Prognostic value of the ALBI grade among patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma without macrovascular invasion

Although evidence for the application of an albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grading system to assess liver function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is available, less is known whether it can be applied to determine the prognosis of single HCC with different tumor sizes. This study aimed to address this gap.Here, we enrolled patients who underwent hepatectomy due to single HCC from 2010 to 2014. Analyses were performed to test the potential of the ALBI grading system to monitor the long-term survival of single HCC subjects with varying tumor sizes.A total of 265 participants were recruited. The overall survival (OS) among patients whose tumors were ≤7 cm was remarkably higher than those whose tumors were >7 cm. The Cox proportional hazards regression model identified the tumor differentiation grade, ALBI grade, and maximum tumor size as key determinants of OS. The ALBI grade could stratify the patients who had a single tumor ≤7 cm into 2 distinct groups with different prognoses. The OS between ALBI grades 1 and 2 was comparable for patients who had a single tumor >7 cm.We showed that the ALBI grading system can predict disease outcomes in patients with a single HCC with a tumor size ≤7 cm. However, the ALBI grade may not predict the prognosis of patients with a single tumor >7 cm.     

Platelet-albumin-bilirubin grade: Risk stratification of liver failure,prognosis after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aimsThe liver function reserve in Child-Pugh (C-P) grade A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients varies widely, and the value of platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) grade in predicting posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) grade B/C and overall survival (OS) remains unknown.MethodsFrom Dec 2004 to Dec 2013, 2038 C-P grade A HCC patients after resection were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to clarify the risk factors for PHLF grade B/C and OS.ResultsThe PALBI grade had higher area under the curve values than albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) and C-P grade in predicting PHLF grade B/C (0.693, 0.683, 0.529 in the entire cohort; 0.677, 0.646, 0.516 in patients who underwent major resection). PALBI grade differentiated C-P grade A patients into three groups with distinct prognoses (P < 0.001), whereas ALBI grade differentiated C-P grade A patients into two groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, PALBI grade identified three groups with clearly different prognoses in ALBI grade 1 patients (P = 0.032). Multivariate analyses showed that PALBI grade was one of the independent and significant prognostic factors of PHLF grade B/C and OS.ConclusionsPALBI grade offers a simple, objective and discriminatory method for risk stratification of PHLF grade B/C and OS in C-P grade A HCC patients following resection.     

Child-Pugh评分和ALBI分级预测经肝动脉化疗栓塞治疗不可切除肝细胞癌预后的价值比较

目的在经肝动脉化疗栓塞术(TACE)治疗的肝功能良好的肝细胞癌患者中,评估并比较Child-Pugh评分和ALBI分级对患者总生存情况的预测能力。方法回顾性收集2010年1月-2014年12月在空军军医大学西京消化病医院接受TACE治疗的不可切除185例HCC患者,收集患者的流行病学资料(年龄、性别、病因等),实验室检查资料(血常规、肝肾功能、凝血功能等),以及影像学检查资料(肿瘤大小、数目等),计算总生存时间,根据其基线状态以及实验室检查结果计算Child-Pugh评分和ALBI分级。使用Child-Pugh评分和ALBI评分进行危险分层,采用Kaplan-Meier绘制生存曲线,log-rank检验对总生存时间进行分析比较。Cox回归模型进行危险因素分析。通过依时ROC曲线分析和C指数比较2种评分预测生存情况的能力。结果根据ChildPugh评分,5分患者的中位生存时间及95%可信区间(95%CI)为25.3(20.1~30.5)个月;6分患者的中位生存时间为8.6(7.5~16.9)个月,2者生存时间比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.002);根据ALBI评分,1级的患者中位生存时间为29.1(25.9~32.3)个月,2级患者的中位生存时间为15.1(12.7~17.6)个月,2者生存时间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。单因素分析结果显示,ECOG评分、肿瘤大小、肿瘤数目、AFP、AST、Alb、TBil、Child-Pugh评分以及ALBI分级均与生存相关(P值均<0.05);多因素分析调整风险比(HR)之后,白蛋白[HR(95%CI):0.93(0.90~0.97),P<0.001)]、胆红素[HR(95%CI):1.04(1.02~1.06),P<0.001)]、Child-Pugh评分[HR(95%CI):1.75(1.18~2.59),P=0.005)]以及ALBI评分[HR(95%CI):1.82(1.29~2.59),P=0.001]均是患者总生存时间的独立预测因素。根据依时ROC曲线,随着观察时间的延长,Child-Pugh评分对生存的预测能力呈下降趋势,而ALBI评分的预测能力比较稳定。在预测1年以内的生存方面,2种评分方式预测能力相近,而随着时间的延长,ALBI评分的预测价值更高。Child-Pugh评分的C指数略低于ALBI的C指数为[0.57(95%CI:0.53~0.60)vs 0.63(95%CI:0.57~0.68)]。结论对于接受单纯TACE治疗的肝细胞癌患者,ALBI评分与Child-Pugh评分均是生存时间的独立预测因素,但是ALBI的远期预测能力相对更好。     

