Correlating serum alpha-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma with response to Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization with glass microspheres (TheraSphere™)

BackgroundFew studies have assessed the relationship between serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the study was to evaluate whether peri-procedural serum AFP was correlated with Y-90 therapy response in HCC.MethodsPatients undergoing Y-90 radioembolization with glass microspheres (TheraSphere™) for HCC between 2006 and 2013 at a single center were evaluated. The relationship between AFP and 6-month radiographic improvement (complete or partial response by modified RECIST criteria), overall (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed.ResultsSeventy-four patients underwent a total of 124 Y-90 infusions. Median age was 65 years, median AFP was 37 ng/mL (range: 2–112,593 ng/mL) and median model for end-stage liver disease score was 6.2 (range:1.8–11.2). Increased AFP was not associated with radiographic improvement (odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.75–1.30, p = 0.92). Median OS was 15.2 months and was increased in patients with low AFP compared to high AFP (30.8 months vs. 7.8 months, p < 0.001). On multivariable regression analysis, increased AFP was associated with worse OS (OR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.01–1.22, p = 0.034) and DSS (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.03–1.25, p = 0.018).ConclusionPre-infusion AFP independently predicted survival after Y-90 treatment for HCC, but not radiographic response, and can help guide treatment decisions.     

Tumor grade may be used to select patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma for resection

BackgroundWhile resection is a recommended treatment for patients with stage 1 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it remains controversial for multifocal disease. We sought to identify patients with multifocal HCC with survival after resection similar to patients with clinical stage 1 HCC.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was queried to identify patients that underwent resection for HCC.ResultsIn this study, 2990 patients with a single tumor, and 1087 patients with multifocal disease confined to one lobe underwent resection. In the multifocal cohort, patients with clinical stage 3 (HR 1.54, CI 1.31–1.81, p < 0.0001) or 4 (HR 2.27, CI 1.57–3.29, p < 0.0001) disease, and those with moderately-differentiated (HR 1.32, CI 1.06–1.64, p = 0.012) or poorly differentiated/undifferentiated tumors (HR 1.53, CI 1.20–1.95, p = 0.0006) were associated with worse overall survival (OS). There was no difference in OS between patients with well-differentiated clinical stage 2 multifocal HCC and those with all grades of clinical stage 1 HCC (median of 84.8 (CI 66.3–107.2) vs 76.2 months (CI 71.2–81.3), respectively, p = 0.356).ConclusionsPatients with well-differentiated, clinical stage 2 multifocal HCC confined to one lobe experience similar OS following hepatic resection to patients with clinical stage 1 disease. These findings may impact the management of select patients with multifocal HCC.     

Impact of perioperative blood transfusion on survival in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients: analysis from the US Neuroendocrine Study Group

BackgroundPacked red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion has been associated with worse survival in multiple malignancies but its impact on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of PRBC transfusion on survival following PNET resection.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of PNET patients was performed using the US Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group database. Demographic and clinical factors were compared. Kaplan–Meier and log-rank analyses were performed. Factors associated with transfusion, overall (OS), recurrence-free (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsOf 1129 patients with surgically resected PNETs, 156 (13.8%) received perioperative PRBC transfusion. Transfused patients had higher ASA Class, lower preoperative hemoglobin, larger tumors, more nodal involvement, and increased major complications (all p < 0.010). Transfused patients had worse median OS (116 vs 150 months, p < 0.001), worse RFS (83 vs 128 months, p < 0.01) in curatively resected (n = 1047), and worse PFS (11 vs 24 months, p = 0.110) in non-curatively resected (n = 82) patients. On multivariable analysis, transfusion was associated with worse OS (HR 1.80, p = 0.011) when controlling for TNM stage, tumor grade, final resection status, and pre-operative anemia.ConclusionPRBC transfusion is associated with worse survival for patients undergoing PNET resection.     

