Guideline
- 2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(1):1-120. Published online December 9, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.11.07
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- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Review Articles
- Changing etiology and epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma: Asia and worldwide
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Do Young Kim
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):62-70. Published online March 25, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.03.13
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13,445
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676
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45
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Abstract
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- Approximately 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases arise in sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Asia, following a similarly high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers in these regions. The etiology and epidemiology of HCC have recently changed worldwide. Although HBV infection is the main contributor to HCC development, a slow but continuous decline in HBV infection rates has been reported since 1990. Owing to the widespread use of direct-acting antivirals, the incidence of hepatitis C virus-related HCC has remarkably decreased in Japan and European countries. In Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, the incidence of HBV-related HCC has significantly decreased owing to vaccination against HBV. Globally, while HBV accounted for more than half of HCCs in 1990, this had decreased to 42% in 2019. In contrast, the proportion of patients with alcoholic- and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) increased from 13% to 18% and from 5% to 6%, respectively. NASH-related HCC has characteristics that differ from those of virus-associated HCC. Compared with other etiologies, patients with NASHassociated HCC are older, have a higher body mass index, and have higher rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated HCC is also known to develop in the absence of cirrhosis, unlike alcohol-related and autoimmune liver diseases. Because patients with NAFLD usually have diabetes or obesity, surveying this population is challenging. Optimal selection of the target population and surveillance tools among patients with NAFLD needs to be determined.
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Darine Daher, Karim Seif El Dahan, Amit G. Singal
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(1):127-142. Published online February 9, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.12.30
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9,974
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331
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20
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Abstract
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- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most common causes of liver disease, is an increasingly common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several demographic, clinical, and genetic factors contribute to HCC risk in NAFLD patients, which may inform risk stratification scores. Proven efficacious approaches to primary prevention approach in patients with non-viral liver disease remain an area of need. Semi-annual surveillance is associated with improved early tumor detection and reduced HCC-related mortality; however, patients with NAFLD have several challenges to effective surveillance, including under-recognition of at-risk patients, low surveillance utilization in clinical practice, and lower sensitivity of current tools for early-stage HCC detection. Treatment decisions are best made in a multidisciplinary fashion and are informed by several factors including tumor burden, liver dysfunction, performance status, and patient preferences. Although patients with NAFLD often have larger tumor burden and increased comorbidities compared to counterparts, they can achieve similar post-treatment survival with careful patient selection. Therefore, surgical therapies continue to provide a curative treatment option for patients diagnosed at an early stage. Although there has been debate about the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with NAFLD, current data are insufficient to change treatment selection based on liver disease etiology.
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Valentina Zanuso, Giulia Tesini, Elena Valenzi, Lorenza Rimassa
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):155-170. Published online August 8, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.08.07
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8,166
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323
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5
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Abstract
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- Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare and aggressive cancer, mostly diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage, at which point systemic treatment represents the only therapeutic option. Chemotherapy has been the backbone of advanced CCA treatment. More recently, immunotherapy has changed the therapeutic landscape, as immune checkpoint inhibitors have yielded the first improvement in survival and currently, the addition of either durvalumab or pembrolizumab to standard of care cisplatin plus gemcitabine represents the new first-line treatment option. However, the use of immunotherapy in subsequent lines has not demonstrated its efficacy and therefore, it is not approved, except for pembrolizumab in the selected microsatellite instability-high population. In addition, advances in comprehensive genomic profiling have led to the identification of targetable genetic alterations, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), proto-oncogene B-Raf (BRAF), neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK), rearranged during transfection (RET), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), and mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2), thus favoring the development of a precision medicine approach in previously treated patients. Despite these advances, the use of molecularly driven agents is limited to a subgroup of patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the newly approved systemic therapies, the ongoing studies, and future research challenges in advanced CCA management.