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and albumin bilirubin grade in hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is a frequent cause of cancer related death globally. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and albumin bilirubin(ALBI) grade are emerging prognostic indicators in HCC.AIM To study published literature of NLR and ALBI over the last five years, and to validate NLR and ALBI locally in our centre as indicators of HCC survival.METHODS A systematic review of the published literature on PubMed of NLR and ALBI in HCC over the last five years. The search followed the guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Additionally, we also investigated HCC cases between December 2013 and December 2018 in our centre.RESULTS There were 54 studies describing the relation between HCC and NLR and 95 studies describing the relation between HCC and ALBI grade over the last five years. Our local cohort of patients showed NLR to have a significant negative relationship to survival(P = 0.011). There was also significant inverse relationship between the size of the largest HCC nodule and survival(P = 0.009). Median survival with alpha fetoprotein(AFP) 10 KU/L was 20 mo and with AFP 10 KU/L was 5 mo. We found that AFP was inversely related to survival, this relationship was not statically significant(P = 0.132). Mean survival for ALBI grade 1 was 37.7 mo, ALBI grade 2 was 13.4 months and ALBI grade 3 was 4.5 mo. ALBI grades performed better than Child Turcotte Pugh score in detecting death from HCC.CONCLUSION NLR and ALBI grade in HCC predict survival better than the conventional alpha fetoprotein. ALBI grade performs better than Child Turcotte Pugh score. These markers are done as part of routine clinical care and in cases of normal alpha fetoprotein, these markers could give a better understanding of the patient disease progression. NLR and ALBI grade could have a role in modified easier to learn staging and prognostic systems for HCC.     

ALBI and PALBI Grades Are Associated with the Outcome of Patients with Stable Decompensated Cirrhosis

Introduction and aim. Studies carried out mainly in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), have shown the prognostic significance of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade. Recently, another predictive score incorporating platelet count into ALBI, PALBI grade, was introduced in patients with HCC.Aim. We evaluated the ability of ALBI and PALBI grades in predicting the outcome (mortality / liver transplantation) of patients with stable decompensated cirrhosis with various etiology of liver diseases.Material and methods. We prospectively studied 325 patients with stable decompensated cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation. Their clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded including albumin, bilirubin levels, platelets. We estimated ALBI and PALBI grades for every patient. Conventional prognostic scores were also evaluated; Child-Pugh (CTP), Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD). We followed them up and recorded their outcome.Results. Beyond MELD and CTP, ALBI and PALBI grades proved significant factors associated with the outcome (HR: 2.13, 95%CI [1.59, 2.85], p < 0.001 and HR: 2.06, 95%CI [1.47, 2.9], p < 0.001, respectively), and their predictive capability was established (ROC analysis; AUC: 0.695, 95% CI [0.634, 0.755] and AUC: 0.683, 95% CI [0.621,0.744], respectively). ALBI and PALBI performed better than CTP score (p = 0.0044 and p = 0.014, respectively). Categorization of our patients into three ALBI groups detected statistically different survival times. Accordingly, PALBI grade 3 compared to those with PALBI grade 1 and 2 patients, had worse outcome and significantly higher frequency of cirrhosis-related complicationsConclusions. ALBI and PALBI grades were validated and can be used to predict the outcome in patients with stable decompensated cirrhosis     