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases revisited

BackgroundRecent reports indicate improved survival in patients undergoing surgical treatment for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pump chemotherapy compared to surgery alone.MethodsPatients who underwent resection and/or ablation of CRLM between 1996 and 2016 were included from a single-institution prospectively maintained database. Proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of overall survival (OS) and 3:1 propensity score analysis (PSA).ResultsOf 349 patients included, 36 had HAI pumps placed (HAI group) and 313 did not (no-HAI group). There was no difference in primary tumor grade (p = 0.24), ECOG status (p = 0.44), tumor number (p = 0.1), tumor size (p = 0.56), margin status (p = 0.76) between the two groups.Median overall survival was 44.7months vs 37.1months for the HAI versus no-HAI group (p = 0.01). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated positive margin status (HR:2.47,p < 0.0001), HAI therapy (HR:0.56,p = 0.02), preoperative chemotherapy (HR:0.69,p = 0.02) and tumor diameter (HR:1.07,p = 0.005) as predictors of OS. In 3:1 PSA, 32 HAI subjects were matched with 87 non-HAI subjects balancing all covariates. Median OS was 42.4 months versus 35.6 months for the HAI versus no-HAI group (p = 0.03).ConclusionSurgical treatment of CRLM combined with HAI chemotherapy is associated with improved OS compared to surgery alone. Further study of this treatment approach is indicated.     

Characteristics of atypical large well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma: a specific subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma?

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) de-differentiation is thought to correlate with size, therefore well-differentiated HCC ≥3 cm are considered rare and not fully understood.MethodsPatients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 1998–2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient's characteristics and recurrence-free (RFS) and overall (OS) survival were compared between those with atypical- (well-differentiated-HCC ≥3 cm) and typical-HCC (moderate-to-poorly-differentiated HCC ≥3 cm).ResultsOf 176 patients included in this study, 37 (21%) had atypical-HCC. Patients with atypical-HCC were less likely to be Asian ethnicity (3% vs. 17%, p = 0.062), have lower rate of viral infection (14% vs. 43%, p = 0.003), cirrhosis (8% vs. 27%, p = 0.015). The tumors were less likely to demonstrate vascular invasion (30% vs. 59%, p = 0.002), and were associated with a lower alpha-fetoprotein level (3.5 ng/ml vs. 33.2 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Patients with atypical-HCC had a longer RFS (5-y RFS: 58.3% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.016) and OS (5-y OS: 79.1% vs 53.3%, p = 0.029) as compared to those with typical-HCC following univariate analysis, however this did not appear following multivariate analysis.ConclusionPatients with atypical-HCC have different characteristic in terms of epidemiology, etiology, cirrhosis and vascular invasion as compared to typical-HCC. The etiology of atypical-HCC may be non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related and/or malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenoma.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with no identifiable risk factors

BackgroundA subset of patients have no risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated differences in clinical variables between patients with and without risk factors who underwent surgical resection.MethodsA prospectively maintained database was queried for patients who underwent R0/R1 resection of HCC between 1992 and 2016. Risk factors included HCV, HBV, hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, or cirrhosis, stage 2 or 3 fibrosis or severe (>66%) steatosis of the non-neoplastic liver. Variables were compared between patients with and without risk factors.ResultsThere were 416 patients who underwent resection; 276 (66%) had known risk factors while 140 (34%) did not. Patients without risk factors were more likely to be older, female and have hyperlipidemia or coronary artery disease (p < 0.004). These patients had larger tumors and were more likely to undergo major hepatectomy (p < 0.001). There was no difference in OS (5-year, 56% vs 47%, p = 0.335), RFS (27% vs 24%, p = 0.398), or the rates of intrahepatic (HR:1.16 [95%CI:0.95–1.57], p = 0.344) and extrahepatic recurrences (HR:0.72 [95%CI:0.4–1.3], p = 0.261) between groups.ConclusionPatients without risk factors for HCC presented with larger tumors yet had similar outcomes, suggesting these tumors may represent a different disease process, and underlying liver dysfunction can influence overall outcome.     