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Jae Hyun Yoon, Sung Kyu Choi
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):300-315. Published online September 21, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.08.27
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6,846
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250
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14
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Abstract
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- Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis, management of early-stage HCC is often successful with highly efficacious treatment modalities such as liver transplantation, surgical resection, and radiofrequency ablation. However, unfavorable clinical outcomes have been observed under certain circumstances, even after efficient treatment. Factors that predict unsuitable results after treatment include tumor markers, inflammatory markers, imaging findings reflecting tumor biology, specific outcome indicators for each treatment modality, liver functional reserve, and the technical feasibility of the treatment modalities. Various strategies may overcome these challenges, including the application of reinforced treatment indication criteria with predictive markers reflecting tumor biology, compensation for technical issues with up-to-date technologies, modification of treatment modalities, downstaging with locoregional therapies (such as transarterial chemotherapy or radiotherapy), and recently introduced combination immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss the challenges to achieving optimal outcomes in the management of early-stage HCC and suggest strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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Matthew Man Pok Lee, Landon Long Chan, Stephen Lam Chan
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):262-271. Published online August 17, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.07.17
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6,626
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371
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14
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Abstract
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- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently presents as advanced stage with poor prognosis and high mortality. Systemic treatment is the treatment of choice for advanced disease. In 2007, the first multi-kinase inhibitor (MKI) sorafenib was approved and shown to modestly prolong overall survival (OS). The progress of systemic therapy has been slow afterwards until 2018 when lenvatinib, another MKI, was shown to be non-inferior to sorafenib on median OS as the first-line therapy for HCC. Since then, remarkable progress has been achieved on the treatment of advanced HCC, including the development of second-line targeted treatment, including regorafenib, cabozantinib and ramucirumab from 2017 to 2019. A growing focus has been placed on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), its ligand PD-L1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4. These ICIs have proven their potency in treating HCC as both initial and subsequent line of therapy. At present, both regimens of atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab, as well as the combination of tremelimumab and durvalumab, are recommended as the first-line treatments based on positive phase III clinical trials. With the advancement of ICIs, it is anticipated that the role of MKIs in the treatment of HCC will evolve. In this article, lenvatinib, one of the most commonly used MKIs in HCC, is chosen to be reviewed.
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Byeong Geun Song, Myung Ji Goh, Wonseok Kang, Dong Hyun Sinn, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Joon Hyeok Lee, Moon Seok Choi
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 243. CrossRef - Dual effects of targeting neuropilin-1 in lenvatinib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma: inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis
Junjie Ao, Na Qiang, Hiroaki Kanzaki, Masato Nakamura, Risa Kakiuchi, Jiaqi Zhang, Ryuta Kojima, Keisuke Koroki, Masanori Inoue, Naoya Kanogawa, Ryo Nakagawa, Takayuki Kondo, Sadahisa Ogasawara, Shingo Nakamoto, Ryosuke Muroyama, Jun Kato, Naoya Kato
American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology.2024; 327(4): C1150. CrossRef - A Potential Pneumothorax Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Case Report and Literature Review
Yoon-E Shin, Hyuk Kim, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sang Gyune Kim, Young Seok Kim
Medicina.2024; 60(10): 1634. CrossRef - Challenges and advances of immune checkpoint therapy
Lingyu Li, Yingli Sun
Clinical and Translational Discovery.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Current perspectives on the pharmacological treatment of advanced
hepatocellular carcinoma: a narrative review
Hye-Jin Yoo, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sang Gyune Kim, Young Seok Kim
The Ewha Medical Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Family and the Immune System: Activators or Inhibitors?
Cristina Maria Failla, Maria Luigia Carbone, Carmela Ramondino, Emanuele Bruni, Angela Orecchia
Biomedicines.2024; 13(1): 6. CrossRef
Original Article
- Isolation and characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma
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Kyoungdo Mun, Jiwon Han, Pureun Roh, Jonggeun Park, Gahee Kim, Wonhee Hur, Jeongwon Jang, Jongyoung Choi, Seungkew Yoon, Youngkyoung You, Hojoong Choi, Pilsoo Sung
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):341-349. Published online June 12, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.04.30
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5,557
Views
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288
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7
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Abstract
PDF
- Background/Aim
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an immunosuppressive role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human cancers; however, their characteristics and role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be elucidated.