ALBI评分对肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者预后的预测价值

目的研究ALBI评分预测肝硬化伴食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者预后的价值,以明确风险分层和增加临床实用性。方法回顾性分析2012年10月—2018年8月于江苏省苏北人民医院住院治疗的273例肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者的临床资料,所有患者入院后均接受标准化治疗,通过查阅电子病历及电话随访获取患者的生存情况,根据随访至2020年8月时的预后情况分为死亡组(n=109)和存活组(n=164),比较两组患者的一般资料,连续变量两组间比较采用Mann-Whitney U检验,分类变量两组间比较采用χ2检验或Fisher确切检验,通过单因素及多因素Cox回归分析识别与预后相关的独立危险因素,运用Kaplan-Meier曲线分析不同ALBI分级患者的生存率,并行log-rank检验进行组间比较,绘制受试者工作特征曲线(ROC曲线)比较ALBI评分、CTP评分及MELD评分预测患者短期(6周)及长期预后的能力。结果随访期间,109例(39.9%)患者死亡,死亡组患者的ALBI评分[-1.49(-1.82~-1.11)]水平明显高于存活组[-1.79(-2.22~-1.49)](Z=5.630,P<0.001)。单因素分析显示:年龄≥55岁、血红蛋白≤100 g/L、中性粒细胞计数≥3.4×109/L、血小板≤42×109/L、白蛋白≤28 g/L、总胆红素≥21μmol/L、ALT≥42 U/L或AST≥48 U/L、肌酐≥94μmol/L、血钠≤137 mmol/L、凝血酶原标准化比值≥1.5、腹水、肝性脑病为肝硬化EGVB患者死亡的危险因素,且ALBI分级为3级的患者较1级和2级患者的死亡风险明显升高,而预防性套扎为肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者生存改善的保护性因素(P值均<0.05)。多因素分析显示:年龄≥55岁[HR(95%CI):2.531(1.624~3.946),P<0.001]、肌酐≥94μmol/L[HR(95%CI):1.935(1.208~3.100),P=0.006]、血钠≤137 mmol/L[HR(95%CI):1.519(1.015~2.274),P=0.042]、腹水[HR(95%CI):1.641(1.041~2.585),P=0.033]、肝性脑病[HR(95%CI):9.972(3.961~25.106),P<0.001]、ALBI 3级[HR(95%CI):1.591(1.007~2.515),P=0.047]为死亡的独立危险因素。ALBI 3级患者的生存率明显低于ALBI 1级(χ2=18.691,P<0.001)和ALBI 2级(χ2=21.364,P<0.001),ALBI 1级患者的生存率高于ALBI 2级(χ2=6.513,P=0.011)。ROC曲线分析显示在预测短期(6周)及长期预后方面,ALBI评分、CTP评分及MELD评分的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.770、0.730、0.706和0.701、0.685、0.659。结论ALBI评分对肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者短期(6周)及长期预后具有较好的预测价值,患者的死亡风险随ALBI分级的升高而升高,ALBI评分作为一个客观、简单的模型可更好的应用于临床。     

Comparison of 10 noninvasive models for predicting overall survival in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is heterogeneous in terms of tumor size, number, and effects on liver function. Various noninvasive models have been proposed to assess functional hepatic reserve or fibrosis severity in patients with HCC. This study assessed the feasibility of 10 noninvasive models and compared their prognostic ability for patients with intermediate-stage HCC.This study retrospectively enrolled 493 patients with intermediate-stage HCC who received treatment at China Medical University Hospital from January 2012 to November 2018. Demographic data, clinical features, and factors associated with overall survival (OS) were recorded at baseline. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis and the DeLong method were respectively employed to evaluate and compare the models’ OS prediction performance.Of the 493 patients, 373 (75.7%) were male, and 275 (55.8%) had liver cirrhosis (LC). The median age was 64 years (interquartile range: 55–72). Most patients had tumor volume ≤50% (n = 424, 86.0%), and the maximum tumor size was 6.0 (4.0–8.5) cm. The median α-fetoprotein was 36.25 (6.13–552.91) ng/mL. The patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n = 349) or surgery (n = 144). The median follow-up period was 26.07 (9.77–48.27) months. Across the 10 models, the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) (0.644, 95% confidence interval: 0.595–0.693) in all patients. In subgroup analyses, the Lok index, platelet–albumin–bilirubin score, ALBI score, and Lok index had the highest AUROC values in patients without cirrhosis, with cirrhosis, undergoing TACE, and undergoing surgery, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that independent predictors of longer OS were ALBI grade 1 in all patients, patients with LC, and patients undergoing TACE and Lok index grade 1 in patients without LC and patients undergoing surgery.Among the 10 noninvasive models, ALBI score exhibited the highest diagnostic value in predicting OS for all patients, patients with cirrhosis, and those undergoing TACE, and Lok index grade exhibited the highest diagnostic value in predicting OS in patients without cirrhosis and those undergoing surgery.     

