Surgery versus radiofrequency ablation in patients with Child- Pugh class-A/single small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma

Imaging Classification of Exophytic HCC and Our Experience with Microwave Ablation of Type 2 Lesions

Purpose  The purpose of this article is to classify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on imaging and to evaluate the role of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in the management of type 2 exophytic HCC. Materials and Methods  A retrospective study was performed at our institution after approval by the Institutional Review Board. The study was undertaken from January 2017 to May 2022. Based on the location, HCC was classified and categorized on cross-sectional imaging into four types. All MWA procedures were performed using ultrasound guidance. Patients were followed up every 3 months with cross-sectional imaging. Results  During the study period, 225 lesions were reviewed. MWA was performed in 13 type 2 exophytic HCC patients. Segment 3 (38%) was the most common site when categorized as per Couinaud classification and segment 6 was the next common site. Technical success of complete ablation, evaluated by postprocedure contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, was 100%. The median follow-up period was 24 months (range: 9-24 months). One patient presented with a residual lesion on the first follow-up at 30 days. Two other patients followed up to 9 months were free of HCC. Ten patients followed up at 1 year showed no recurrence, while 7 of them were followed up for 24 months, and 1 of whom showed multicentric recurrence which was treated by selective intra-arterial radiation therapy. Conclusion  A classification system for exophytic lesions can allow for better patient selection, planning, and reporting of ablative outcomes. MWA has performed well when ablating these technically challenging lesions with a certain degree of planning.

Primary treatments for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3 cm: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Various treatment modalities are available for small solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet the optimal primary treatment strategy for tumors ≤ 3 cm remains unclear. This network meta-analysis investigates the comparative efficacy of various interventions on the long-term outcomes of patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm. A systematic search of electronic databases from January 2000 to December 2023 was conducted to identify studies that compared at least two of the following treatments: surgical resection (SR), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Survival data were extracted, and pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a frequentist network meta-analysis. A total of 30 studies, comprising 2 randomized controlled trials and 28 retrospective studies, involving 8,053 patients were analyzed. Surgical resection showed the highest overall survival benefit with a p-score of 0.95, followed by RFA at 0.59, MWA at 0.23, and TACE, also at 0.23. Moreover, SR provided the most significant recurrence-free survival advantage, with a p-score of 0.95, followed by RFA at 0.31 and MWA at 0.19. Sensitivity analyses, excluding low-quality or retrospective non-matched studies, corroborated these findings. This network meta-analysis demonstrates that SR is the most effective first-line curative treatment for single HCC ≤ 3 cm, followed by RFA in patients with preserved liver function. The limited data on MWA and TACE underscore the need for further studies.

Meta analysis of radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection in small and large nodule of hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Although studies have indicated comparable outcomes between RFA and surgical resection in early HCC, there is still unclear evidence of benefit in larger tumor sizes. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of RFA versus surgical resection in HCC patients, considering nodule size with a cutoff at 3 cm.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted. The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULT

Surgical resection showed superior OS (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.27, p = 0.008) and RFS (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.11-1.25, p < 0.00001), compared to RFA. For nodules less than 3 cm or larger than 5 cm, the OS and RFS in the surgical resection group were significantly higher than those in the RFA group, while no significant differences were observed for nodules sized 3-5 cm. However, significantly more adverse events occurred following surgical resection (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.33-0.56, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection has better OS and RFS compared to RFA for liver tumors less than 3 cm or larger than 5 cm. For liver tumors sized 3-5 cm, RFA and surgical resection yield similar findings. RFA may become a preferable option in these 3-5 cm tumors due to its comparable efficacy and fewer adverse events for patients unsuitable for surgery.

Clinical outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization in Child-Turcotte Pugh class A patients with a single small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the standard modalities used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the effectiveness of TACE for treating patients with a solitary small (≤3 cm) HCC and well-preserved liver function has not been definitively established. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic impact of TACE in patients with these characteristics.

