Performance Status Enhances the Selection of Treatment for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Within the Milan Criteria

Background

Performance status (PS) is closely linked with survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated its impact on treatment strategy for small HCC(s).

Methods

A total of 360 and 362 HCC patients within the Milan criteria undergoing surgical resection (SR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), respectively, were prospectively enrolled. Patients were classified into PS 0 (n = 558) and PS ≥1 (n = 164) groups. Propensity score analysis was performed, and 168 and 35 matched pairs were selected from patients with PS 0 and ≥1, respectively.

Results

The SR group was younger and had a higher male-to-female ratio, higher prevalence of hepatitis B, lower prevalence of hepatitis C, better PS, better liver functional reserve, and larger tumor burden than the RFA group (all p < 0.05). Among patients with PS 0, the SR group was consistently younger, less cirrhotic, and had larger tumor burden (all p < 0.05). The long-term survival was comparable between SR and RFA group in patients with PS 0. After propensity score matching, SR provided significantly better long-term survival than RFA for patients within the Milan criteria classified as PS 0 (p = 0.016); the Cox proportional hazards model showed consistent results. There was no significant difference of overall survival between the SR and RFA group in patients with PS ≥1 before or after propensity score matching (both p > 0.05).

Conclusions

For HCC patients within the Milan criteria and classified as PS 0, SR provides a better long-term survival compared with RFA. Performance status may enhance treatment selection and stratify the risk of survival in these patients.     

Efficacy and survival analysis of percutaneous radiofrequency versus microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: an egyptian multidisciplinary clinic experience

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary tumor of the liver with poor prognosis. For early stage HCC, treatment options include surgical resection, liver transplantation, and percutaneous ablation. Percutaneous ablative techniques (radiofrequency and microwave techniques) emerged as best therapeutic options for nonsurgical patients.

Aims

We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency and microwave procedures for ablation of early stage HCC lesions and prospectively follow up our patients for survival analysis.

Patients and methods

One Hundred and 11 patients with early HCC are managed in our multidisciplinary clinic using either radiofrequency or microwave ablation. Patients are assessed for efficacy and safety. Complete ablation rate, local recurrence, and overall survival analysis are compared between both procedures.

Results

Radiofrequency ablation group (n = 45) and microwave ablation group (n = 66) were nearly comparable as regards the tumor and patients characteristics. Complete ablation was achieved in 94.2 and 96.1 % of patients managed by radiofrequency and microwave ablation techniques, respectively (p value 0.6) with a low rate of minor complications (11.1 and 3.2, respectively) including subcapsular hematoma, thigh burn, abdominal wall skin burn, and pleural effusion. Ablation rates did not differ between ablated lesions ≤3 and 3–5 cm. A lower incidence of local recurrence was observed in microwave group (3.9 vs. 13.5 % in radiofrequency group, p value 0.04). No difference between both groups as regards de novo lesions, portal vein thrombosis, and abdominal lymphadenopathy. The overall actuarial probability of survival was 91.6 % at 1 year and 86.1 % at 2 years with a higher survival rates noticed in microwave group but still without significant difference (p value 0.49).

Conclusion

Radiofrequency and microwave ablations led to safe and equivalent ablation and survival rates (with superiority for microwave ablation as regards the incidence of local recurrence).     

Clinicopathological Features of Recurrence in Patients After 10-year Disease-free Survival Following Curative Hepatic Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

The present study aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic features of long-term disease-fee survival after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

This retrospective study identified 940 patients who underwent curative resection of HCC between 1991 and 2000 at five university hospitals. Seventy-four patients with 10 years of recurrence-free survival were identified and followed up. They were divided into two groups, 60 recurrence-free and 14 with recurrence after a 10-year recurrence-free period.