Tenofovir vs. Entecavir on Outcomes of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation

For patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with curative radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the effect of entecavir (ETV) vs. tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) remains unclear. We aimed to compare the outcomes of patients receiving ETV or TDF after RFA. This study consecutively collected patients who were treated with ETV (n = 202) or TDF (n = 102) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) after curative RFA of HCC from December 2015 to January 2021 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. There were 130 patients in the ETV group and 77 patients in the TDF group after we performed 1-to-n propensity score matching. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to validate possible risk factors for RFS and OS. In addition, we estimated the curative effect of ETV and TDF for HBV-related hepatitis by recording the change in serum HBV DNA and ALBI grade after RFA. During the study period (median 34.1 (interquartile range: 19.6–47.4 months) months), 123 (40.5%) patients suffered HCC recurrence, and 15 (4.9%) died. In the full cohort, the probability of HCC recurrence (41.6% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.49) and overall survival (95% vs. 95.1%, p = 0.39) at 5 years were similar between the ETV and TDF groups. In the matched cohort, HCC recurrence (40.8% vs. 40.3%, p = 0.35) and overall survival (96.9% vs. 93.5%, p = 0.12) at 5 years were similar between the ETV and TDF groups. Furthermore, the early RFS (<2 years) did not differ significantly between the two groups in the full and matched cohorts (p = 0.26, p = 0.13). Compared with the ALBI grade before RFA, the ALBI grade of 80 patients (41%) remained stable or improved in the ETV group and 64 patients (64%) in the TDF group (p < 0.001). The mean time of serum HBV DNA reduction to 0 was 9.13 (95% CI: 5.92–12.33) and 2.75 (95% CI: 2.01–3.49) months in the ETV and TDF groups, respectively (p = 0.015). The RFS and OS of patients after curative RFA for HCC were not significantly different between the ETV and TDF groups. TDF therapy was associated with a better effect of protecting liver function and reducing the load of HBV. Further validation studies are needed.     

Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) as an accurate and simple prognostic score for chronic hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis

BackgroundThe Albumin–Bilirubin (ALBI) score was developed to predict the long-term prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. We aimed to investigate the performance of ALBI for predicting severity and long-term prognosis of chronic hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis (CHB-LC).MethodsCHB-LC patients were enrolled from two medical centers between 2011 and 2017. The prognostic performance of ALBI was evaluated and compared with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) and MELD integrating sodium (MELD-Na) scores.ResultsThis study enrolled 398 CHB-LC patients and patients were followed up for a median of 33.9 (IQR 21.6–48.8) months. The ALBI (HR: 3.151, 95% CI: 2.039–4.869,P < 0.001) was identified as an independent predictor of liver-related mortality. The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) analysis revealed that ALBI score (0.756, 0.745, 0.739, 0.767 and 0.765) was superior to MELD score (P < 0.05) and comparable with CTP score (P > 0.05) for predicting 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, 5-year and global mortality. The AUROCs of ALBI score were significantly higher than MELD-Na score(P < 0.05) for predicting 2-year, 3-year and 5-year mortality. Patients with lower ALBI grade had a significantly lower mortality than patients with higher ALBI grade (P < 0.05).ConclusionsALBI score accurately predicts the severity and long-term prognosis of patients with CHB-LC. The prognostic performance of ALBI score was superior to MELD and MELD-Na score.     

Combined endovascular brachytherapy,sorafenib, and transarterial chemobolization therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus

AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined endovascular brachytherapy(EVBT),transarterial chemoembolization(TACE),and sorafenib to treat hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus(MPVTT).METHODS This single-center retrospective study involved 68 patients with unresectable HCC or those who were unfit for liver transplantation and percutaneous frequency ablation according to the BCLC classification. All patients had Child-Pugh classification grade A or B,Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)performance status of 0-2,and MPVTT. The patients received either EVBT with stent placement,TACE,and sorafenib(group A,n = 37),or TACE with sorafenib(group B,n = 31). The time to progression(TTP) and overall survival(OS) were evaluated by propensity score analysis.RESULTS In the entire cohort,the 6-,12-,and 24-mo survival rates were 88.9%,54.3%,and 14.1% in group A,and 45.8%,0%,and 0% in group B,respectively(P 0.001). The median TTP and OS were significantly longer in group A than group B(TTP: 9.0 mo vs 3.4 mo,P 0.001; OS: 12.3 mo vs 5.2 mo,P 0.001). In the propensity score-matched cohort,the median OS was longer in group A than in group B(10.3 mo vs 6.0 mo,P 0.001). Similarly,the median TTP was longer in group A than in group B(9.0 mo vs 3.4 mo,P 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the EVBT combined with stent placement,TACE,and sorafenib strategy was an independent predictor of favorable OS(HR = 0.18,P 0.001). CONCLUSION EVBT combined with stent placement,TACE,and sorafenib might be a safe and effective palliative treatment option for MPVTT.     

A better method for assessment of hepatic function in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with radiofrequency ablation: Usefulness of albumin–bilirubin grade

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of the newly proposed albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade for therapy selection, clinical features of patients treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) were elucidated.

Methods

From 2000 to 2015, 1101 patients with HCC (<3 cm, ≤3 tumors) treated with RFA were enrolled, with the following clinical features: 734 men and 367 women; 779 with hepatitis C virus, 153 with hepatitis B virus, 5 with hepatitis C and B, and 164 others; and Child–Pugh classification (CP) A : B ratio of 842:259. Liver damage classification (LD) using the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min and ALBI‐grade were compared in regard to the prognoses of those patients.

Results

Median tumor size was 1.7 cm (interquartile range, 1.4–2.2 cm) and single tumors were found in 802 cases (72.8%) (tumor–node–metastasis stage of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan I : II : III = 536:454:111). In the LD‐A group, the number of cases with ALBI‐grade 1, 2, and 3 were 294, 224, and 1, respectively, while those in the LD‐B group were 47, 490, and 12, respectively. In the LD‐C group, 19 and 14 patients were ALBI‐2 and ‐3, respectively. Akaike Information Criterion values for CP, LD‐grade, and ALBI‐grade were 6015.4, 5988.8, and 5990.7, respectively. However, there was no significant difference regarding prognosis between LD‐A/B (n = 228) and C (n = 31) (median survival time, 4.8 vs. 3.9 years, P = 0.0818) in CP‐B, whereas a significant difference was observed regarding prognosis for ALBI‐1/2 (n = 232) and ALBI‐3 (n = 27) (median survival time, 4.8 vs. 2.7 years, P = 0.0168).

Conclusion

Albumin–bilirubin grade showed an assessment ability similar to that of LD‐grade. Furthermore, there was a small improvement in prognosis following RFA in patients with an ALBI‐grade of 3. Although only two serological parameters, albumin and total bilirubin, are used, assessment with ALBI‐grade may be more useful than with LD‐grade for avoiding a non‐beneficial RFA procedure.     

Post-transplant infection improves outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT) remains a serious threat for long-term survival of the recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), since very few factors or measures have shown impact on overcoming HCC recurrence after OLT. Postoperative infection suppresses tumor recurrence and improves patient survival in lung cancer and malignant glioma probably via stimulating the immune system. Post-transplant infection(PTI), a common complication, is deemed to be harmful for the liver transplant recipients from a short-term perspective. Nevertheless, whether PTI inhibits HCC recurrence after OLT and prolongs the long-term survival of HCC patients needs to be clarified.AIM To investigate the potential influence of PTI on the survival and tumor recurrence of patients with HCC after OLT.METHODSA total of 238 patients with HCC who underwent OLT between August 2002 and July 2016 at our center were retrospectively included and accordingly subdivided into a PTI group(53 patients) and a non-PTI group(185 patients). Univariate analyses, including the differences of overall survival(OS), recurrence-free survival(RFS), and post-recurrence survival(PRS), between the PTI and non-PTI subgroups as well as survival curve analysis were performed by the KaplanMeier method, and the differences were compared using the log rank test. The variables with a P-value 0.1 in univariate analyses were included in the multivariate survival analysis by using a Cox proportional-hazards model.RESULTS The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and RFS rates of the whole cohort were 86.6%, 69.0%,and 63.6%, and 75.7%, 60.0%, and 57.3%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates for the PTI patient group(96.0%, 89.3%, and 74.0%) were significantly higher than those for the non-PTI group(84.0%, 63.4%, and 60.2%)(P = 0.033).The absence of PTI was an independent risk factor for dismal OS(relative risk[RR] = 2.584, 95%CI: 1.226-5.449) and unfavorable RFS(RR = 2.683, 95%CI: 1.335-5.390). Subgroup analyses revealed that PTI remarkably improved OS(P = 0.003)and RFS(P = 0.003) rates of HCC patients with vascular invasion(IV), but did not impact on OS(P = 0.404) and RFS(P = 0.304) of patients without VI. Among the patients who suffered post-transplant tumor recurrence, patients with PTI showed significantly better OS(P = 0.026) and PRS(P = 0.042) rates than those without PTI.CONCLUSION PTI improves OS and RFS of the transplant HCC patients at a high risk for posttransplant death and tumor recurrence, which is attributed to suppressive effect of PTI on HCC recurrence.     