Clinico-pathological correlates and survival outcomes in 214 resected ampullary adenocarcinomas – are outcomes different in intestinal and pancreatobiliary subtypes with adjuvant gemcitabine?

BackgroundEvidence suggests that intestinal type (IT) and pancreatobiliary (PB) subtypes of ampullary adenocarcinoma (AC) may have different outcomes. The current study evaluated differences in outcomes between these subtypes and the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (AT).MethodsA prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent upfront resection for AC from January 2012 to March 2016 was conducted. A dedicated pathologist reported differentiation between IT and PB subtypes.Results214 patients were included for analysis: 105 PB subtype and 109 IT subtype. With a median follow up of 46.3 months, estimated 4 year overall survival (OS) was 65.8%. In patients with stage II–III disease, lymph-node ratio (LNR) < 0.2 [Not reached (NR) vs. 30.72 months; p = 0.002], absence of perineural invasion (PNI) (NR vs. 31.61 months; p = 0.032) and AT (gemcitabine – 96.1%) (NR vs. 22.28 months) were prognostic for superior OS. There was no difference in OS between IT and PB subtypes, but both subtypes with stage II–III disease benefitted from AT statistically as compared to observation (IT: NR vs. 28.62 months; PB: 18.46 months vs. 58.09 months; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAC-IT and AC-PB did not have a different OS when treated with resection and adjuvant gemcitabine, though adjuvant therapy benefitted both subtypes individually.     

Treatment and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Sickle cell disease: a population-based study in the U.S.

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare hemoglobinopathy which can result in chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Patients with SCD have an increased risk of hematologic malignancy, but the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in this population is unknown. Herein, the association of SCD with HCC was examined using registry data.MethodsThe SEER-Medicare database was queried to identify patients diagnosed with HCC between 2000 and 2015, and further stratified by SCD status. Propensity matching was performed to examine cancer-related survival and treatment outcomes.ResultsOverall 56,934 patients with HCC were identified, including 81 patients with SCD. Patients with SCD more frequently had cirrhosis [48.1% (39/81) vs 23.5% (13,377/56,853), p < 0.01] yet presented with smaller tumors [<5 cm: 51.9% (42/81) vs 38.5% (21,898/56,853), p = 0.01]. After propensity matching, SCD was not associated with attenuated survival (aHR 0.73 95%CI 0.52–1.01). When stratified by treatment, patients with SCD had equivalent outcomes to chemotherapy (p = 0.65), TACE/TARE (p = 0.35), resection (p = 0.15) and transplantation (p = 0.67) when compared to non-SCD patients.ConclusionThis study confirms that a subset of patients with SCD will develop HCC. Importantly, therapeutic options for HCC should not be limited by pre-existing SCD, and similar survival should be expected when compared to non-SCD patients.     

Adjuvant therapy is associated with improved overall survival in patients with pancreatobiliary or mixed subtype ampullary cancer after pancreatoduodenectomy - A multicenter cohort study