Methods
Nine tumor and surrounding liver tissue samples from patients with HCC who underwent surgery were used to isolate patient-derived CAFs. Cell morphology was observed using an optical microscope after culture, and cell phenotypes were evaluated using flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Cytokines secreted by CAFs into culture medium were quantified using a multiplex cytokine assay.
Results
CAFs were abundant in the TME of HCC and were adjacent to immune cells. After culture, the CAFs and non-tumor fibroblasts exhibited spindle shapes. We observed a robust expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein in CAFs, whereas alpha-fetoprotein, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-cadherin were not expressed in CAFs. Furthermore, CAFs showed high secretion of various cytokines, namely C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2.
Conclusions
CAFs are abundant in the TME of HCC and play a crucial role in tumor progression. These fibroblasts secrete cytokines that promote tumor growth and metastasis.
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Citations
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- Cancer-associated fibroblasts in hepatocellular carcinoma: heterogeneity, mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Yutong Li, Mawieh Hamad, Eyad Elkord
Hepatology International.2025; 19(2): 325. CrossRef - Rebuilding the microenvironment of primary tumors in humans: a focus on stroma
Siwon Mun, Hyun Jin Lee, Pilnam Kim
Experimental & Molecular Medicine.2024; 56(3): 527. CrossRef - Intrahepatic IgA complex induces polarization of cancer-associated fibroblasts to matrix phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment of HCC
Jong Geun Park, Pu Reun Roh, Min Woo Kang, Sung Woo Cho, Suhyun Hwangbo, Hae Deok Jung, Hyun Uk Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Jae-Sung Yoo, Ji Won Han, Jeong Won Jang, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon, Young Kyoung You, Ho Joong Choi, Jae Yong Ryu, Pil Soo Sung
Hepatology.2024; 80(5): 1074. CrossRef - Machine learning model reveals roles of interferon‑stimulated genes in sorafenib‑resistant liver cancer
Deok Seo, Ji Park, Hee Jung, Min Kang, Byung Kang, Dong Lee, Jae Lee, Seung Yoon, Jeong Jang, Jae Ahn, Pil Sung
Oncology Letters.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Recent Advances in Immune-based Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Kyung Won Park, Tae Hoon Park, Eun Ji Jang, Pil Soo Sung
Journal of Digestive Cancer Research.2024; 12(2): 115. CrossRef - Wound healing: insights into autoimmunity, ageing, and cancer ecosystems through inflammation and IL-6 modulation
Lukáš Lacina, Michal Kolář, Lucie Pfeiferová, Peter Gál, Karel Smetana
Frontiers in Immunology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Prognostic significance of combined PD-L1 expression in malignant and infiltrating cells in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab
Jaejun Lee, Jae-Sung Yoo, Ji Hoon Kim, Dong Yeup Lee, Keungmo Yang, Bohyun Kim, Joon-Il Choi, Jeong Won Jang, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon, Ji Won Han, Pil Soo Sung
Frontiers in Immunology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Review Article
- Current perspectives on radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma management: a comprehensive review
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Dowook Kim, Jun-Sang Kim
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):33-46. Published online March 25, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.02.26
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5,542
Views
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340
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3
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Abstract
PDF
- This review examines the transformative role of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in managing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), spotlighting the progression from traditional EBRT techniques to advanced modalities like intensity-modulated radiotherapy (RT), stereotactic body RT (SBRT), and innovative particle therapy, including proton beam therapy and carbon ion RT. These advancements have significantly improved the precision and efficacy of RT, marking a paradigm shift in the multimodal management of HCC, particularly in addressing complex cases and enhancing local tumor control. The review underscores the synergistic potential of integrating RT with other treatments like transarterial chemoembolization, systemic therapies such as sorafenib, and emerging immunotherapies, illustrating enhanced survival and disease control outcomes. The efficacy of RT is addressed for challenging conditions, including advanced HCC with macrovascular invasion, and RT modalities, like SBRT, are compared against traditional treatments like radiofrequency ablation for early-stage HCC. Additionally, the review accentuates the encouraging outcomes of particle therapy in enhancing local control and survival rates, minimizing treatment-related toxicity, and advocating for continued research and clinical trials. In conclusion, the integration of RT into multimodal HCC treatment strategies, coupled with the emergence of particle therapy, is crucial for advancing oncologic management, emphasizing the need for relentless innovation and personalized treatment approaches.