METHODS

This multicenter (four university hospitals) retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of 250 patients with a solitary small (≤3 cm) HCC and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A liver function diagnosed over 10 years. Posttreatment outcomes, including overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and adverse events, were assessed following TACE therapy.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-eight of the 250 patients (55.2%) treated with TACE achieved complete remission (CR). Overall median OS was 77.7 months, and median OS was significantly longer in the CR group than in the non-CR group (89.1 vs. 58.8 months, P = 0.001). Median RFS was 19.1 months in the CR group. Subgroup analysis identified hypertension, an elevated serum albumin level, and achieving CR as significant positive predictors of OS, whereas diabetes, hepatitis c virus infection, and tumor size (>2 cm) were poor prognostic factors of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of TACE as a viable alternative for treating solitary small (≤3 cm) HCC in CTP class A patients.

Nomogram for predicting post-therapy recurrence in BCLC A/B hepatocellular carcinoma with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis

Introduction

This study conducts a retrospective analysis on patients with BCLC stage A/B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accompanied by Child-Pugh B cirrhosis, who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with local ablation therapy. Our goal was to uncover risk factors contributing to post-treatment recurrence and to develop and validate an innovative 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence free survival (RFS) nomogram.

Methods

Data from 255 BCLC A/B HCC patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis treated at Beijing You'an Hospital (January 2014 - January 2020) were analyzed using random survival forest (RSF), LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression to identify independent risk factors for RFS. The prognostic nomogram was then constructed and validated, categorizing patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, with RFS assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

The nomogram, integrating the albumin/globulin ratio, gender, tumor number, and size, showcased robust predictive performance. Harrell's concordance index (C-index) values for the training and validation cohorts were 0.744 (95% CI: 0.703-0.785) and 0.724 (95% CI: 0.644-0.804), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS in the two cohorts were also promising. Calibration curves highlighted the nomogram's reliability and decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed its practical clinical benefits. Through meticulous patient stratification, we also revealed the nomogram's efficacy in distinguishing varying recurrence risks.

Conclusion

This study advances recurrence prediction in BCLC A/B HCC patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis following TACE combined with ablation. The established nomogram accurately predicts 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS, facilitating timely identification of high-risk populations.

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

BACKGROUND/AIMS

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Thermal ablation versus liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity-score matched studies

The outcomes of cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after thermal ablation (TA) versus liver resection (LR) are debated. We aimed to compare the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and operative outcomes after TA and LR for HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Until November 15, 2022, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases by using Medical Subject Heading terms and other terms, and used the Newcastle-Ottawa literature evaluation scale to assess the quality of selected studies. OS, DFS, and operative outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that 5 propensity-score matched (PSM) studies including 933 patients (463 TA vs. 470 LR) were included. After analysis, TA and LR had similar results at 1-year OS (odds ratio [OR] 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.78; P = 0.05) and 3-year OS (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.56-1.04; P = 0.08), whereas LR increased 5-years OS (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.18-0.74; P = 0.005). In addition to the DFS, the 1-year DFS was significantly higher in patients with LR. However, there were no obvious differences in 3-year and 5-year DFS when comparing TA and LR. The length of operative time and hospital stay were longer in the LR group. Besides, the LR group had significantly higher rate of perioperative blood transfusions and major complications. Our research proved that LR took advantage of OS and DFS for HCC patients with cirrhosis. Additional well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed.

Radiofrequency Ablation versus Surgical Resection in Elderly Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although the disease burden of elderly cancer patients is rapidly increasing, reliable scientific information, value and preference information of domestic patients, and standardized guidelines for determining the treatment of elderly cancer patients are lacking. The aim of this study is to compare the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients aged 65 years or older. For the meta-analysis, the databases including PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, OVID Medline, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. After the abstract-based review by two investigators, selected manuscripts were read in detail. The surgery group showed higher overall survival (OS) (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22-1.70) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.00-1.97) than the RFA group. This was also shown in small HCC of less than 3 cm (OS, HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.00-2.03; DFS, HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.91-1.91). This might be related to the high local recurrence in the RFA group (OR 4.90, 95% 2.16-11.08). On the other hand, adverse events were significantly lower in the RFA group (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.36), which led to a decrease in the duration of hospital stay (mean difference -14.88 days, 95% CI -22.44--7.32). In elderly HCC patients, survival in the surgery group was significantly higher than in the RFA group, but various complications tended to increase; so, appropriate patient selection is required.

Tumor size and survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with surgical resection or ablation

OBJECTIVES

We performed a retrospective analysis within a national cancer registry on outcomes following resection or ablation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA).