Results

Overall survival rates of recurrence and non-recurrence groups were 68 and 91 % at 16 years, and 34 and 91 % at 20 years (p = 0.02), respectively. There were five (36 %), and two deaths (3 %), respectively, after 10 recurrence-free years. A second resection for recurrence was performed in four patients (29 %), and mean survival was 15.3 years after the first hepatectomy. Although three patients in the non-recurrence group (5 %) developed esophageal and/or gastric varices, seven patients in the recurrence group (50 %) developed varices during 10 years (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, preoperative and 10-year platelet count was identified as a favorable independent factor for maintained recurrence-free survival after a 10-year recurrence-free period following curative hepatic resection of HCC.

Conclusions

Recurrence of HCC may occur even after a 10-year recurrence-free period. Long-term follow-up after resection of HCC is important, and should be life-long. Patients with higher preoperative and 10-year platelet counts are more likely to have long-term survival after resection. A low platelet count, related to the degree of liver fibrosis, is a risk factor for recurrence and survival of HCC after curative resection.     

Trends and Patterns of Utilization in Post-treatment Surveillance Imaging Among Patients Treated for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Little is known about the patterns of utilization of surveillance imaging after treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We sought to define population-based patterns of surveillance and investigate if intensity of surveillance impacted outcome following HCC treatment.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database was used to identify patients with HCC diagnosed between 1998 and 2007 who underwent resection, ablation, or intra-arterial therapy (IAT). The association between imaging frequency and long-term survival was analyzed.

Results

Of the 1,467 patients, most underwent ablation only (41.5 %), while fewer underwent liver resection only (29.6 %) or IAT only (18.3 %). Most patients had at least one CT scan (92.7 %) during follow-up, while fewer had an MRI (34.1 %). A temporal trend was noted with more frequent surveillance imaging obtained in post-treatment year 1 (2.5 scans/year) vs. year 5 (0.9 scans/year; P?=?0.01); 34.5 % of alive patients had no imaging after 2 years. Frequency of surveillance imaging correlated with procedure type (total number of scans/5 years, resection, 4.7; ablation, 4.9; IAT, 3.7; P?<?0.001). Frequency of surveillance imaging was not associated with a survival benefit (three to four scans/year, 49.5 months vs. two scans/year, 71.7 months vs. one scan/year, 67.6 months; P?=?0.01)

Conclusion

Marked heterogeneity exists in how often surveillance imaging is obtained following treatment of HCC. Higher intensity imaging does not confer a survival benefit.     

Surgical Resection Versus Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis: A Propensity Score Analysis

Background

The long-term survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) who received surgical resection (SR) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains unclear. We compared the efficacy of SR and TACE by using a propensity score analysis.

Methods

A total of 247 and 181 HCC patients with PVTT undergoing SR and TACE, respectively, were evaluated. One hundred eight pairs of matched patients were selected from each treatment arm by using a propensity score analysis.

Results

Of all patients, the estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients receiving SR and TACE were 85 versus 60 %, 68 versus 42 %, and 61 versus 33 %, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients selected for SR were significantly younger and had better liver functional reserve, performance status, and smaller tumor burden. In the propensity model, the survival benefit of SR remained significant. The estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients receiving SR and TACE were 84 versus 71 %, 69 versus 50 %, and 59 versus 35 %, respectively (p = 0.004). The two groups of patients in the propensity score analysis were similar in baseline characteristics. In the Cox proportional hazards model, patients receiving TACE had a 2.044-fold increased risk of mortality compared with patients receiving SR (95 % confidence interval: 1.284–3.252, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

For either unselected patients or patients in the propensity model, SR provides significantly better long-term survival than TACE. SR should be considered as a priority treatment in this subgroup of HCC patients.     

Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of Single Lesion Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Resection

Background and objectives

Hepatic resection is established as the treatment for HCC. However, patients sometimes experience early recurrence of HCC (ER HCC) after curative resection.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted for 193 patients with single HCC who underwent curative liver resection in our medical center between April 2000 and March 2013. We divided the cohort into two groups; early recurrence group (ER G) which experienced recurrence within 6 months after resection, and non-early recurrence group (NER G). Risk factors for ER HCC were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-nine out of 193 (20.2 %) patients had ER HCC. Univariate analysis showed Glasgow prognostic score (GPS, p = 0.036), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p = 0.001), level of PIVKA-II (p = 0.0001), level of AFP (p = 0.0001), amounts of blood loss (p = 0.001), operating time (p = 0.002), tumor size (p = 0.0001), stage III and IV (p = 0.0001), and microvascular invasions (portal vein: p = 0.0001 and hepatic vein: p = 0.001) to be associated with ER HCC. By multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in high NLR (p = 0.029) and high AFP (p = 0.0001) in patients with ER HCC.

Conclusions

Preoperative high AFP (more than 250 ng/ml) and high NLR (more than 1.829) were independent risk factors for ER HCC.

     

Long-Term Outcomes Comparing Surgery to Embolization-Ablation for Treatment of Solitary HCC <7 cm

Background

Resection has been the standard of care for patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transarterial embolization and percutaneous ablation are alternative therapies often reserved for suboptimal surgical candidates. Here we compare long-term outcomes of patients with solitary HCC treated with resection versus combined embo-ablation.

Methods

We previously reported a retrospective comparison of resection and embo-ablation in 73 patients with solitary HCC <7 cm after a median follow-up of 23 months. This study represents long-term updated follow-up over a median of 134 months.

Results

There was no difference in survival among Okuda I patients who underwent resection versus embo-ablation (66 vs 58 months, p = .39). There was no difference between the groups in the rate of distant intrahepatic (p = .35) or metastatic progression (p = .48). Surgical patients experienced more complications (p = .004), longer hospitalizations (p < .001), and were more likely to require hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge (p = .03).

Conclusion

Over a median follow up of more than 10 years, we found no significant difference in overall survival of Okuda 1 patients with solitary HCC <7 cm who underwent surgical resection versus embo-ablation. Our data suggest that there may be a greater role for primary embo-ablation in the treatment of potentially resectable solitary HCC.     

Child-Pugh A Hepatitis B-Related Cirrhotic Patients with a Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma Up to 5 cm: Liver Transplantation vs. Resection

Objective

This study aims to analyze the outcomes of patients with Child-Pugh A class cirrhosis and a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) up to 5 cm in diameter who underwent liver transplantation vs. resection.

Methods

During 2007 to 2012, 282 Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients with a single HCC up to 5 cm in diameter either underwent liver resection (N?=?243) or received liver transplantation (N?=?39) at our center. Patient and tumor characteristics and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Patients who underwent liver transplantation had a better recurrence-free survival (RFS) vs. those who underwent liver resection. However, the 5-year survival rates after these two treatments were comparable. Similar results were observed when we analyzed patients with a HCC less than 3 cm, and for patients with portal hypertension. In the multivariate analysis, tumor differentiation, difference of primary treatment, and presence of microvascular invasion were associated with postoperative recurrence. However, only differentiation negatively impacted overall survival after operation.

Conclusion

Although more recurrences were observed in Child A cirrhotic patients with a single HCC up to 5 cm after liver resection, liver resection offers a similar 5-year survival to liver transplantation, even for patients with portal hypertension.     

Influence of Nonclinical Factors on Choice of Therapy for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Initial therapy for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with well-compensated cirrhosis is controversial. While we previously reported on the effect of clinical factors and surgeon specialty on choice of therapy for early HCC, other nonclinical factors also may impact decision-making.

Methods

Surgeons who treat HCC were invited to complete a web-based survey that included ten case scenarios. Choice of therapy—liver transplantation (LT), liver resection (LR), or radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—was analyzed using regression models.

