Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: Risk factors for survival

AIM: To evaluate outcomes of radiofrequency ablation(RFA) therapy for early hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and identify survival- and recurrence-related factors. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with early HCC by computed tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)(single nodule of ≤ 5 cm, or multi-(up to 3) nodules of ≤ 3 cm each) and who underwent RFA treatment with curative intent between January 2010 and August 2011 at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de S o Paulo, Brazil were enrolled in the study. RFA of the liver tumors(with 1.0 cm ablative margin) was carried out under CT-fluoro scan and ultrasonic image guidance of the percutaneous ablation probes. Procedure-related complications were recorded. At 1-mo post-RFA and 3-mo intervals thereafter, CT and MRI were performed to assess outcomes of complete response(absence of enhancing tissue at the tumor site) or incomplete response(enhancing tissue remaining at the tumor site). Overall survival and diseasefree survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log rank test or simple Cox regression. The effect of risk factors on survival was assessed by the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 38 RFA sessions were performed during the study period on 34 patients(age in years: mean, 63 and range, 49-84). The mean follow-up time was 22 mo(range, 1-33). The study population showed predominance of male sex(76%), less severe liver disease(Child-Pugh A, n = 26; Child-Pugh B, n = 8), and single tumor(65%). The maximum tumor diameters ranged from 10 to 50 mm(median, 26 mm). The initial(immediately post-procedure) rate of RFAinduced complete tumor necrosis was 90%. The probability of achieving complete response was significantly greater in patients with a single nodule(vs patients with multi-nodules, P = 0.04). Two patients experienced major complications, including acute pulmonary edema(resolved with intervention) and intestinal perforation(led to death). The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 82% and 71%, respectively. Sex, tumor size, initial response, and recurrence status influenced survival, but did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. Child-Pugh class and the model for end-stage liver disease score were identified as predictors of survival by simple Cox regression, but only Child-Pugh class showed a statistically significant association to survival in multiple Cox regression analysis(HR = 15; 95%CI: 3-76 mo; P = 0.001). The 1-and 2-year cumulative disease-free survival rates were 65% and 36%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RFA is an effective therapy for local tumor control of early HCC, and patients with preserved liver function are the best candidates.     

Single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3 cm in left lateral segment: Liver resection or radiofrequency ablation?

AIM:To evaluate the long-term results of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)compared to left lateral sectionectomy(LLS)in patients with Child-Pugh class A disease for the treatment of single and small hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in the left lateral segments.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the data of133 patients with single HCC(≤3 cm)in their left lateral segments who underwent curative LLS(n=66)or RFA(n=67)between 2006 and 2010.RESULTS:The median follow-up period was 33.5mo in the LLS group and 29 mo in the RFA group(P=0.060).Most patients had hepatitis B virus-related HCC.The hospital stay was longer in the LLS group than in the RFA group(8 d vs 2 d,P<0.001).The 1-,2-,and 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates were 80.0%,68.2%,and 60.0%,and 95.4%,92.3%,and 92.3%,respectively,for the LLS group;and 80.8%,59.9%,and 39.6%,and 98.2%,92.0%,and 74.4%,respectively,for the RFA group.The disease-free survival curve and overall survival curve were higher in the LLS group than in the RFA group(P=0.012 and P=0.013,respectively).Increased PIVKA-Ⅱlevels and small tumor size were associated with HCC recurrence in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION:Liver resection is suitable for single HCC≤3 cm in the left lateral segments.     