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: the impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Liver transplantation (LT) has become an accepted therapy for end-stage liver disease in human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) patients, but the specific results of LT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unknown. Between 2003 and 2008, 21 HIV+ patients and 65 HIV- patients with HCC were listed for LT at a single institution. Patient characteristics and pathological features were analyzed. Univariate analysis for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) after LT was applied to identify the impact of HIV infection. HIV+ patients were younger than HIV- patients [median age: 48 (range = 41-63 years) versus 57 years (range = 37-72 years), P < 0.001] and had a higher alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level [median AFP level: 16 (range = 3-7154 μg/L] versus 13 μg/L (range = 1-552 μg/L), P = 0.04]. There was a trend toward a higher dropout rate among HIV+ patients (5/21, 23%) versus HIV- patients (7/65, 10%, P = 0.08). Sixteen HIV+ patients and 58 HIV- patients underwent transplantation after median waiting times of 3.5 (range = 0.5-26 months) and 2.0 months (range = 0.5-24 months, P = 0.18), respectively. No significant difference was observed in the pathological features of HCC. With median follow-up times of 27 (range = 5-74 months) and 36 months (range = 3-82 months, P = 0.40), OS after LT at 1 and 3 years reached 81% and 74% in HIV+ patients and 93% and 85% in HIV- patients, respectively (P = 0.08). RFS rates at 1 and 3 years were 69% and 69% in HIV+ patients and 89% and 84% in HIV- patients, respectively (P = 0.09). In univariate analysis, HIV status did not emerge as a prognostic factor for OS or RFS. CONCLUSION: Because of a higher dropout rate among HIV+ patients, HIV infection impaired the results of LT for HCC on an intent-to-treat basis but had no significant impact on OS and RFS after LT.     

When to Perform Surgical Resection or Radiofrequency Ablation for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma?: A Nomogram-guided Treatment Strategy

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is indicated for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the comparative efficacy between RFA and surgical resection (SR) is inconclusive. We aim to develop a prognostic nomogram for predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS) after RFA. We also evaluate the possibility of using nomogram in improving treatment algorithm.We retrospectively enrolled 836 patients with Barcelona Clínic Liver Cancer very-early/early-stage HCC receiving SR or RFA. A visually-orientated nomogram was constructed with Cox proportional hazards model, and number and size of tumor, platelet count, albumin level, and model for end-stage liver disease score were included. The concordance index of the nomogram was 0.69.Radiofrequency ablation patients were stratified into low and high-risk groups by the median of nomogram scores. The RFS and overall survival (OS) of 2 risk groups were compared with SR patients with propensity score matching analysis. SR provided better RFS and OS compared with high-risk (nomogram score ≥9.8) RFA patients in the propensity model. The 5-year RFS rates were 36% versus 11%, whereas the 5-year OS rates were 74% versus 60% for SR and high-risk RFA groups, respectively (both P < 0.05). However, SR was associated with better RFS (5-year RFS rates 41% vs 29%), but similar OS (5-year OS rates 80% vs 81%), compared with low-risk (nomogram score <9.8) RFA patients in the propensity model (P < 0.05 and P > 0.05, respectively).In conclusion, this user-friendly nomogram offers individualized recurrence risk estimation and stratification for early HCC patients receiving curative RFA. The nomogram can be integrated into current treatment algorithm. SR should be considered the first-line treatment for high-risk patients to achieve better long-term survival.     