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with clinical stage I-III iCCA diagnosed during 2010-2018, who underwent resection or ablation. Overall survival (OS) was compared with Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards methods.

RESULTS

Of 2140 patients, 1877 (87.7%) underwent resection and 263 (12.3%) underwent ablation, with median tumor sizes of 5.5 and 3 cm, respectively. Overall, resection was associated with greater median OS (41.2 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 37.6-46.2) vs. 28 months (95% CI: 15.9-28.6) on univariable analysis (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference on multivariable analysis (p = 0.42); however, there was a significant interaction between tumor size and management. On subgroup analysis of patients with tumors <3 cm, there was no difference in OS between resection versus ablation. However, ablation was associated with increased mortality for tumors ≥3 cm.

CONCLUSION

Although resection is associated with improved OS for tumors ≥3 cm, we observed no difference in survival between management strategies for tumors < 3 cm. Ablation may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for small iCCA, particularly in patients at risk for high surgical morbidity.

Laparoscopic anatomical versus non-anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in the posterosuperior segments: a propensity score matched analysis

Background

Since laparoscopic anatomical resection (LAR) for tumors, especially located in the posterosuperior (PS) segments of the liver remains difficult, laparoscopic non-anatomical resection (LNAR) are generally preferred. To compare the clinical outcomes between LAR and LNAR for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in the PS segments.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data for 1,029 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 2004 and 2019. Of 167 patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC in PS segments, 64 underwent LNAR and 103 underwent LAR. Patients were matched one-to-one using propensity score matching (46:46).

Results

LNAR was associated with significantly shorter operation time (P=0.001), lower estimated blood loss (P=0.001), lower transfusion rate (P=0.006) and shorter hospital stay (P=0.012) than LAR. The respective 1- ,3-, and 5-year overall survival rates (LAR: 95.3%, 87.1%, and 77.8%; LNAR: 96.7%, 91.6%, and 85.0%; P=0.262) and recurrence-free survival rates (LAR: 75.7%, 70.3%, and 68.9%; LNAR: 81.8%, 58.3%, and 55.3%; P=0.879) were similar. The intrahepatic recurrence rate was significantly higher in LNAR group than in LAR group (78.6% vs. 57.1%, P=0.023), but the post-recurrence treatments differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.016); the re-resection rate was much greater in the LNAR group (45.0% vs. 0%) group. The respective 1-, 3-, and 5-year post-recurrence survival rates were similar in the LAR and LNAR groups (P=0.212). After recurrence, survival in re-resection group was significantly greater than not (P=0.026).

Conclusions

LNAR is safe and feasible for HCC located in PS segments, and provided acceptable oncologic outcomes that are comparable to those of LAR. LNAR can be considered for patient with tumor located in PS segment when LAR is not feasible.

Prediction model of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in patients receiving antiviral therapy

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which ultimately leads to liver cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a significant disease burden worldwide. Despite the use of antiviral therapy (AVT) using oral nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) with high genetic barriers, the risk of HCC development cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, bi-annual surveillance of HCC using abdominal ultrasonography with or without tumor markers is recommended for at-risk populations. For a more precise assessment of future HCC risk at the individual level, many HCC prediction models have been proposed in the era of potent AVT with promising results. It allows prognostication according to the risk of HCC development, for example, low-vs. intermediate-vs. high-risk groups. Most of these models have the advantage of high negative predictive values for HCC development, allowing exemption from biannual HCC screening. Recently, non-invasive surrogate markers for liver fibrosis, such as vibration-controlled transient elastography, have been introduced as integral components of the equations, providing better predictive performance in general. Furthermore, beyond the conventional statistical methods that primarily depend on multi-variable Cox regression analyses based on the previous literature, newer techniques using artificial intelligence have also been applied in the design of HCC prediction models. Here, we aimed to review the HCC risk prediction models that were developed in the era of potent AVT and validated among independent cohorts to address the clinical unmet needs, as well as comment on future direction to establish the individual HCC risk more precisely.

Salvage Hepatectomy for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation: A Retrospective Cohort Study with Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well-established locoregional treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the optimal strategy to handle local recurrence after ablation is still debated. This study aims to investigate the role of salvage hepatectomy (SH) as a rescue therapy for recurrent HCC after RFA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2004 and December 2020, 1161 patients were subject to surgical resection for HCC. Among them, 47 patients who underwent SH for local recurrence after ablation were retrospectively analyzed and compared to a propensity score-matched group of controls (n = 47) who received primary hepatectomy (PH). Short-term and long-term outcomes were analyzed between the two groups.