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in difficult locations:Strategies and long-term outcomes

AIM:To investigate the treatment strategies and longterm outcomes of radiofrequency ablation(RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in difficult locations and to compare the results with non-difficult HCC.METHODS:From 2004 to 2012,a total of 470 HCC patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous RFA.Among these HCC patients,382 with tumors located ≤ 5 mm from a major vessel/bile duct(n = 87),from peripheral important structures(n = 232) or from the liver capsule(n = 63) were regarded as difficult cases.There were 331 male patients and 51 female patients,with an average age of 55.3 ± 10.1 years old.A total of 235 and 147 patients had ChildPugh class A and class B liver function,respectively.The average tumor size was 3.4 ± 1.2 cm.Individual treatment strategies were developed to treat these difficult cases.During the same period,88 HCC patients with tumors that were not in difficult locations served as the control group.In the control group,74 patients were male,and 14 patients were female,with an average age of 57.4 ± 11.8 years old.Of these,62 patients and 26 patients had Child-Pugh class A and class B liver function,respectively.Regular follow-up after RFA was performed to assess treatment efficacy.Survival results were generated from Kaplan-Meier estimates,and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression model.RESULTS:Early tumor necrosis rate in the difficult group was similar to that in the control group(97.6% vs 94.3%,P = 0.080).The complication rate in the difficult group was significantly higher than that in thecontrol group(4.9% vs 0.8%,P = 0.041).The followup period ranged from 6 to 116 mo,with an average of 28 ± 22.4 mo.Local progression rate in the difficult group was significantly higher than that in the control group(12.7% vs 7.1%,P = 0.046).However,the 1-,3-,5-,and 7-year overall survival rates in the difficult group were not significantly different from those in the control group(84.3%,54.4%,41.2%,and 29.9% vs 92.5%,60.3%,43.2%,and 32.8%,respectively,P = 0.371).Additionally,a multivariate analysis revealed that tumor location was not a significant risk factor for survival.CONCLUSION:There was no significant difference in long-term overall survival between the two groups even though the local progression rate was higher in the difficult group.     

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: long-term follow-up

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has seen a dramatic rise in the USA over the last 30 years. Unresectable disease is present in 80–90% of patients, for which radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an option. The aim of this study is to report the long-term survival after laparoscopic RFA. Methods. This is a prospective analysis of 104 patients who underwent 122 ablations for unresectable HCC from April 1997 to December 2006 at a tertiary care center. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier curves, excluding 11 patients who subsequently underwent liver transplantation. Patients were analyzed using Child-Pugh classification, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging and various clinical parameters. Results. Median (range) data: age 63 years (41–81), lesion size 3.5 cm (1–10), number of lesions 1 (1–5), AFP 26.5 ng/ml (3.7–43588.5) and time from diagnosis to RFA 2 months (mos) (1–42). The median Kaplan–Meier survival for all patients was 26 mos (OS) while DFS was 14 mos. Univariate analysis demonstrated improved OS for the absence vs. presence of ascites (31 vs. 15 mos, p=0.003), Bilirubin <2 mg/dl vs. ≥2 mg/dl (27 vs. 19 mos, p=0.01), AFP <400 vs. ≥400 (29 vs. 13 mos, p<0.0001) and Child-Pugh Grade (A = 28, B = 15, C = 5 mos, p=0.01). Significant factors for improved DFS: absence vs. presence of ascites (16 vs. 5 mos, p=0.02), Bilirubin <2 vs. ≥2 (14 vs. 5 mos, p=0.0278), AFP <400 vs. ≥400 (15 vs. 4 mos, p=0.0025), Child-Pugh Grade (A = 16, B = 10, C = 3 mos, p=0.03). Patient age, largest tumor size, number of lesions, INR and albumin did not reach clinical significance. Three and five-year actual survival rates are 21% and 8.3%, respectively. Conclusions. Our study suggests that RFA may have a positive impact on survival for unresectable HCC. It also determines which patients fare best after RFA, by determining predictive factors that improve their survival.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation as first‐line treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma: Results and prognostic factors on long‐term follow up