Inflammation scores predict survival for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after transarterial chemoembolization

AIM:To compare the prognostic ability of inflammation scores for patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)undergoing transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).METHODS:Data of 224 consecutive patients who underwent TACE for unresectable HBV-related HCC from September 2009 to November 2011 were retrieved from a prospective database.The association of inflammation scores with clinicopathologic variables and overall survival(OS)were analyzed,and receiver operating characteristic curves were generated,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the discriminatory ability of each inflammation score and staging system,including tumor-node-metastasis,Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer,and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program(CLIP)scores.RESULTS:The median follow-up period was 390 d,the one-,two-,and three-year OS were 38.4%,18.3%,and 11.1%,respectively,and the median OS was 390d.The Glasgow Prognostic Score(GPS),modifed GPS,neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio,and Prognostic Index were associated with OS.The GPS consistently had a higher AUC value at 6 mo(0.702),12 mo(0.676),and24 mo(0.687)in comparison with other inflammation scores.CLIP consistently had a higher AUC value at6 mo(0.656),12 mo(0.711),and 24 mo(0.721)in comparison with tumor-node-metastasis and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging systems.Multivariate analysis revealed that alanine aminotransferase,GPS,and CLIP were independent prognostic factors for OS.The combination of GPS and CLIP(AUC=0.777)was superior to CLIP or GPS alone in prognostic ability for OS.CONCLUSION:The prognostic ability of GPS is superior to other inflammation scores for HCC patients undergoing TACE.Combining GPS and CLIP improved the prognostic power for OS.     

Preoperative transarterial chemoembolization for barcelona clinic liver cancer stage A/B hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the milan criteria: a propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundDebate continues about the benefits of preoperative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative TACE on long-term outcomes after curative resection for HCC beyond the Milan criteria.MethodsPatients who underwent HCC resection exceeding the Milan criteria without macrovascular invasion between 2015 and 2018 were identified (n = 393). Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between patients who underwent preoperative TACE and patients who did not before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Factors associated with recurrence after resection were analyzed.Results100 patients (25.4%) underwent preoperative TACE. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were comparable with patients who underwent primary liver resection. 7 patients (7.0%) achieved total necrosis with better RFS compared with patients who had an incomplete response to TACE (P=0.041). PSM created 73 matched patient pairs. In the PSM cohort, preoperative TACE improved RFS (P=0.002) and OS (P=0.003). The maximum preoperatively diagnosed tumor diameter (HR 3.230, 95% CI: 1.116–9.353; P=0.031) and hepatitis B infection (HR 2.905, 95%CI: 1.281–6.589; P=0.011) were independently associated with favorable RFS after HCC resection.ConclusionPreoperative TACE made no significant difference to perioperative complications and was correlated with an improved prognosis after surgical resection for patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria.     

Postoperative morbidity adversely impacts oncological prognosis after curative resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUNDPostoperative morbidity after curative resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is common; however, whether it has an impact on oncological prognosis is unknown.AIMTo evaluate the influence of postoperative morbidity on tumor recurrence and mortality after curative resection for HCCA.METHODSPatients with recently diagnosed HCCA who had undergone curative resection between January 2010 and December 2017 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in China were enrolled. The independent risk factors for morbidity in the 30 d after surgery were investigated, and links between postoperative morbidity and patient characteristics and outcomes were assessed. Postoperative morbidities were divided into five grades based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, and major morbidities were defined as Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).RESULTSPostoperative morbidity occurred in 146 out of 239 patients (61.1%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that cirrhosis, intraoperative blood loss > 500 mL, diabetes mellitus, and obesity were independent risk factors. Postoperative morbidity was associated with decreased OS and RFS (OS: 18.0 mo vs 31.0 mo, respectively, P = 0.003; RFS: 16.0 mo vs 26.0 mo, respectively, P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that postoperative morbidity was independently associated with decreased OS [hazard ratios (HR): 1.557, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.119-2.167, P = 0.009] and RFS (HR: 1.535, 95%CI: 1.117-2.108, P = 0.008). Moreover, major morbidity was independently associated with decreased OS (HR: 2.175; 95%CI: 1.470-3.216, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR: 2.054; 95%CI: 1.400-3.014, P < 0.001) after curative resection for HCCA.CONCLUSIONPostoperative morbidity (especially major morbidity) may be an independent risk factor for unfavorable prognosis in HCCA patients following curative resection.     