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Citations
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- Treatment of intermediate-to-advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is shifting toward a multidisciplinary strategy that includes multiple modalities as needed
Ken Sato
World Journal of Gastroenterology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Development and Validation of Monte Carlo Methods for Converay: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Rodolfo Figueroa, Francisco Malano, Alejandro Cuadra, Jaime Guarda, Jorge Leiva, Fernando Leyton, Adlin López, Claudio Solé, Mauro Valente
Cancers.2025; 17(7): 1189. CrossRef - A Comparative Analysis of the Roles of von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Bioinformatics and Microarray-Based Study
Durmuş Ayan, Şerife Buket Bozkurt Polat, Ergül Bayram, Esma Özmen, Fatma Esin Aydın, Serpil Ersan
Current Issues in Molecular Biology.2025; 47(4): 270. CrossRef
Original Articles
- Cure can be achieved by conversion to microwave ablation following atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
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Rene John D. Febro, Engelbert Simon S. Perillo, Akemi A. Kimura, Stephen N. Wong
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):234-242. Published online June 3, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.05.23
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5,393
Views
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136
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Abstract
PDF
- Backgrounds/Aims
Atezolizumab/bevacizumab is the recommended first-line systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) and may facilitate curative conversion through resection and locoregional therapies. However, there have been very few reports on curative conversion using microwave ablation (MWA). This study aimed to determine the curative conversion rate with MWA using atezolizumab-bevacizumab as the first-line treatment in patients with uHCC, and to compare the characteristics and survival of patients with and without curative conversion.
Methods
Consecutive patients with uHCC who were started on atezolizumab-bevacizumab from May 2021 to December 2023 in a single tertiary center were included. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were based on the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria.
Results
Twenty consecutive patients with uHCC (60% advanced-stage) were included, 90% exceeding the up-to-7 criteria. The ORR and DCR were 35% and 60%, 35% and 55% using RECIST and mRECIST, respectively. Five patients (25%) underwent successful curative conversion with MWA (four advanced and one intermediate stage) despite a median HCC size of 6.1 cm (range, 2.4-7.3). Two of these patients were tumor and drug-free 132-133 weeks from the 1st atezolizumab-bevacizumab dose. Patients who underwent curative conversion had significantly longer survival than those who did not (P=0.024). Other factors associated with survival were male sex, Child-Pugh class A, and an objective response.
Conclusions
Despite the relatively large tumor size, successful curative conversion with MWA was achieved with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab in uHCC. However, data from prospective multicenter trials are required to determine whether this strategy is universally applicable.
- Use of doxorubicin-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion: a prospective study
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Su Jong Yu, Yun Bin Lee, Eun Ju Cho, Jeong-Hoon Lee, Hyo-Cheol Kim, Jin Wook Chung, Jung-Hwan Yoon, Yoon Jun Kim
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(1):166-176. Published online March 3, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.02.08
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5,082
Views
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165
Downloads
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material
- Background/Aim
To evaluate the applicability of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment with doxorubicin drug-eluting beads (DEBs) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein invasion (PVI).