RESULTS

After matching, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity rates showed no statistically significant difference. Tumors in the SH group were associated with poor differentiation (SH 9 (19.1%) vs. PH 1 (2.1%), p < 0.001). The 5-year disease-free survival rates (31.6% vs. 73.4%, p < 0.001) and overall survival rates (80.3% vs. 94.2%, p = 0.047) were significantly lower in the SH group. In multivariable analysis, less extensive resection compared to the initial plan (hazard ratio (HR) 4.68, p = 0.024), higher grade (HR 5.38, P < 0.001), negative but close (<0.1 cm) resection margin (HR 22.14, p = 0.007), and R1 resection (HR 3.13, p = 0.006) were significant predictors for recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

SH for recurrent tumors after ablation showed safety and effectiveness equivalent to primary resection. As recurrent tumors show a higher grade and more aggressive behavior, more extensive resections with wide surgical margins are necessary to prevent recurrence.

Comparison of Open versus Laparoscopic Approaches in Salvage Hepatectomy for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation

Background and Objectives: Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely used as an effective local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), evidence on salvage hepatectomy for local recurrence after RFA is limited. This study aims to compare open and laparoscopic approaches in salvage hepatectomy for recurrent HCC after RFA. Materials and Methods: Among patients who underwent hepatectomy between January 2004 and August 2022 at a single tertiary referral center, 55 patients who underwent salvage hepatectomy for marginal recurrence after RFA were selected. An open approach was used in 23 (41.8%) patients, while 32 (58.2%) patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: Major hepatectomy was more often performed in the open group (9 [39.1%] vs. 4 [12.5%], p = 0.022). Intraoperative blood loss was also greater in the open group (450 (325-750) vs. 300 (200-600), p = 0.034). Operation time (p = 0.144) and postoperative morbidity rates (p = 0.639) were similar, and there was no postoperative mortality in either group. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the open group compared to the laparoscopy group (8 (6-11) days vs. 5 (4-7) days, p = 0.028). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates showed no difference between the two groups (44.6% vs. 62.5%, 16.5% vs. 13.5%, and 8.3% vs. 13.5%, respectively; p = 0.154). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates between the two groups were also similar (85.7% vs. 96.8%, 79.6% vs. 86.0%, and 79.6% vs. 79.4%, respectively; p = 0.480). Conclusions: Laparoscopic salvage hepatectomy shows oncologic outcomes comparable to the open approach with faster postoperative recovery rates. Considering that recurrence rates are high after RFA, the laparoscopic approach should be considered as a first-line option in selected patients.

Construction and validation of a nomogram for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A large, multicenter study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

We initiated this multicenter study to integrate important risk factors to create a nomogram for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for clinician decision-making.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 2011 and March 2022, 2281 HCC patients with an HBV-related diagnosis were included. All patients were randomly divided into two groups in a ratio of 7:3 (training cohort, n = 1597; validation cohort, n = 684). The nomogram was built in the training cohort via Cox regression model and validated in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

Multivariate Cox analyses revealed that the portal vein tumor thrombus, Child-Pugh class, tumor diameter, alanine aminotransferase level, tumor number, extrahepatic metastases, and therapy were independent predictive variables impacting overall survival. We constructed a new nomogram to predict 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates based on these factors. The nomogram-related receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.809, 0.806, and 0.764 in predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates, respectively. Furthermore, the calibration curves revealed good agreement between real measurements and nomogram predictions. The decision curve analyses (DCA) curves demonstrated excellent therapeutic application potential. In addition, stratified by risk scores, low-risk groups had longer median OS than medium-high-risk groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram we constructed showed good performance in predicting the 1-year survival rate for HBV- related HCC.

Primary non-response to antiviral therapy affects the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although antiviral treatments have been shown to affect the recurrence and long-term survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have high viral loads, the effect of different responses to antiviral therapy on the clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of primary non-response (no-PR) to antiviral therapy on the survival or prognosis of patients with HCC with a high load of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA.