Background and Aims: We evaluated the prognosis and associated factors in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; up to 3 nodules, each up to 3cm in diameter) treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as first‐line treatment. Methods: Eighty‐eight consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous RFA as first‐line treatment were enrolled, among whom 70 who had hypervascular HCC nodules which were treated by a combination of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and RFA. RFA was repeated until an ablative margin was obtained. Results: The rate of local tumor progression at 1 and 3 years was 4.8% and 4.8%, respectively. The rate of overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 83.0% and 70.0%, and the rate of disease‐free survival at 3 and 5 years was 34.0% and 24.0%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age (< 70 years; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.341, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.101–4.977, P = 0.027) and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (< 15%; HR = 3.621, 95% CI = 1.086–12.079, P = 0.036) were statistically significant determinants of overall survival, while tumor number (solitary, HR = 2.465, 95% CI = 1.170–5.191, P = 0.018) was identified for disease‐free survival. Overall survival of patients with early recurrence after RFA was significantly worse than that of patients with late recurrence. Tumor size was the only independent risk factor of early recurrence after RFA of HCC (tumor size > 2 cm; risk ratio [RR] = 4.629, 95% CI = 1.241–17.241, P = 0.023). Conclusion: Percutaneous RFA under the protocol reported here has the potential to provide local tumor control for small HCC. In addition to host factors, time interval from RFA to recurrence was an important determinant of prognosis.     

Transarterial chemoembolization in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage 0/A hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)stage 0 and A hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).METHODS:Between January 2001 and September2011,129 patients with BCLC stage 0 and stage A HCC who underwent TACE were retrospectively enrolled.Patient characteristics,routine computed tomography and TACE findings,survival time and 1-,5-,and 10-year survival rates,risk factors for mortality,and survival rates according to the number of risk factors were assessed.RESULTS:The mean size of HCC tumors was 2.4±1.1 cm,and the mean number of TACE procedures performed was 2.5±2.1.The mean overall survival time and 1-,5-,and 10-year survival rates were 80.6±4.9 mo and 91%,63%and 49%,respectively.In the Cox regression analysis,a Child-Pugh score>5(P=0.005,OR=3.86),presence of arterio-venous shunt(P=0.032,OR=4.41),amount of lipiodol used(>7 mL;P=0.013,OR=3.51),and female gender(P=0.008,OR=3.47)were risk factors for mortality.The 1-,5-,and 10-year survival rates according to the number of risk factors present were 96%,87%and 87%(no risk factors),89%,65%,and 35%(1 risk factor),96%,48%and unavailable(2 risk factors),and 63%,17%,and 0%(3 risk factors),respectively(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:TACE may be used as curative-intent therapy in patients with BCLC stage 0 and stage A HCC.The Child-Pugh score,arterio-venous shunt,amount of lipiodol used,and gender were related to mortality after TACE.     

Hyperglycemia is a significant prognostic factor of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative therapy

AIM:To evaluate whether metabolic factors are related to distant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and survival after curative treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 344 patients whose HCC was treated curatively by radiofrequency ablation(RFA) therapy.The mean age was 67.6 years and the mean observation period was 4.04 years.The etiological background of liver disease was hepatitis B virus infection in 30,hepatitis C virus infection in 278,excessive alcohol drinking in 9,and other in 27 patients.The Child-Pugh classification grade was A(n = 307) or B(n = 37).The number of HCC nodules was one in 260,two in 61,and three in 23 patients.For surveillance of HCC recurrence after curative therapy with RFA,patients were radiologically evaluated every 3 mo.Factors associated with distant recurrence of HCC or survival were studied.RESULTS:Inadequate maintenance of blood glucose in diabetic patients was associated with higher incidence of distant recurrence.The 1-,2-,and 3-year recurrence rates were significantly higher in diabetic patients with inadequate maintenance of blood glucose compared with the others:50.6% vs 26.8%,83.5% vs 54.4%,and 93.8% vs 73.0%,respectively(P = 0.0001).Inadequate maintenance of blood glucose was an independent predictor of distant recurrence [adjusted relative risk 1.97(95%CI,1.33-2.91),(P = 0.0007)] after adjustment for other risk factors,such as number of HCC nodules [2.03(95%CI,1.51-2.73),P < 0.0001] and initial level of serum alpha fetoprotein(AFP) [1.43(95%CI,1.04-1.97),P = 0.028].Obesity was not an independent predictor of recurrence.The incidence of distant recurrence did not differ between diabetic patients with adequate maintenance of blood glucose and non-diabetic patients.Among 232 patients who had HCC recurrence,138 had a second recurrence.The 1-,2-,and 3-year rates of second recurrence were significantly higher in diabetic patients with inadequate maintenance of blood glucose than in the others:9.0% vs 5.9%,53.1% vs 24.3%,and 69.6% vs 42.3%,respectively(P     