Results

There were 336 responses for analysis. Most respondents were in academic centers (86 %) that offered LT (71 %). The median number of patients annually evaluated for HCC was 30. Both practice type and HCC case volume were associated with choice of therapy, but these associations were not independent of surgeon specialty. LT surgeons who did not also perform RFA were less likely than those LT surgeons who did offer RFA to choose RFA over LT (relative risk ratios (RRR) 0.38, P < 0.001). Non-LT surgeons were more likely than LT surgeons who also offered RFA to choose RFA over LT (RRR 2.24, P < 0.001). Surgeons who worked at hospitals where LT was performed were much more likely to choose LT over LR and RFA even if they did not personally perform LT (RRR 1.27 and RRR 3.33, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Surgeon- and institution-related factors impact choice of therapy for early HCC even after adjustment for differences in clinical presentation. These data suggest that choice of therapy for patients with early HCC varies across providers independent of case selection.     

Intraoperative Ablation for Small HCC not Amenable for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in Child A Cirrhotic Patients

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was initially started by radiologists as a percutaneous treatment, but surgeons started to use RFA by surgical approach for patients with tumors at locations difficult for the percutaneous procedure. The aim was to evaluate the results of intraoperative RFA for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (<3 cm) in locations difficult for a percutaneous approach.

Methods

Two hundred forty-seven patients with small solitary HCC (<3 cm) were treated; 196 via percutaneous RFA while 51 patients presented at sites not amenable for percutaneous route. Twenty-seven out of 51 patients underwent surgical resection, while 24/51 patients underwent intraoperative RFA.

Results

The location and depth of the tumor from the liver capsule was the only significant factors in the choice of the surgeon between resection and RFA. RFA was successful in all tumors (complete ablation rate of 100 %). In the surgery group, all patients achieved R0 resection. Complication rate was comparable (p?=?1.0). After a median follow-up of 37 months (range, 10–45 months), no tumors showed neither local progression nor local recurrence and no significant difference was observed between two groups as regards early recurrence and number of de novo lesions (p?=?0.49). One-year and 3-year survival rates were 93 % and 81 %, respectively, in the resection group comparable to the corresponding rates of 92 % and 74 % in the RFA group (p?=?0.9).

Conclusion

For small HCC in locations difficult for a percutaneous approach, intraoperative RFA can be an alternative option for deep-seated tumors necessitating more than one segmentectomy achieving similar tumor control, and overall and disease-free survival.     

Above 5 cm,Size Does Not Matter Anymore in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a good candidate for surgical resection. However, the significance of the size of the tumor in solitary HCC remains unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of tumor size on overall and recurrence-free survival of patients with solitary HCC.

Materials

We retrospectively reviewed 616 patients with histologically confirmed solitary HCC who underwent curative surgical resection between 1994 and 2010. The characteristics and prognosis of patients with HCC were analyzed stratified by tumor size.

Results

A total of 403 patients (65 %) had tumors <5 cm, 172 (28 %) had tumors between 5 and 10 cm, and 41 (7 %) had tumors >10 cm. The incidence of microvascular invasion, satellite nodules, and advanced tumor grade significantly increased with tumor size. The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC <5 cm were 69.6 % and 32 %, respectively, which were significantly better than those of HCC between 5 and 10 cm (58 % and 26 %, respectively) and HCC >10 cm (53 % and 24 %, respectively). On multivariate analysis, cirrhosis (p = 0.0307), Child–Pugh B (p = 0.0159), indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min >10 % (p = 0.0071), microvascular invasion (p < 0.0001), and satellite nodules (p = 0.0009) were independent predictors of poor survival, whereas tumor size >5 cm was not.

Conclusion

Although recurrence rates are high, surgical resection for solitary HCC offers good overall survival. Tumor size was not a prognostic factor. Solitary large HCC >10 cm would be a good candidate for hepatectomy as well as solitary HCC between 5 and 10 cm.     

Gd-EOB-DTPA-Enhanced MRI is Better than MDCT in Decision Making of Curative Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

We assessed the change in the therapeutic decision among curative treatments after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to triple-phase MDCT for patients with early-stage HCC.

Methods

This study retrospectively investigated two groups: 33 pathologically confirmed HCC patients after liver transplantation in group 1; 34 HCC patients without pathology in group 2. In group 1, we simulated the therapeutic decision-making process by pretransplant MDCT and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. In group 2, including the 34 early-stage HCC patients consecutively enrolled, we investigated the change of therapeutic decision after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to MDCT.