Methods
This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A total of 30 HCC patients with PVI received DEB-TACE between 2015 and 2018. The following parameters were evaluated: complications during DEB-TACE, abdominal pain, fever, and laboratory outcomes, including liver function change. Overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), and adverse events were also analyzed and assessed.
Results
DEBs measuring 100–300 μm in diameter were loaded with doxorubicin (150 mg per procedure). There were no complications during DEB-TACE and no significant differences in the levels of prothrombin time, serum albumin, or total bilirubin at follow-up compared to baseline. The median TTP was 102 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 42–207 days) and the median OS was 216 days (95% CI, 160–336 days). Three patients (10%) had severe adverse reactions, including transient acute cholangitis (n=1), cerebellar infarction (n=1), and pulmonary embolism (n=1), but no treatment-related death occurred.
Conclusions
DEB-TACE may be a therapeutic option for advanced HCC patients with PVI.
Review Articles
- Intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: refining substaging or shifting paradigm?
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Bernardo Stefanini, Luca Ielasi, Dante Pio Pallotta, Sofia Penazza, Mariarosaria Marseglia, Fabio Piscaglia
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):23-32. Published online March 12, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.02.21
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4,972
Views
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310
Downloads
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1
Citation
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Abstract
PDF
- This review explores the evolution of cancer staging, focusing on intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the challenges faced by physicians. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, introduced in 1999, was designed to address the limitations associated with providing accurate prognostic information for HCC and allocating specific treatments, to avoid overtreatment. However, criticism has emerged, particularly regarding the intermediate stage of HCC (BCLC-B) and its heterogeneous patient population. To overcome this limitation, various subclassification systems, such as the Bolondi and Kinki criteria, have been proposed. These systems are aimed at refining categorizations within the intermediate stage and have demonstrated varying degrees of success in predicting outcomes through external validation. This study discusses the shift in treatment paradigms, emphasizing the need for a more personalized approach rather than strictly adhering to cancer stages, without dismissing the relevance of staging systems. It assesses the available treatment options for intermediate-stage HCC, highlighting the importance of considering surgical and nonsurgical options alongside transarterial chemoembolization for optimal outcomes. In conclusion, the text advocates for a paradigm shift in staging systems prioritizing treatment suitability over cancer stage. This reflects the evolving landscape of HCC management, where a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for tailoring treatments to individual patients, ultimately aiming to improve overall survival.
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- The Neoangiogenic Transcriptomic Signature Impacts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis and Can Be Triggered by Transarterial Chemoembolization Treatment
Rosina Maria Critelli, Federico Casari, Alberto Borghi, Grazia Serino, Cristian Caporali, Paolo Magistri, Annarita Pecchi, Endrit Shahini, Fabiola Milosa, Lorenza Di Marco, Alessandra Pivetti, Simone Lasagni, Filippo Schepis, Nicola De Maria, Francesco Di
Cancers.2024; 16(20): 3549. CrossRef
- Imaging prognostication and tumor biology in hepatocellular carcinoma
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Diana Kadi, Marilyn F. Yamamoto, Emily C. Lerner, Hanyu Jiang, Kathryn J. Fowler, Mustafa R. Bashir
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):284-299. Published online September 15, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.08.29
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4,891
Views
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151
Downloads
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1
Citation
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Abstract
PDF
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy, and represents a significant global health burden with rising incidence rates, despite a more thorough understanding of the etiology and biology of HCC, as well as advancements in diagnosis and treatment modalities. According to emerging evidence, imaging features related to tumor aggressiveness can offer relevant prognostic information, hence validation of imaging prognostic features may allow for better noninvasive outcomes prediction and inform the selection of tailored therapies, ultimately improving survival outcomes for patients with HCC.