Comparison of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and CyberKnife? for initial solitary hepatocellular carcinoma: A pilot study

AIM: To compare therapeutic outcomes and adverse events in initial solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and CyberKnife^®.METHODS: Seventy three consecutive patients with initial solitary HCC treated with RFA (38 patients; RFA group) and CyberKnife^® (35 patients; CK group) were enrolled in this study. Background factors were compared between the two groups. Local and intrahepatic distant recurrence control, and cumulative survival rates were compared between the two groups. These were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the significance of differences was analyzed by log-rank test. The presence of more grade 3 on CTCAE ver. 4.0 early and late adverse events was investigated.RESULTS: In background factors, age was significantly higher (P = 0.005) and the tumor diameter was significantly larger (P = 0.001) in the CK group. The 1-year local recurrence control rates were 97.4% and 97.1% in the RFA and CK groups, respectively (P = 0.71); the 1-year intrahepatic distant recurrence control rates were 85.6% and 86.1%, respectively (P = 0.91); and the 1-year cumulative survival rates were 100% and 95.2%, respectively (P = 0.075), showing no significant difference in any rate between the two groups. There were no late adverse event in the RFA group, but 11.4% in the CK group had late adverse events. In the CK group, the Child-Pugh score at 12 mo after treatment was significantly higher than that in the RFA group (P = 0.003) and significantly higher than the score before treatment (P = 0.034).CONCLUSION: The occurrence of adverse events is a concern, but CyberKnife^® treatment is likely to become an important option for local treatment of early HCC.     

Meta-analysis of radiofrequency ablation in combination with transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To compare radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with RFA monotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase and Chinese databases (CBMdisc and Wanfang data) for randomized controlled trails comparing RFA plus TACE and RFA alone for treatment of HCC from January 2000 to December 2012. The overall survival rate, re-currence-free survival rate, tumor progression rate, and safety were analyzed and compared. The analysis was conducted on dichotomous outcomes and the standard meta-analytical techniques were used. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95%CIs were calculated using either the fixed-effects or random-effects model. For each meta-analysis, the χ2 and I2 tests were first calculated to assess the heterogeneity of the included trials. For P<0.05 and I 2>50%, the assumption of homogeneity was deemed invalid, and the random-effects model wasused; otherwise, data were assessed using the fixed-effects model. All statistical analysis was conducted us-ing Review manager (version 4.2.2.) from the Cochrane collaboration. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were identified as eligible for inclusion in this analysis and included 598 patients with 306 treated with RFA plus TACE and 292 with RFA alone. Our data analysis indicated that RFA plus TACE was associated a sig-nificantly higher overall survival rate (OR 1-year=2.96, 95%CI: 1.84-7.74, P<0.001; OR 2-year=3.72, 95%CI: 1.24-11.16, P=0.02; OR 3-year=2.65, 95%CI: 1.81-3.86, P<0.001) and recurrence-free survival rate (OR 3-year=3.00, 95%CI: 1.75-5.13, P<0.001; OR 5-year=2.26, 95%CI: 1.43-3.57, P=0.0004) vs that of RFA alone. The tumor progression rate in patients treated with RFA alone was higher than that of RFA plus TACE (OR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.42-0.88, P=0.008) and there was no significant difference on major complications between two different kinds of treatment (OR=1.20, 95%CI: 0.31-4.62, P=0.79). Additionally, the meta-analysis data of subgroups revealed that the     

Radiofrequency ablation for single hepatocellular carcinoma 3 cm or less as first-line treatment