METHODS

A total of 493 HBV-HCC patients hospitalized at Beijing Ditan Hospital of Capital Medical University were admitted to this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups based on viral response (no-PR and primary response). Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were used to compare the overall survival of the two cohorts. Serum viral load comparison and subgroup analysis were performed. Additionally, risk factors were screened and the risk score chart was created.

RESULTS

This study consisted of 101 patients with no-PR and 392 patients with primary response. In the different categories based on hepatitis B e antigen and HBV DNA, no-PR group had a poor 1-year overall survival (OS). In addition, in the alanine aminotransferase < 50 IU/L and cirrhosis groups, primary nonresponse was related to poor overall survival and progression-free survival. Based on multivariate risk analysis, primary non-response (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.883, 95% CI 1.289-2.751, P = 0.001), tumor multiplicity (HR = 1.488, 95% CI 1.036-2.136, P = 0.031), portal vein tumor thrombus (HR = 2.732, 95% CI 1.859-4.015, P < 0.001), hemoglobin < 120 g/L (HR = 2.211, 95% CI 1.548-3.158, P < 0.001) and tumor size ≥ 5 cm (HR = 2.202, 95% CI 1.533-3.163, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for 1-year OS. According to the scoring chart, patients were divided into three risk groups (high-, medium-, and low-risk groups) with mortality rates of 61.7%, 30.5%, and 14.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of viral decline at 3 months post-antiviral treatment may predict the OS of patients with HBV-related HCC, and primary non-response may shorten the median survival time of patients with high HBV-DNA levels.

Comparative Study of Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Liver Resection versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Single Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located in Left Lateral Segments of the Liver

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is now widely recognized as the primary surgical option for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) smaller than 3 cm located in the left lateral segment of the liver. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies comparing laparoscopic liver resection with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in these cases. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively compared the short- and long-term outcomes of Child-Pugh class A patients who underwent LLR (n = 36) or RFA (n = 40) for a newly diagnosed single small (≤3 cm) HCC located in the left lateral segment of the liver. Results: Overall survival (OS) was not significantly different between the LLR and RFA groups (94.4% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.075). However, disease-free survival (DFS) was better in the LLR group than in the RFA group (p < 0.001), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates of 100%, 84.5%, and 74.4%, respectively, in the LLR group vs. 86.9%, 40.2%, and 33.4%, respectively, in the RFA group. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RFA group than in the LLR (2.4 vs. 4.9 days, p < 0.001). The overall complication rate was higher in the RFA group than in the LLR group (15% vs. 5.6%). In patients with an α-fetoprotein level of ≥20 ng/mL, the 5-year OS (93.8% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.031) and DFS (68.8% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.002) rates were greater in the LLR group. Conclusions: LLR showed superior OS and DFS compared to RFA in patients with a single small HCC situated in the left lateral segment of the liver. LLR can be considered for patients with an α-fetoprotein level of ≥20 ng/mL.

Tenofovir versus entecavir on the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tenofovir (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) are first-line treatments for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the effect of TDF versus ETV on the prognosis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully clarified yet.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Web of science were searched up to March, 2021. Meta-analyses were performed for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) to assess the effect of TDF versus ETV on the prognosis of HBV-related HCC.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies comprising 4706 Asian patients were included. The pooled results revealed that TDF was associated with better OS (adjusted HR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.40-0.62; I²=36.0%, p=0.167) and better RFS/DFS (adjusted HR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.55-0.89, I²=71.9%, p=0.002) than ETV in treatment of HBV-related HCC. Subgroup analysis revealed that OS benefit from TDF was generally consistent, except for patients who underwent non-surgical treatment for HCC. Subgroup analysis also indicated that TDF reduces the risk of late recurrence (HR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.0.93; I²=63.0%, p=0.067) rather than early recurrence (HR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.64-1.52; I²=61.3%, p=0.076).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with ETV, TDF has the advantage of improving OS and reducing late recurrence of patients with HBV-related HCC patients who underwent resection.