Background/ObjectiveThe benefit of adjuvant therapy in ampullary cancer (AMPAC) patients following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is debated. The aim of this study was to determine the role of adjuvant therapy after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in histological subtypes of AMPAC.MethodsPatients undergoing PD for AMPAC at 5 high-volume European surgical centers from 1996 to 2017 were identified. Patient baseline characteristics, surgical and histopathological parameters, and long-term overall survival (OS) after resection were evaluated.Results214 patients undergoing PD for AMPAC were included. ASA score (ASA1-2 149 vs. ASA 3–4 82 months median OS, p = 0.002), preoperative serum CEA (CEA <0.5 ng/ml 128 vs. CEA >0.5 ng/ml 62 months, p = 0.013), preoperative serum CA19-9 (CA19-9 < 40 IU/ml 147 vs. CA19-9 > 40IU/ml 111 months, p = 0.042), T stage (T1-2 163 vs. T3-4 98 months, p < 0.001), N stage (N0 159 vs. N+ 110 months, p < 0.001), grading (G1-2 145 vs. G3-4 113 months, p = 0.026), R status (R0 136 vs. R+ 38 months, p = 0.031), and histological subtype (intestinal subtype 156 vs. PB/M subtype 118 months, p = 0.003) qualified as prognostic parameters. In multivariable analysis, ASA score (HR 1.784, 95%CI 0.997–3.193, p = 0.050) and N stage (HR 1.831, 95%CI 0.904–3.707, p = 0.033) remained independent prognostic factors. In PB/M subtype AMPAC, patients undergoing adjuvant therapy showed an improved median overall survival (adjuvant therapy 85 months vs. no adjuvant therapy 65 months, p = 0.005), and adjuvant therapy remained an independent prognostic parameter in multivariate analysis (HR 0.351, 95%CI 0.151–0.851, p = 0.015). There was no significant benefit of adjuvant therapy in intestinal subtype AMPAC patients.ConclusionAdjuvant treatment seems indicated in pancreatobiliary or mixed type AMPAC.     

Outcomes of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in octogenarians

BackgroundThere is a dearth of information about operative outcomes in patients ≥80 years for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from Western institutions. We compare the result of HCC resections in patients <80 years vs. patients ≥80 years from our institution in the UK.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing liver resections for HCC between 2005 and 2015. Demographics, comorbidities, morbidity, mortality and survival were compared between the two age groups.Results200 patients underwent resection for HCC in this time period. Nineteen patients were ≥80 years and 181 were <80 years. Comorbidities measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index were significantly higher in the ≥80 group (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the extent of resection in the two groups. Morbidity and mortality between the <80 years and the ≥80 years group were not significantly different (morbidity 27% vs.16%; p = 0.29) (mortality 7% vs. 0%; p = 0.11). The one-year (83.4% vs. 88.2%; p = 0.83), five-year (56.3% vs. 55.8%; p = 0.83) and the overall survival rate rates (887 days vs. 1035 days; p = 0.66) were not significantly different between the groups.DiscussionLiver resection should not be precluded based on age alone; with good outcomes in patients ≥80 years justifying surgery.     

Feasibility and safety of liver transplantation or resection after transarterial radioembolization with Yttrium-90 for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe benefit of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly evidenced. However, data on outcome of liver transplantation or resection after TARE remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of surgery after TARE in patients with unresectable HCC.MethodsPatients exclusively undergoing TARE followed by either orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or liver resection (LR) for HCC between 2012 and 2016 were included. Primary outcomes were postoperative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and response to TARE.ResultsAmong 349 patients with HCC treated with TARE, 32 (9%) underwent either OLT (n = 22) or LR (n = 10), which represent the study cohort. In this group, TARE induced decreased viable nodules (p < 0.001), an efficient downsizing (p < 0.001) as well as a significant downstaging based on BCLC classification (p < 0.001). Overall, major complications and mortality after surgery occurred in 5 (16%) and 1 (3%) patients, respectively. For the whole study cohort, OS was 47 months while survival rates at 1-, 3- and 5-years reached 97%, 86% and 86%, respectively.DiscussionLiver surgery after TARE is feasible and safe. This strategy allows to offer a curative treatment in a subset of patients with unresectable HCC.     

Surgical resection versus ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3 cm: a population-based analysis

BackgroundAblation for ≤ 3-cm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment strategy. The present study sought to examine the outcomes of patients with ≤3 cm HCC after ablation versus resection.MethodsPatients treated by ablation or surgical resection for ≤ 3 cm T1 HCC were identified from the National Cancer Database (2002–2011). Survival outcomes were analysed according to propensity score modelling.ResultsA total of 2804 patients underwent ablation (n = 1984) or a resection (n = 820) for solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm. Patients treated with ablation as compared with a resection had a higher frequency in alpha-fetoprotein level (AFP) elevation (46.5% versus 39.1%, P < 0.01) and the presence of cirrhosis (22.2% versus 14.5%, P < 0.01). Unadjusted overall survival (OS) at 3 and 5 years was greater after a resection (67%, 55%) versus ablation (52%, 36%, P < 0.01). After propensity score matching, the improved overall survival (OS) was sustained among the resection cohort (5 year OS: 54% versus 37%, P < 0.001). In multivariable models, a resection was independently associated with an improved OS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.81; P < 0.01].ConclusionResection of HCC ≤ 3 cm results in better long-term survival as compared with ablation. Treatment strategies for small solitary HCC should emphasize a resection first approach, with ablation being reserved for patients precluded from surgery.     