AIM:To evaluate long-term outcomes of radiofrequency(RF) ablation as first-line therapy for single hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) ≤ 3 cm and to determine survival and prognostic factors.METHODS:We included all 184 patients who underwent RF ablation as a first-line treatment for single HCC ≤ 3 cm between April 2005 and December 2013.According to the criteria of Livraghi,the 184 patients were divided into two groups:those suitable for surgical resection(84 cases) and those unsuitable for surgical resection(100 cases).The primary endpoints were the overall survival(OS) rate and safety;the secondary endpoints were primary technique effectiveness and recurrence rate.RESULTS:There were 19(10.3%) cases of ablation related minor complications.The complete tumor ablation rate after one RF session was 97.8%(180/184).The rate of local tumor progression,extrahepatic metastases and intrahepatic distant recurrence were 4.9%(9/184),9.8%(18/184) and 37.5%(69/184),respectively.In the 184 patients,the 1-,3-,and 5-year OS rates were 99.5%,81.0%,and 62.5%,respectively.The 1-,3-,and 5-year OS rates were 100%,86.9%,and 71.4%,respectively,in those suitable for surgical resection and 99.0%,76.0%,and 55.0%,respectively,in those unsuitable for surgical resection(P = 0.021).On univariate and multivariate analyses,poorer OS was associated with Child-Pugh B class and portal hypertension(P 0.05).CONCLUSION:RF ablation is a safe and effective treatment for single HCC ≤ 3 cm.The OS rate of patients suitable for surgical resection was similar to those reported in surgical series.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Budd-Chiari syndrome: a single center experience with long-term follow-up in South Korea

AIM:To evaluate long-term clinical course of BuddChiari syndrome(BCS) and predictive factors associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and survival.METHODS:We analyzed 67 patients with BCS between June 1988 and May 2008.The diagnosis of BCS was confirmed by hepatic venous outflow obstruction shown on abdominal ultrasound sonography,computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,or venography.The median follow-up period was 103 ± 156 [interquartile range(IQR)] mo.RESULTS:The median age of the patients was 47 ± 16(IQR) years.At diagnosis,54 patients had cirrhosis,25(37.3%) Child-Pugh class A,23(34.3%) Child-Pugh class B,and six(9.0%) patients Child-Pugh class C.During the follow-up period,HCC was developed in 17 patients,and the annual incidence of HCC in patients with BCS was 2.8%.Patients in HCC group(n = 17) had higher hepatic venous pressure gradient(HVPG) than those in non-HCC group(n = 50)(21 ± 12 mmHg vs 14 ± 7 mmHg,P = 0.019).The survival rate of BCS patients was 86.2% for 5 years,73.8% for 10 years,and 61.2% for 15 years.In patients with BCS and HCC,survival was 79% for 5 years,43.1% for 10 years,and 21.5% for 15 years.CONCLUSION:The incidence of HCC in patients with BCS was similar to that in patients with other etiologic cirrhosis in South Korea.The HVPG is expected to provide additional information for predicting HCC development in BCS patients.     

Radiofrequency ablation vs surgical resection in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Milan criteria

BACKGROUNDSurgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) represent two possible strategy in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Milan criteria.AIMTo evaluate short- and long-term outcome in elderly patients (> 70 years) with HCC in Milan criteria, which underwent liver resection (LR) or RFA.METHODSThe study included 594 patients with HCC in Milan criteria (429 in LR group and 165 in RFA group) managed in 10 European centers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method before and after propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression.RESULTSAfter PSM, we compared 136 patients in the LR group with 136 patients in the RFA group. Overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 91%, 80%, and 76% in the LR group and 97%, 67%, and 41% in the RFA group respectively (P = 0.001). Disease-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 84%, 60% and 44% for the LR group, and 63%, 36%, and 25% for the RFA group (P = 0.001).Postoperative Clavien-Dindo III-IV complications were lower in the RFA group (1% vs 11%, P = 0.001) in association with a shorter length of stay (2 d vs 7 d, P = 0.001).In multivariate analysis, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (> 10) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.89], increased value of international normalized ratio (> 1.3) (OR = 1.60), treatment with radiofrequency (OR = 1.46) ,and multiple nodules (OR = 1.19) were independent predictors of a poor overall survival while a high MELD score (> 10) (OR = 1.51) and radiofrequency (OR = 1.37) were independent factors associated with a higher recurrence rate.CONCLUSIONDespite a longer length of stay and a higher rate of severe postoperative complications, surgery provided better results in long-term oncological outcomes as compared to ablation in elderly patients (> 70 years) with HCC in Milan criteria.     