Persistently Elevated HBV Viral-Host Junction DNA in Urine as a Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Minimum Residual Disease and Recurrence: A Pilot Study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-host junction sequences (HBV-JSs) has been detected in the urine of patients with HBV infection. This study evaluated HBV-JSs as a marker of minimum residual disease (MRD) and tumor recurrence after treatment in HBV-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Archived serial urine DNA from two HBV-HCC with recurrence as confirmed by MRI and four HBV-related cirrhosis (LC) patients were used. Urinary HBV-JSs were identified by an HBV-targeted NGS assay. Quantitative junction-specific PCR assays were developed to investigate dynamic changes of the most abundant urinary HBV-JS. Abundant urinary HBV-JSs were identified in two cases of tumor recurrence. In case 1, a 78-year-old female with HBV- HCC underwent a follow-up MRI following microwave ablation. While MRI results were variable, the unique HBV-JS DNA, HBV-Chr17, steadily increased from initial diagnosis to HCC recurrence. In case 2, a 74-year-old male with HBV-HCC contained two HBV-JS DNA, HBV-Chr11 and HBV-TERT, that steadily increased after initial HCC diagnosis till recurrence. One LC examined had HBV-TERT DNA detected, but transiently in 3.5 years during HCC surveillance. HBV-JS DNA was persistently elevated prior to the diagnosis of recurrent HCC, suggesting the potential of urinary HBV-JS DNA to detect MRD and HCC recurrence after treatment.

Development and validation of prognostic nomograms for large hepatocellular carcinoma after HAIC

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using the FOLFOX regimen (oxaliplatin plus fluorouracil and leucovorin) is a promising option for large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, post-HAIC prognosis can vary in different patients due to tumor heterogeneity. Herein, we established two nomogram models to assess the survival prognosis of patients after HAIC combination therapy.

METHODS

A total of 1082 HCC patients who underwent initial HAIC were enrolled between February 2014 and December 2021. We built two nomogram models for survival prediction: the preoperative nomogram (pre-HAICN) using preoperative clinical data and the postoperative nomogram (post-HAICN) based on pre-HAICN and combination therapy. The two nomogram models were internally validated in one hospital and externally validated in four hospitals. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for overall survival (OS). The performance outcomes of all models were compared by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis with the DeLong test.

RESULTS

Multivariable analysis identified larger tumor size, vascular invasion, metastasis, high albumin-bilirubin grade, and high alpha-fetoprotein as indicators for poor prognosis. With these variables, the pre-HAICN provided three risk strata for OS in the training cohort: low risk (5-year OS, 44.9%), middle risk (5-year OS, 20.6%), and high risk (5-year OS, 4.9%). The discrimination of the three strata was improved significantly in the post-HAICN, which included the above-mentioned factors and number of sessions, combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and local therapy (AUC, 0.802 versus 0.811, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram models are essential to identify patients with large HCC suitable for treatment with HAIC combination therapy and may potentially benefit personalized decision-making.

LAY SUMMARY

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) provides sustained higher concentrations of chemotherapy agents in large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by hepatic intra-arterial, result in better objective response outperformed the intravenous administration. HAIC is significantly correlated with favorable survival outcome and obtains extensive support in the effective and safe treatment of intermediate advanced-stage HCC. In view of the high heterogeneity of HCC, there is no consensus regarding the optimal tool for risk stratification before HAIC alone or HAIC combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment in HCC. In this large collaboration, we established two nomogram models to estimate the prognosis and evaluate the survival benefits with different HAIC combination therapy. It could help physicians in decision-making before HAIC and comprehensive treatment for large HCC patients in clinical practice and future trials.

Understanding the causes of recurrent HCC after liver resection and radiofrequency ablation

INTRODUCTION

Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation are preferred options for early-stage disease, with 5-year recurrence rates as high as 70% when patients are treated according to guidelines. With increasing availability of therapeutic options, including but not limited to, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antiangiogenics, and adoptive cell therapies, understanding the causes of recurrence and identifying its predictors should be priorities in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research agenda.

AREAS COVERED

Current knowledge of HCC predictors of recurrence is reviewed, and recent insights about its underlying mechanisms are presented. In addition, results from recent clinical trials investigating treatment combinations are critically appraised.

EXPERT OPINION

HCC recurrence is either due to progressive growth of microscopic residual disease, or to de novo cancer development in the context of a diseased liver, each occurring in an early (<2years) vs. late (≥2 years) fashion. Collectively, morphological, proteomic, and transcriptomic data suggest vascular invasion and angiogenesis as key drivers of HCC recurrence. Agents aimed at blocking either of these two hallmarks should be prioritized at the moment of early-stage HCC clinical trial design. Emerging results from clinical trials testing ICI in early-stage HCC underscore the importance of defining the best treatment sequence and the most appropriate combination strategies. Lastly, as different responses to systemic therapies are increasingly defined according to the HCC etiology, patient enrolment into clinical trials should take into account the biological characteristics of their inherent disease.