The impact of portal vein tumor thrombus on long-term survival after liver resection for primary hepatic malignancy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) on the prognosis of patients undergoing liver resection (LR) for primary liver malignancies (PLC).MethodsThe recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients undergoing LR with and without PVTT for three primary liver malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepato-cholangio carcinoma (CHC) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 3775 patients with PLC who underwent LR were included in this study. The incidence of PVTT in patients undergoing LR with HCC, IHC and CHC were 46%, 20%, and 17%, respectively. The median RFS and OS were significantly better for patients with HCC as compared to ICC or CHC (16 vs 11 vs 13 months; 21 vs 16 vs 18 months, respectively; P < 0.001). However, the presence of PVTT resulted in similarly poor RFS and OS in these 3 subgroups of patients (9 vs 8 vs 8 months, P = 0.062; 14 vs 13 vs 12 months, respectively, P = 0.052).ConclusionAlthough the prognosis of patients with PLC varied by histological subtype, once PVTT occurred, survival outcomes after LR were similarly poor across all three subgroups.     

Lending a hand for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: the optimal approach?

BackgroundBoth minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open approaches for distal pancreatectomy are acceptable. MIS options include total laparoscopic/robotic (TLR) and hand-assist laparoscopy (HAL). When considering safety profile and specimen quality, the optimal approach is unknown.MethodsPatients who underwent distal pancreatectomy from 2010-2018 at two major academic institutions were included. Converted procedures were categorized into final approach. Ninety-day perioperative/pathologic outcomes of MIS and open were compared. Subset analyses between TLR vs HAL and HAL vs open were performed. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed.ResultsAmong 1006 patients, resection was performed by MIS in 35% (n = 352), open in 65% (n = 654). MIS had similar patient comorbidity profile as open but had increased operative time (183 vs 162 min; p < 0.01), lower estimated-blood-loss (EBL; 131 vs 341 mL; p < 0.01), fewer intraoperative blood transfusions (1.4 vs 5%; p < 0.01), shorter LOS (5.2 vs 7.2 days; p < 0.01). Tumor size was smaller (3.2 vs 4.4 cm; p < 0.01) with lower lymph node (LN) yield (14 vs 16; p < 0.01). When comparing HAL (n = 109) to TLR (n = 243), despite increased prior abdominal operations (60 vs 43%; p = 0.008), HAL had shorter operative time (167 vs 191 min; p < 0.01), similar length-of-stay (LOS; 5.4 vs 5.1 days; p = 0.27), and readmission rate (15 vs 13%; p = 0.47). When comparing HAL to open, the advantages of TLR approach persisted including lower EBL (171 vs 342 mL; p < 0.01), and shorter LOS (5.4 vs 7.2 days; p < 0.01). Although HAL had smaller tumors, it had a similar LN yield (16 vs 16; p = 0.80), and higher R0-rate (97 vs 83%; p < 0.01).ConclusionHand-assist laparoscopy is safe and feasible for distal pancreatectomy as operative time, complication profile, lymph node yield, and R0-rates are similar to open procedures, while maintaining the associated the advantages of a total laparoscopic/robotic approach with reduced blood loss and shorter length-of-stay.     

