reggiardo V, Colombato L, Gadano A, Silva M. Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does the Place Where Ultrasound Is Performed Impact Its Effectiveness? Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:718-728. [PMID: 30511199 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biannual ultrasound (US) is recommended as the clinical screening tool for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The effectiveness of surveillance according to the place where US is performed has not been previously reported. AIMS To compare the effectiveness of US performed in the center responsible for follow-up as opposed to US proceeding from centers other than that of follow-up. METHODS This is a multicenter cohort study from Argentina. The last US was categorized as done in the same center or done in a different center from the institution of the patient's follow-up. Surveillance failure was defined as HCC diagnosis not meeting Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0-A or when no nodules were observed at HCC diagnosis. RESULTS From 533 patients with HCC, 62.4% were under routine surveillance with a surveillance failure of 38.8%. After adjusting for a propensity score matching, BCLC stage and lead-time survival bias, surveillance was associated with a significant survival benefit [HR of 0.51 (CI 0.38; 0.69)]. Among patients under routine surveillance (n = 345), last US was performed in the same center in 51.6% and in a different center in 48.4%. Similar rates of surveillance failure were observed between US done in the same or in a different center (32% vs. 26.3%; P = 0.25). Survival was not significantly different between both surveillance modalities [HR 0.79 (CI 0.53; 1.20)]. CONCLUSIONS Routine surveillance for HCC in the daily practice improved survival either when performed in the same center or in a different center from that of patient's follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Universitario Austral, Universidad Austral, Av. Presidente Perón 1500, B1629HJ, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Sanatorio Trinidad San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Clínica Privada San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Fernando Rubinstein
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Marciano
- Sección Hepatología, Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora Fernández
- Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Universitario Austral, Universidad Austral, Av. Presidente Perón 1500, B1629HJ, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Claudia D'Amico
- Centro Especialidades Medicas Ambulatorias (CEMA), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Gaite
- Clínica de Nefrología de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carla Bermúdez
- Sección Hepatología, Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Luis Colombato
- Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Gadano
- Sección Hepatología, Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Universitario Austral, Universidad Austral, Av. Presidente Perón 1500, B1629HJ, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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48
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Citores MJ, Lucena JL, de la Fuente S, Cuervas-Mons V. Serum biomarkers and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation. World J Hepatol 2019; 11:50-64. [PMID: 30705718 PMCID: PMC6354126 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v11.i1.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the only potentially curative treatment for selected patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are not candidates for resection. When the Milan criteria are strictly applied, 75% to 85%of 3- to 4-year actuarial survival rates are achieved, but up to 20% of the patients experience HCC recurrence after transplantation. The Milan criteria are based on the preoperative tumor macromorphology, tumor size and number on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging that neither correlate well with posttransplant histological study of the liver explant nor accurately predict HCC recurrence after LT, since they do not include objective measures of tumor biology. Preoperative biological markers, including alpha-fetoprotein, des-gamma-carboxiprothrombin or neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, can predict the risk for HCC recurrence after transplantation. These biomarkers have been proposed as surrogate markers of tumor differentiation and vascular invasion, with varied risk magnitudes depending on the defined cutoffs. Different studies have shown that the combination of one or several biomarkers integrated into prognostic models predict the risk of HCC recurrence after LT more accurately than Milan criteria alone. In this review, we focus on the potential utility of these serum biological markers to improve the performance of Milan criteria to identify patients at high risk of tumoral recurrence after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Citores
- Department of Internal Medicine, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Segovia de Arana, Majadahonda 28222, Spain
| | - Jose L Lucena
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Majadahonda 28222, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Majadahonda 28222, Spain
| | - Sara de la Fuente
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Majadahonda 28222, Spain
| | - Valentin Cuervas-Mons
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Majadahonda 28222, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28029, Spain
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Magistri P, Rosenblatt R, Halazun KJ. Liver Transplantation for HCC Beyond Milan. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-018-0212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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50
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Piñero F, Poniachik J, Ridruejo E, Silva M. Hepatocellular carcinoma in Latin America: Diagnosis and treatment challenges. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4224-4229. [PMID: 30310255 PMCID: PMC6175763 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i37.4224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Latin America, a region with a population greater than 600000000 individuals, is well known due to its wide geographic, socio-cultural and economic heterogeneity. Access to health care remains as the main barrier that challenges routine screening, early diagnosis and proper treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, identification of population at risk, implementation of surveillance programs and access to curative treatments has been poorly obtained in the region. Different retrospective cohort studies from the region have shown flaws in the implementation process of routine surveillance and early HCC diagnosis. Furthermore, adherence to clinical practice guidelines recommendations assessed in two studies from Brazil and Argentina demonstrated that there is also room for improvement in this field, similarly than the one observed in Europe and the United States. In summary, Latin America shares difficulties in HCC decision-making processes similar to those from developed countries. However, a transversal limitation in the region is the poor access to health care with the consequent limitation to standard treatments for overall population. Specifically, universal health care access to the different World Health Organization levels is crucial, including improvement in research, education and continuous medical training in order to expand knowledge and generation of data promoting a continuous improvement in the care of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
| | - Jaime Poniachik
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Región Metropolitana Santiago 46010, Chile
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clínica Santa María, Santiago de Chile, Región Metropolitana Santiago 834-0518, Chile
| | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
- Hepatology Section, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno, Ciudad de Buenos Aires C1425ASG, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network, Buenos Aires B1629HJ, Argentina
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