Role of Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Undergo Prior Transarterial Chemoembolization: Long-Term Outcomes and Predictive Factors

Background/Aims

The role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remains uncertain in patients with viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

A total of 101 patients (April 2007 to August 2010) underwent RFA for residual or recurrent HCC after TACE. We analyzed their long-term outcomes and predictive factors.

Results

The overall survival rates after RFA were 93.1%, 65.4%, and 61.0% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Predictive factors for favorable overall survival were Child-Pugh class A (hazard ratio [HR], 3.45; p=0.001), serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level <20 ng/mL (HR, 2.90; p=0.02), and recurrent tumors after the last TACE (HR, 3.14; p=0.007). The cumulative recurrence-free survival rate after RFA at 6 months was 50.1%. Predictive factors for early recurrence (within 6 months) were serum AFP level 20 ng/mL (HR, 3.02; p<0.001), tumor size 30 mm at RFA (HR, 2.90; p=0.005), and nonresponse to the last TACE (HR, 2.13; p=0.013).

Conclusions

Patients with recurrent or residual HCC who undergo prior TACE show a favorable overall survival, although their tumors seem to recur early and frequently. While good liver function, a low serum AFP level, and recurrent tumors were independent predictive factors for a favorable overall survival, poor response to TACE, a high serum AFP level, and large tumors are associated with early recurrence.     

The role of living-donor liver transplantation in surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Purpose

The role of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the surgical treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been established as yet.

Methods

Preliminary experience gained from 24 patients who underwent LDLT for HCC between March 2002 and November 2004, and the results of the 131 patients who underwent hepatic resection (HR) for HCC between January 1990 and December 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. The exclusion criteria for LDLT for HCC included extrahepatic metastasis and major vascular invasion.

Results

(1) LDLT: the median age of the patients was 57 years and the Child-Pugh grades (A/B/C) of the patients were 6, 12, and 6, respectively. The tumor size was 3?cm or less in 15 patients, multinodular tumors were present in 23 patients, and 11 patients (45.8%) met the Milan Criteria. The overall 2-year survival rate was 72.3%, without a significant difference as to whether or not patients met the Milan criteria. (2) HR: on multivariate analysis, the Child-Pugh grade, the presence of cirrhosis, and the number of tumor nodules were considered as independent risk factors for unfavorable survival (P < 0.05). The 84 patients who met the Milan criteria and were Child-Pugh grade A had a 5-year survival rate of 71.3%; this was significantly better than those of the other patients (P < 0.005). Among the 57 patients with intrahepatic recurrence, 18 patients who were Child-Pugh grade A, met the Milan criteria, and were treated by re-resection or ablation therapy achieved a significantly better 5-year survival rate, of 73.1%, as compared to 19.7% in the other 39 patients (P < 0.0045).

Conclusions

HR could be a first-line treatment with a favorable prognosis for patients who have resectable HCC, preserved liver function, and who meet the Milan criteria. Salvage LDLT could be employed in patients with recurrent tumors that cannot be controlled by conventional treatment or in patients in whom liver function has deteriorated to Child-Pugh grade B or C.     