Oncological outcome of R1 vascular margin for mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma. A single center observational cohort analysis

BackgroundRecent studies validated the possibility to detach colorectal liver metastases from vessels (R1vasc) featuring R1vasc equivalent to R0 and superior to tumor exposure along the transection plane (R1par). To clarify the outcome of R1 surgery (margin <1 mm) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (MFCCC), distinguishing R1par and R1vasc resections.MethodsPatients undergoing resection for MFCCC between 2008 and 2016 were considered. Tumor detachment from 1st/2nd-order Glissonean pedicles or hepatic veins was performed in advanced diseases. R0, R1par, and R1vasc were compared.ResultsThe study included 84 resection areas in 59 patients (17 R1vasc). R1vasc group had local recurrence risk similar to R1par group (per-patient analysis 29% vs. 36%; per-resection area analysis 29% vs. 32%), higher than R0 group (3% and 2%, p = 0.003 and p = 0.0003). R1vasc and R1par groups had similar overall and recurrence-free survival (median OS 30 vs. 30 months; RFS 10 vs. 8 months), lower than R0 group (70 and 39 months, p = 0.066 and p = 0.007).ConclusionIn MFCCC patients, R1vasc resection is not an adequate treatment. Local disease control and survival after R1vasc resection are lower than after R0 resection and similar to R1par resection. R1vasc resection could be exclusively considered to achieve resectability in otherwise unresectable patients.     

Prognostic significance of preoperative hyaluronic acid level in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundSerum hyaluronic acid (HA) levels are increased in patients with solid tumors, and may predict outcomes. However, as HA levels also correlate with the degree of liver fibrosis, the prognostic significance of serum HA levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear.MethodsA total of 656 consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC were divided into two groups by serum HA level (high HA [≥200 ng/mL], n = 248; low HA [<200 ng/mL], n = 408). Clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative survival were compared between groups. Moreover, 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was applied to adjust characteristics between groups.ResultsBoth the 5-year overall and relapse-free survival rates (OSR and RFSR) in the low HA group were significantly better than those in the high HA group (59.8% vs. 38.6%, respectively, p < 0.001 and 24.5% vs. 13.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, two comparable groups of 124 patients each were obtained. However, both the 5-year OSR and RFSR in the low HA group remained significantly better than those in the high HA group (57.4% vs. 38.3%, respectively, p = 0.006 and 22.5% vs. 14.7%, respectively, p = 0.003).ConclusionHigh preoperative HA level predicts poor postoperative survival of patients with HCC. undergoing hepatic resection.     

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria. A weighted comparative study of surgical resection versus chemoembolization

BackgroundOptimal treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond the Milan criteria (MC) is debated. The aim of the study was to assess overall-survival (OS) and disease-free-survival (DFS) for HCC beyond MC when treated by trans-arterial-chemoembolization (TACE) or surgical resection (SR).Methodbetween 2005 and 2015, all patients with a first diagnosis of HCC beyond MC(1 nodule>5 cm, or 3 nodules>3 cm without macrovascular invasion) were evaluated. Analyses were carried out through Kaplan–Meier, Cox models and the inverse probability weighting (IPW) method to reduce allocation bias. Sub-analyses have been performed for multinodular and single large tumors compared with a MC-IN cohort.Results226 consecutive patients were evaluated: 118 in SR group and 108 in TACE group. After IPW, the two pseudo-populations were comparable for tumor burden and liver function. In the SR group, 1–5 years OS rates were 72.3% and 35% respectively and 92.7% and 39.3% for TACE (p = 0.500). The median DFS was 8 months (95%CI:8–9) for TACE, and 11 months (95%CI:9–12) for SR (p < 0.001). TACE was an independent predictor for recurrence (HR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1–2.1; p = 0.015). Solitary tumors > 5 cm and multinodular disease had comparable OS and DFS as Milan-IN group (p > 0.05).ConclusionSurgery allowed a better control than TACE in patient bearing HCC beyond MC. This translated into a significant benefit in terms of DFS but not OS.     