Microwave Ablation of Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Surgical Resection

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) as a treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after initial successful surgical resection.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 40 patients (11 women and 29 men; mean age: 62.3 ± 11.7 years) with 48 recurrent lesions of HCC after initial surgical resection that were treated by percutaneous MWA. Several parameters including complications, technical success, local tumor progression (LTP), intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated in order to investigate the safety and efficacy of MWA for these recurrent HCC lesions after surgical treatment.

RESULTS

All MWA treatments were performed without complications or procedure-related deaths. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Two cases developed LTP at a rate of 5%, and IDR occurred in 23 cases at a rate of 57.5% (23/40). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-year OS rates were 97%, 89.2%, 80.3%, 70.2%, and 60.2%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year PFS rates were 50.2% and 34.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MWA is effective and safe as a local treatment for recurrent HCC after initial surgical resection.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Elderly Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients following Surgical Resection: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Due to aging of the global population, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly common among elderly patients, but outcomes after curative hepatic resection are unclear. Using a metanalytic approach, we aimed to estimate overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complication rates in elderly HCC patients undergoing resection.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to November 10, 2020, for studies reporting outcomes in elderly (age ≥65 years) patients with HCC undergoing curative surgical resection. Pooled estimates were generated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We screened 8,598 articles and included 42 studies (7,778 elderly patients). The mean age was 74.45 years (95% CI: 72.89-76.02), 75.54% were male (95% CI: 72.53-78.32) and 66.73% had cirrhosis (95% CI: 43.93-83.96). The mean tumor size was 5.50 cm (95% CI: 4.71-6.29) and 16.01% had multiple tumors (95% CI: 10.74-23.19). The 1-year (86.02% vs. 86.66%, p = 0.84) and 5-year OS (51.60% vs. 53.78%) between non-elderly and elderly patients were similar. Likewise, there were no differences in the 1-year (67.32% vs. 73.26%, p = 0.11) and 5-year RFS (31.57% vs. 30.25%, p = 0.67) between non-elderly and elderly patients. There was a higher rate of minor complications (21.95% vs. 13.71%, p = 0.03) among elderly patients compared with non-elderly patients, but no difference in major complications (p = 0.43).

CONCLUSION

These data show that OS, recurrence, and major complications after liver resection for HCC are comparable between elderly and non-elderly patients and may inform clinical management of HCC in this population.

BACKGROUND

Due to aging of the global population, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly common among elderly patients, but outcomes after curative hepatic resection are unclear. Using a metanalytic approach, we aimed to estimate overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complication rates in elderly HCC patients undergoing resection.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to November 10, 2020, for studies reporting outcomes in elderly (age ≥65 years) patients with HCC undergoing curative surgical resection. Pooled estimates were generated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We screened 8,598 articles and included 42 studies (7,778 elderly patients). The mean age was 74.45 years (95% CI: 72.89-76.02), 75.54% were male (95% CI: 72.53-78.32) and 66.73% had cirrhosis (95% CI: 43.93-83.96). The mean tumor size was 5.50 cm (95% CI: 4.71-6.29) and 16.01% had multiple tumors (95% CI: 10.74-23.19). The 1-year (86.02% vs. 86.66%, p = 0.84) and 5-year OS (51.60% vs. 53.78%) between non-elderly and elderly patients were similar. Likewise, there were no differences in the 1-year (67.32% vs. 73.26%, p = 0.11) and 5-year RFS (31.57% vs. 30.25%, p = 0.67) between non-elderly and elderly patients. There was a higher rate of minor complications (21.95% vs. 13.71%, p = 0.03) among elderly patients compared with non-elderly patients, but no difference in major complications (p = 0.43).

CONCLUSION

These data show that OS, recurrence, and major complications after liver resection for HCC are comparable between elderly and non-elderly patients and may inform clinical management of HCC in this population.