Results

In the simulation from group 1, after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, 33.3 % (11/33 patients) of treatment decisions were changed from the decision based on MDCT alone. Among 22 patients considered eligible for resection and 33 patients for radiofrequency ablation, the therapeutic decision was changed for 10 patients in the surgical group and 4 patients for the RFA group (45.5 and 12.1 %). In group 2, the rate of change in the therapeutic decision after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to MDCT was 41.2 % (14/34 patients). In group 1 with explants pathology, the median diameter of HCCs not detected by MDCT but detected by Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI was 1.15 cm (0.3–3.0 cm). The median diameter of HCCs seen only in the explanted liver was 1.0 cm (0.3–1.7 cm), and 60.7 % of them were well-differentiated HCCs.

Conclusions

This study suggests that performing Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI before deciding on curative treatment for early-stage HCC may improve the accuracy of treatment decision for early-stage HCC.     

Outcomes of resection of extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas in the laparoscopic era: a comparison with adrenal pheochromocytoma

Introduction

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the standard for removal of adrenal pheochromocytomas (pheos), but laparoscopic (LAP) resection of paragangliomas (PGs) is controversial. This study analyzes our results of resection of PGs in the LAP era.

Methods

A retrospective record review of all patients who underwent resection of intra-abdominal PGs from 1998 to 2011 was performed. Pre- and postoperative clinical, radiologic, biochemical, and pathologic data for LAP resection of PGs were compared with patients who underwent LA for adrenal pheo (LA pheo; n = 62). Statistical analysis was performed and data are reported as mean ± SD.

Results

Fifteen patients had resection of PGs (6 OPEN, 9 LAP) and 62 had LA pheo. Most common PG locations were perirenal or renal hilum (n = 6) and para-aortic (n = 4). One LAP PG was converted to OPEN due to inflammation from a prior biopsy. Mean age of LAP PGs was 45.3 ± 13.2 years, and mean tumor size was 3.3 ± 2.1 cm. OPEN PGs were larger (5.1 vs. 3.3 cm), had shorter operative times (173 vs. 254 min), and longer hospitalization (5.7 vs. 2.6 days) and ICU stays (1.33 vs. 0.22 days) compared with LAP PGs (p ≤ 0.05). Compared with LA pheo, operative times for LAP PG were significantly longer (254 vs. 175 min, p = 0.001) but other outcomes were similar. Complications occurred in 5.9 % of LA pheos, 22 % of LAP PGs and 67 % of OPEN PGs.

Conclusions

Patients with paragangliomas can safely benefit from LAP resection with outcomes similar to adrenal pheos. In the absence of a need for contiguous organ resection, LAP resection of paragangliomas seems to be the preferred surgical approach.     

Single HCC in Cirrhotic Patients: Liver Resection or Liver Transplantation? Long-term Outcome According to an Intention-to-treat Basis

Background

Compensated cirrhotic patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm may benefit from both liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT); however, the better 10-year actuarial survival of the two treatments remains unclear. We aimed to assess the long-term outcome of cirrhotic patients with single HCC ≤5 cm treated either with LR or LT on an intention-to-treat basis.

Methods

A total of 217 cirrhotic patients with single HCC ≤5 cm were evaluated at our department: 95 were treated with LR (LR group), and 122 were included on the waiting list for LT (LT group). Patients in the LR group were divided into very early HCC (tumor size ≤2 cm) and early HCC (tumor size >2 cm). Median follow-up was 5.3 (range 0.1–18) years.

Results

Tumor recurrence was 72 % in the LR group versus 16 % in the LT group (p < 0.001). 1-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative risk of recurrence was 18, 69, and 83 % in the LR group versus 4, 18, and 20 % in the LT group (p < 0.001). Ten-year actuarial survival was 33 % in the LR group versus 49 % in the LT group (p = 0.002). At HCC recurrence, 27.3 % were included on the waiting list for salvage transplantation (very early HCC group) versus 15.1 % (early HCC group) (p = 0.2). After salvage transplantation, HCC recurrence was 0 % (very early HCC group) versus 40 % (early HCC group) (p = 0.2). No significant differences were observed in 1-, 5-, and 10-year actuarial survival between the very early HCC group and the LT group (95, 55, and 50 % vs. 82, 62, and 50 %).