Preoperative predictors of short-term survival after hepatectomy for multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate preoperative factors associated with poor short-term outcome after resection for multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to assess the contraindication of patients for surgery.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 162 multinodular HCC patients with Child-Pugh A liver function who underwent surgical resection. The prognostic significance of preoperative factors was investigated by univariate analysis using the log-rank test and by multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model. Each independent risk factor was then assigned points to construct a scoring model to evaluate the indication for surgical intervention. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was constructed to assess the predictive ability of this system.RESULTS: The median overall survival was 38.3 mo (range: 3-80 mo), while the median disease-free survival was 18.6 mo (range: 1-79 mo). The 1-year mortality was 14%. Independent prognostic risk factors of 1-year death included prealbumin < 170 mg/L [hazard ratio (HR): 5.531, P < 0.001], alkaline phosphatase > 129 U/L (HR: 3.252, P = 0.005), α fetoprotein > 20 μg/L (HR: 7.477, P = 0.011), total tumor size > 8 cm (HR: 10.543; P < 0.001), platelet count < 100 × 10⁹/L (HR: 9.937, P < 0.001), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase > 64 U/L (HR: 3.791, P < 0.001). The scoring model had a strong ability to predict 1-year survival (area under ROC: 0.925, P < 0.001). Patients with a score ≥ 5 had significantly poorer short-term outcome than those with a score < 5 (1-year mortality: 62% vs 5%, P < 0.001; 1-year recurrence rate: 86% vs 33%, P < 0.001). Patients with score ≥ 5 had greater possibility of microvascular invasion (P < 0.001), poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.003), liver cirrhosis with small nodules (P < 0.001), and intraoperative blood transfusion (P = 0.010).CONCLUSION: A composite preoperative scoring model can be used as an indication of prognosis of HCC patients after surgical resection. Resection should be considered with caution in patients with a score ≥ 5, which indicates a contraindication for surgery.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical study of long-term survival and choice of treatment modalities

AIM: To analyze the prognostic factors of 5-year survival and 10-year survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to explore the reasons for longterm survival and provide choice of treatment modalities for HCC patients. METHODS: From January 1990 to October 2012, 8450 HCC patients were included in a prospective database compiled by the Information Center after hospital admission. Long-term surviving patients were included in a 10-year survival group (520 patients) and a 5-year survival group (1516 patients) for analysis. The long-term survival of HCC patients was defined as the survival of 5 years or longer. Clinical and biologic variables were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. The survival of patients was evaluated by follow-up data. RESULTS: The long-term survival of HCC patients was associated with the number of lesions, liver cirrhosis and Child-Pugh classification. It was not found to be associated with tumor diameter, histological stage, and pretreatment level of serum α-fetoprotein. The differences in clinical factors between the 5-year survival and the 10-year survival were found to be the number of lesions, liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification, and time elapsed until first recurrence or metastasis. The survival period of different treatment modalities in the patients who survived for 5 years and 10 years showed significant differences: (in order of significance) surgery alone > surgery-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) > TACE-radiofrequency ablation (RFA) > TACE alone > surgery-TACE-RFA. The 10-year survival of HCC patients was not associated with the choice of treatment modality.CONCLUSION: This retrospective study elucidated survival outcomes, prognostic factors affecting survival and treatment modalities in HCC patients.     

Comparative analysis of radiofrequency ablation and resection for resectable colorectal liver metastases

AIM:To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)for resectable colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)compared with that of resection.METHODS:Between June 2004 and June 2009,we retrospectively analyzed 29 patients with resectable CRLMs;17 patients underwent RFA,and 12 underwent hepatic resection.All of the patients were informed about the treatment modalities and were allowed to choose either of them.RFA including an intraoperative approach was performed by a radiologist;otherwise,hepatic resection was performed by a surgeon.Comparative analysis of the two groups was performed,including comparisons of gender,age,and clinical outcomes,such as primary tumor stage and survival rates.RESULTS:The mean tumor size was significantly larger in the resection group(3.59 cm vs 2.02 cm,P<0.01),and the 5-year overall survival(OS)rate for all patients was 44.7%.There was no difference in the 5-year OS rates between the RFA and resection groups(37.8%vs66.7%).Univariate analysis indicated significantly lower5-year OS rates for patients with a tumor size>3cm.The 5-year disease-free survival(DFS)rates were17.6%and 22.2%in the RFA and resection groups,respectively(P=0.119).Univariate analysis revealed that in cases of male gender,age>65 years,T stage<Ⅳ,absence of lymphatic metastasis,and tumor size>3 cm,RFA resulted in significantly inferior 5-year DFS rates compared with surgical resection.CONCLUSION:Surgical resection revealed superior outcomes in the treatment of resectable CRLMs,particularly in cases with a hepatic tumor size>3 cm.     