Suboptimal Performance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prediction Models in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhosis

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of pre-existing well-validated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prediction models, established in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis who started potent antiviral therapy (AVT). We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 1339 treatment-naïve patients with HBV-related cirrhosis who started AVT (median period, 56.8 months). The scores of the pre-existing HCC risk prediction models were calculated at the time of AVT initiation. HCC developed in 211 patients (15.1%), and the cumulative probability of HCC development at 5 years was 14.6%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.023), lower platelet count (aHR, 0.997), lower serum albumin level (aHR, 0.578), and greater LS value (aHR, 1.012) were associated with HCC development. Harrell’s c-indices of the PAGE-B, modified PAGE-B, modified REACH-B, CAMD, aMAP, HCC-RESCUE, AASL-HCC, Toronto HCC Risk Index, PLAN-B, APA-B, CAGE-B, and SAGE-B models were suboptimal in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, ranging from 0.565 to 0.667. Nevertheless, almost all patients were well stratified into low-, intermediate-, or high-risk groups according to each model (all log-rank p < 0.05), except for HCC-RESCUE (p = 0.080). Since all low-risk patients had cirrhosis at baseline, they had unneglectable cumulative incidence of HCC development (5-year incidence, 4.9−7.5%). Pre-existing risk prediction models for patients with chronic hepatitis B showed suboptimal predictive performances for the assessment of HCC development in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis.

Liver resection, radiofrequency ablation, and radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for very-early- and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis for comparison of efficacy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of liver resection (LR), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (RFA+TACE) in the treatment of very-early- and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We systemically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational analyses with propensity score-matched cohort analyses (PSMs) comparing any two of the three treatments were included in this study. The primary result was overall survival (OS) and the secondary result was recurrence-free survival (RFS), which were analyzed by calculating the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies (4249 patients), including 10 RCTs and 15 PSM observational studies, met the inclusion criteria. Although there was no significant difference between LR and RFA in terms of one-year OS, though LR showed superior performance for three- and five-year OS (at three years, HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56-0.96; at five years, HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55-0.94). In addition, significantly higher rates of RFS at one-, three- and five-year follow-up were found for LR than for RFA alone (at one year, HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.92; at three years, HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55-0.81; at five years, HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.78). The combination of RFA+TACE was superior to RFA alone based on one-year RFS (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.96), while there were no significant differences in OS at one, three, and five years, and in RFS at three and five years.

CONCLUSIONS

For very-early- and early-stage HCC, this systematic review and network meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of LR is superior to that of RFA alone, regardless of whether the evaluation is based on either OS or RFS. The advantages of RFA+TACE compared to RFA alone are limited, and further studies are needed to determine whether combination therapy is necessary, i.e., results in significantly improved outcomes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The study was registered with http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022299269.

Predictors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Early Recurrence in Patients Treated with Surgical Resection or Ablation Treatment: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most diagnosed malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with poor overall survival despite available curative treatments. One of the most crucial factors influencing survival in HCC is recurrence. The current study aims to determine factors associated with early recurrence of HCC in patients with BCLC Stage 0 or Stage A treated with surgical resection or local ablation. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 58 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCC within BCLC Stage 0 or Stage A and treated either by surgical resection or local ablation with maximum nodule diameter < 50 mm. In the first year of follow-up after treatment, imaging was performed regularly one month after treatment and then every three months. Each case was discussed collectively by the Liver Multidisciplinary Group to decide diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and disease recurrence. Variables resulting in statistically significant difference were then studied by Cox regression analysis; univariately and then multivariately based on forward stepwise Cox regression. Results are represented in hazard ratio (H.R.) with 95% confidence interval (C.I.). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates (34.8 vs. 45.7%, log-rank test, p = 0.274) between patients undergoing surgical resection and local ablation, respectively. Early recurrence was associated with male gender (HR 2.5, 95% C.I. 1.9−3.1), nodule diameter > 20 mm (HR 4.5, 95% C.I. 3.9−5.1), platelet count < 125 × 103 cell/mm3 (HR 1.6, 95% C.I. 1.2−1.9), platelet-lymphocyte ratio < 95 (HR 2.1, 95% C.I. 1.7−2.6), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio < 2.5 (HR 1.9, 95% C.I. 1.4−2.5), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio > 2 (HR 2.7, 95% C.I. 2.2−3.3). Discussion and Conclusions: Our results are in line with the current literature. Male gender and tumor nodule dimension are the main risk factors associated with early HCC recurrence. Platelet count and other combined scores can be used as predictive tools for early HCC recurrence, although more studies are needed to define cut-offs.