Impact of hepatitis C treatment on long-term outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a United States Safety Net Collaborative Study

BackgroundWidespread HCV treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains limited. Our aim was to evaluate the association of HCV treatment with survival and assess barriers to treatment.MethodsPatients in the U.S. Safety Net Collaborative with HCV and HCC were included. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and barriers to receiving HCV treatment.ResultsOf 941 patients, 57% received care at tertiary referral centers (n=533), 74% did not receive HCV treatment (n=696), 6% underwent resection (n=54), 17% liver transplant (n=163), 50% liver-directed therapy (n=473), and 7% chemotherapy (n=60).HCV treatment was associated with improved OS compared to no HCV treatment (70 vs 21 months, p<0.01), persisting across clinical stages, HCC treatment modalities, and treatment facilities (all p<0.01). Surgical patients who received HCV treatment had improved RFS compared to those who did not (91 vs 80 months, p=0.03). On MVA, HCV treated patients had improved OS and RFS.On MVA, factors associated with failure to receive HCV treatment included Black race, higher MELD, and advanced clinical stage (all p<0.05).ConclusionHCV treatment for HCC patients portends improved survival, regardless of clinical stage, HCC treatment, or facility type. Efforts must address barriers to HCV treatment.     

Outcomes of resection of giant hepatocellular carcinoma in a tertiary institution: does size matter?

BackgroundThe surgical management of giant hepatocellular carcinoma (G‐HCC), or HCC of ≥10 cm in diameter, remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical resection of, respectively, G‐HCC and small HCC (S‐HCC), or HCC measuring <10 cm.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients (n= 86) diagnosed with HCC and submitted to resection in a tertiary hospital during the period from January 2007 to June 2012 was conducted. Overall survival (OS), recurrence rates and perioperative mortality at 30 days were compared between patients with, respectively, G‐HCC and S‐HCC. Prognostic factors for OS were analysed.ResultsThe sample included 23 patients with G‐HCC (26.7%) and 63 with S‐HCC (73.3%) based on histological tumour size. Patient demographics and comorbidities were comparable. Median OS was 39.0 months in patients with G‐HCC and 65.0 months in patients with S‐HCC (P = 0.213). Although size did not affect OS in this cohort, the presence of satellite lesions [hazard ratio (HR) 3.70, P= 0.012] and perioperative blood transfusion (HR 2.85, P = 0.015) were negative predictors for OS.ConclusionsSurgical resection of G‐HCC provides OS comparable with that after resection of S‐HCC.     

Impact of presence and degree of pretreatment weight loss in locally-advanced pancreatic cancer patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy

BackgroundTo assess the impact of the presence and degree of pretreatment weight loss (WL) on the survival of locally-advanced pancreas cancer (LAPC) patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C-CRT).MethodsSeventy-three patients who received 50.4 Gy C-CRT were analyzed. All patients underwent laparoscopy (n = 18) or laparotomy (n = 55), and biopsies were obtained for histologic examination of the primary tumor and enlarged/metabolically active regional lymph nodes. Pretreatment WL and percentage WL (PWL) were calculated by utilizing data obtained 6 months prior to and during hospital admission. The primary objective was to assess the influence WL status on overall survival (OS), and the secondary objective was the identification of a PWL cut-off value, if available.ResultsForty-five (61.6%) patients had WL. Median OS was 14.4 months for the entire study population which was significantly longer in the non-WL than the WL cohort (21.4 vs. 11.3 months; p < 0.003). On further analysis a cut-off value of 3.1% was identified for WL. Accordingly, patients with WL < 3.1% had significantly longer OS than those with WL ≥ 3.1% (25.8 vs. 10.1 months; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, both the WL status (p < 0.001) and PWL (p = 0.002) retained their independent significance.ConclusionBoth the presence and degree of WL prior to C-CRT had strong adverse effects on the survival of LAPC patients, even if they presented with a BMI > 20 kg/m². Additionally, a WL of ≥3.1% in the last 6 months appeared to be a strong cut-off for the stratification of such patients into distinctive survival groups.