Survival comparison between surgical resection and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for patients in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer early stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim

To compare the survival outcome between surgical resection (SR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The retrospective study enrolled eighty-two patients with newly diagnosed BCLC early HCC (single nodule, size ≦3 cm, and Child-Pugh class A) treated either surgically (n?=?46) or with RFA (n?=?36) from year 2004 to 2009. The patients’ survival outcomes were compared.

Results

There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) rates between SR and RFA (p?=?0.204). The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 65.8 % and 53.7 % respectively, in the SR group, which were significantly higher than those in the RFA group (34.8 % and 14.9 % respectively) (p?=?0.009 and p?=?0.001). In subgroup analysis, the DFS was similar between RFA and SR in patients with presentation of lower platelet count (≦100,000/mL) and smaller tumor size (tumor size ≦1 cm). Multivariate analysis showed SR as a procedure type was a significant predictive factor for DFS [HR?=?2.26 (CI 1.462–5.227), p?=?0.002].

Conclusion

SR yielded similar OS but better DFS when compared to RFA for patients with BCLC early HCC (single nodule, ≦3 cm and Child-Pugh class A). In subgroup patients with lower platelet count (≦100,000/mL) and smaller tumor size (tumor size ≦1 cm), DFS was similar between both treatments.     

Overexpression of lysine specific demethylase 1 predicts worse prognosis in primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients

AIM: To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic value of lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: We examined LSD1 expression in 60 paired liver cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. In addition, we analyzed LSD1 expression in 198 HCC samples by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between LSD1 expression, clinicopathological features and patient survival was investigated.RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR consistently confirmed LSD1 overexpression in HCC tissues compared to adjacent non-neoplastic tissues (P < 0.01). Additionally, immunostaining showed more LSD1-positive cells in the higher tumor stage (T3-4) and tumor grade (G3) than in the lower tumor stage (T1-2, P < 0.001) and tumor grade (G1-2, P < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, HCC patients with high LSD1 expression had significantly lower 5-year overall survival rates (P < 0.001) and lower 5-year disease-free survival rates (P < 0.001), respectively. A Cox proportional hazards model further demonstrated that LSD1 over-expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis for both 5-year disease-free survival [hazards ratio (HR) = 1.426, 95%CI: 0.672-2.146, P < 0.001] and 5-year overall survival (HR = 2.456, 95%CI: 1.234-3.932, P < 0.001) in HCC.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest for the first time that the overexpression of LSD1 protein in HCC tissues indicates tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis.     

Obesity did not diminish the efficacy of percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Overweight and hepatic steatosis can increase the risk of hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, overweight may affect the treatment efficacy of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous ablation. We evaluated the impact of overweight on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ablation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We enrolled 743 patients with naïve HCC who were treated by percutaneous ablation including ethanol injection, microwave coagulation, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) between 1995 and 2003. Patients were divided into two groups by body mass index (BMI): 219 overweight patients with BMI>25 kg/m² and 524 control patients with BMI≤25 kg/m². The effects of BMI on complications of percutaneous ablation, HCC recurrence, and overall survival were analyzed, together with others including tumor and liver function‐related factors. Results: The overweight group required a significantly larger number of sessions by RFA (P=0.01). Major complications were identified in 8.7% in the overweight group and 7.6% in the control group (P=0.94). There was no significant difference in cumulative recurrence rate and local tumor‐progression rate between the two groups (P=0.63 and 0.44). Cumulative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 95.4%, 75.7%, and 57.8%, respectively, in the overweight group and 94.1%, 78.0%, and 58.8% in the control group (P=0.99). Conclusions: The results indicated that overweight did not increase complications nor affect HCC recurrence and overall survival. However, the number of sessions of RFA was significantly greater in overweight patients, suggesting that overweight was associated with minor technical difficulties.