Fas -670 A/G polymorphism predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection in Chinese Han population

Background:Apoptosis,also called programmed cell death,is a genetically controlled process against hyperproliferation and malignancy.The Fas-Fas ligand(FasL)system is considered a major pathway for apoptosis in cells and tissues.Thus,this study aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide polymor-phisms(SNPs)in Fas and FasL gene may have effects on the recurrence and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after curative hepatectomy.Methods:We investigated the relationship between Fas rs1800682,rs2234767 and FasL rs763110 poly-morphisms and recurrence-free survival(RFS)as well as overall survival(OS)in 117 Chinese Han patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy.Results:In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,only Fas rs1800682(-670 A/G)was associated with RFS and OS.Compared with AA genotype,the AG/GG genotype was significantly associated with better RFS(P=0.008)and OS(P=0.020).Moreover,multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Fas rs1800682 remained as a significant independent predictor of RFS for HCC patients with hepatectomy[AG/GG vs.AA:adjusted hazard ratio=0.464,95%confidence interval:0.275-0.782,P=0.004],but was not an independent predictor of OS(P=0.395).Conclusions:This study demonstrated that Fas-670 G allele may play a protective role in the recurrence and survival of HCC patients with hepatectomy.Furthermore,Fas rs1800682 polymorphism might be a promising biomarker for HCC patients after hepatectomy.     

The impact of histologic grade on the outcome of high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for follicular lymphoma

The impact of the follicular lymphoma (FL) histologic grade on outcomes after high-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is unknown. We evaluated 219 consecutive patients with grades 1-3 FL who underwent HDT and ASCT at our center. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM) was estimated for each grade after controlling for other predictive factors. The number of patients with grades 1, 2 and 3 FL was 106 (48%), 75 (34%) and 38 (17%), respectively. Five-year outcome estimates for the entire cohort included 60% OS, 39% PFS and 46% relapse (median follow-up=7.8 years). PFS and relapse were nearly identical among patients with grade 3 FL versus grades 1-2 FL after adjusting for other contributing factors (hazard ratio (HR)=0.90, P=0.68; HR=1.07, P=0.80, respectively). The hazard for mortality (HR=0.70, P=0.23) and NRM (HR=0.33, P=0.07) was non-significantly lower among patients with grade 3 FL compared to patients with grades 1-2 disease. Factors associated with inferior PFS included elevated lactate dehydrogenase (HR=1.52, P=0.03), chemoresistance (HR=1.82, P=0.02), > or =2 prior therapies (HR=1.8, P=0.03) and prior radiation (HR=1.99, P=0.003). These data suggest that the histologic grade of FL does not impact PFS or relapse following HDT and ASCT.     

Long-term outcomes of hepatectomy vs percutaneous ablation for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma ≤4 cm

AIM: To determine which treatment modality -hepatectomy or percutaneous ablation - is more beneficial for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (≤ 4 cm) in terms of long-term outcomes.METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 149 patients with HCC ≤4 cm was conducted. Eighty-five patients underwent partial hepatectomy (anatomic in 47 and nonanatomic in 38) and 64 underwent percutaneous ablation (percutaneous ethanol injection in 37, radiofrequency ablation in 21, and microwave coagulation in 6). The median follow-up period was 69 mo.RESULTS: Hepatectomy was associated with larger tumor size (P＜0.001), whereas percutaneous ablation was significantly associated with impaired hepatic functional reserve. Local recurrence was less frequent following hepatectomy (P＜ 0.0001). Survival was better following hepatectomy (median survival time:122 mo) than following percutaneous ablation (median survival time: 66 mo; P=0.0123). When tumor size was divided into ≤ 2 cm vs ＞ 2 cm, the favorable effects of hepatectomy on long-term survival was seen only in patients with tumors ＞2 cm (P= 0.0001). The Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that hepatectomy (P= 0.006) and tumors ≤ 2 cm (P= 0.017) were independently associated with better survival.CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy provides both better local control and better long-term survival for patients with HCC ≤4 cm compared with percutaneous ablation. Of the patients with HCC ≤ 4 cm, those with tumors ＞ 2 cm are good candidates for hepatectomy, provided that the hepatic functional reserve of the patient permits resection.