Conclusions

LR should be the treatment of choice for cirrhotic patients with very early HCC.     

Predictor for Histological Microvascular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Lesson from 229 Consecutive Cases of Curative Liver Resection

Background

Microscopic vascular invasion is an important risk factor for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even after curative liver resection or orthotopic liver transplantation. To predict microscopic portal venous invasion, the following two questions were examined retrospectively: Is it possible to detect microvascular invasion preoperatively? What are the characteristics of a group of early HCC recurrences even with no microvascular invasion?

Methods

Study 1 included 229 patients with HCC who underwent curative liver resection between 1991 and 2008; 127 had HCC without microscopic portal venous invasion, and 52 had HCC with microscopic portal venous invasion (MPVI). These two distinct groups were analyzed with regard to various clinicopathologic factors. Subsequently, we specifically investigated if HCCs <5 cm with vascular invasion (n = 32) have some characteristics that would allow detection of latent microvascular invasion. Study 2 included 127 HCC patients without MVPI; 42 had a recurrence within 2 years, and 85 patients were recurrence-free for at least 2 years. These two distinct groups were analyzed with regard to various clinicopathologic factors.

Results

HCC diameter of >5 cm, the macroscopic appearance of HCC, and high levels of preoperative des-γ-carboxyprothrombin are significant prognostic factors in identifying microvascular invasion of HCC. The strongest predictor of early recurrence (within 2 years) was the serum α-fetoprotein level in patients without clear microvascular invasion.

Conclusions

Tumor size, macroscopic appearance, and high tumor marker levels are important elements in identifying the group of patients with a low HCC recurrence rate after curative liver resection.     

Assessment of ISGLS Definition of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure and Its Effect on Outcome in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a major complication after hepatectomy. As there was no standardized definition, the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) defined PHLF as increased international normalized ratio and hyperbilirubinemia on or after postoperative day 5 in 2010. We evaluated the impact of the ISGLS definition of PHLF on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 210 consecutive HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy at our facility from 2005 to 2010. The median follow-up period after hepatectomy was 35.2 months.

Results

Thirty-nine (18.6 %) patients fulfilled the ISGLS definition of PHLF. Overall survival (OS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years in patients with/without PHLF were 69.1/93.5, 45.1/72.5, and 45.1/57.8 %, respectively (P?=?0.002). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years in patients with/without PHLF were 40.9/65.9, 15.7/38.3, and 15.7/20.3 %, respectively (P?=?0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that PHLF was significantly associated with both OS (P?=?0.047) and RFS (P?=?0.019). Extent of resection (P?<?0.001), intraoperative blood loss (P?=?0.002), and fibrosis stage (P?=?0.040) were identified as independent risk factors for developing PHLF.

Conclusion

The ISGLS definition of PHLF was associated with OS and RFS in HCC patients, and long-term survival will be improved by reducing the incidence of PHLF.     

Surgical Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Bile Duct Tumor Thrombus: A Korean Multicenter Study

Background

The long-term outcomes after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with macroscopic bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) are unclear. This multicenter study was conducted to determine the prognosis of HCC patients with macroscopic BDTT who underwent resection with curative intent.

Methods

Of 4,308 patients with HCC from four Korean institutions, this single-arm retrospective study included 73 patients (1.7 %) who underwent resection for HCC with BDTT.

Results

Jaundice was also present in 34 patients (46.6 %). According to Ueda classification, BDTT was type 2 in 34 cases (46.6 %) and type 3 in 39 cases (53.4 %). Biliary decompression was performed in 33 patients (45.2 %), decreasing the median lowest bilirubin level to 1.4 mg/dL before surgery. Systematic hepatectomy was performed in 69 patients (94.5 %), and concurrent bile duct resection was performed in 31 patients (42.5 %). Surgical curability types were R0 (n = 57; 78.1 %), R1 (n = 11; 15.1 %), and R2 (n = 5; 6.8 %). Patient survival rates were 76.5 % at 1 year, 41.4 % at 3 years, 32.0 % at 5 years, and 17.0 % at 10 years. Recurrence rates were 42.9 % at 1 year, 70.6 % at 3 years, 77.3 % at 5 years, and 81.1 % at 10 years. Results of univariate survival analysis showed that maximal tumor size, bile duct resection, and surgical curability were significant risk factors for survival, and surgical curability was a significant risk factor for recurrence. Multivariate analysis did not reveal any independent risk factors.

Conclusions

Hepatocellular carcinoma patients with BDTT achieved relatively favorable long-term results after resection; therefore extensive surgery should be recommended when complete resection is anticipated.     

Infection with Hepatitis C Virus is an Adverse Prognostic Factor after Liver Resection for Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction

Recent data support liver resection (LR) as first-line approach in patients with preserved liver function who have resectable/transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of LR in patients with transplantable HCC.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2009, 75 patients (65 men, mean age 61 ± 11 years) with HCC eligible for liver transplantation (LT) underwent LR. The underlying hepatic disease was related to hepatitis C (HCV) in 30 (40 %) patients, hepatitis B (HBV) in 15 (20 %) patients, alcohol abuse in 26 patients (36 %) and other in 10 patients (13 %). Fifty-five (73 %) patients had cirrhosis. Intermittent clamping of the hepatic pedicle was used in 41 (55 %) patients. Treatment of recurrence by salvage LT was performed in 6 (8 %) patients.

Results

Operative morbidity and mortality rates were 37 and 5  % respectively. At 1, 3, and 5 years, overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival rates were 81, 69,55 and 56, 31, and 21 %, respectively. On multivariate analysis, HCV infection was the only independent factor associated with decreased OS (p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, HCV infection (p = 0.05) and intermittent hepatic pedicle clamping (p = 0.003) were associated with decreased DFS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and DFS rates in patients with HCV-related HCC were 69, 53, 38 and 50, 18, and 9% respectively.

Conclusions

Overall and disease-free survival after liver resection in patients with HCV-related HCC and preserved liver function is poor. Primary LT should be offered to these patients.     

Total Tumor Volume Is a Better Marker of Tumor Burden in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Defined by the Milan Criteria

Background

The Milan criteria are used to define small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to select patients for curative treatments. Total tumor volume (TTV) is an alternative parameter for tumor burden. We aimed to evaluate whether TTV is a feasible prognostic marker in HCC patients with upper boundary TTV of 65.5 cm³, which is equivalent to a single 5 cm tumor nodule defined by the Milan criteria.

Methods

A total of 774 HCC patients with TTV <65.5 cm³ receiving surgical resection, liver transplantation, or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as the primary treatment were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Of these patients, 50 (6.5 %) did not fulfill the Milan criteria. Patients beyond the Milan criteria more often had larger tumor size and TTV, as well as more tumor nodules (p values all <0.01). There was no significant survival difference between patients within and beyond the Milan criteria (p = 0.205). Patients with TTV >15 cm³ had a significantly poorer survival than patients with TTV <15 cm³ (p = 0.007). There was no survival difference between patients receiving surgical treatments versus RFA (p = 0.932). In the Cox proportional hazards model, TTV >15 cm³ [risk ratio (RR): 1.474, p = 0.005], serum bilirubin ≥1.5 mg/dL (RR: 1.663, p = 0.003), serum sodium <135 mmol/L (RR: 2.016, p = 0.01), and α-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥100 ng/mL (RR: 1.37, p = 0.033) were independent predictors of poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Total tumor volume, is an independent and better prognostic marker than the Milan criteria to indicate tumor burden in HCC patients who had tumor volume defined by the Milan criteria and underwent curative therapies.