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Citations
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- Membranous Overexpression of Fibronectin Predicts Microvascular Invasion and Poor Survival Outcomes in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Yoon Jung Hwang, Hyejung Lee, Suk Kyun Hong, Su Jong Yu, Haeryoung Kim
Gut and Liver.2025; 19(2): 275. CrossRef
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: histological diversity and the role of the pathologist
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Mina Komuta
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):17-22. Published online January 3, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.12.11
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4,587
Views
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277
Downloads
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2
Citations
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Abstract
PDF
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is one of the primary liver cancers and presents with tumor heterogeneity. About 50% of iCCAs comprise actionable mutations, which completely change patient management. In addition, the precise diagnosis of iCCA, including subtype, has become crucial, and pathologists play an important role in this regard. This review focuses on iCCA heterogeneity; looking at different perspectives to guide diagnosis and optimal treatment choice.
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- Trends and Disparities in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-related Mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020
Obaid Ur Rehman, Malik Saad Hayat, Muhammad Mukarram Shoaib, Eeman Ahmad, Zain Ali Nadeem, Ahmad Zain
Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Imaging findings of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma for prognosis
prediction and treatment decision-making: a narrative review
Jun Gu Kang, Taek Chung, Dong Kyu Kim, Hyungjin Rhee
The Ewha Medical Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Recommendation and Guideline
- Transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: 2023 expert consensus-based practical recommendations of the Korean Liver Cancer Association
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Yuri Cho, Jin Woo Choi, Hoon Kwon, Kun Yung Kim, Byung Chan Lee, Hee Ho Chu, Dong Hyeon Lee, Han Ah Lee, Gyoung Min Kim, Jung Suk Oh, Dongho Hyun, In Joon Lee, Hyunchul Rhim
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J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):241-261. Published online July 14, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.05.22
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4,550
Views
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252
Downloads
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14
Citations
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Abstract
PDF
- Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was introduced in 1977 with the administration of chemotherapeutic agent to gelatin sponge particles through the hepatic artery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was established as conventional TACE using Lipiodol in the 1980s. In the 2000s, drug-eluting beads were developed and applied clinically. Currently, TACE is a commonly used non-surgical treatment modality for patients with HCC who are unsuitable for curative treatment. Considering the vital role of TACE in the management of HCC, it is crucial to organize current knowledge and expert opinions regarding patient preparation, procedural techniques, and post-treatment care in TACE, which can enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety. A group of 12 experts in the fields of interventional radiology and hepatology, convened by the Research Committee of the Korean Liver Cancer Association (KLCA), has developed expert consensus-based practical recommendations in TACE. These recommendations have been endorsed by the Korean Society of Interventional Radiology and provide useful information and direction in performing TACE procedure as well as pre- and post- procedural patient care.
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Frontiers in Veterinary Science.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - TACE: A consistent and continuously evolving therapy for HCC
Amar Mukund, Niraj Kumar, Amol Srivastava, Akhil Baby
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology.2025; : 102538. CrossRef - Silibinin-Conjugated Galactose Dendrimers for Targeted Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Aqib Iqbal Dar, Vikrantvir Jain, Anu Rani, Anunay James Pulukuri, Joan Castaneda Gonzalez, Anubhav Dhull, Rishi Sharma, Anjali Sharma
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.2025; 17(14): 20980. CrossRef - Conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with gelatin spheres for hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison with nonspherical gelatin sponge particles
Dong Il Gwon, Hee Ho Chu, Gun Ha Kim, Jihoon Kim, Byoung Soo Im, Eunbyeol Ko, Jeongyeon Kim, Jin Hyoung Kim, Gi-Young Ko, Hyun-Ki Yoon
European Radiology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Synergistic effects of L-arginine and argininosuccinate synthetase 1 in inducing apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Jin Sun Kim, Won-Mook Choi, Ha-Il Kim, Sung Won Chung, Jonggi Choi, Danbi Lee, Kang Mo Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 79. CrossRef - Liver resection in selective hepatocellular carcinoma with Vp3 or Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombosis improves prognosis
Manuel Lim, Jongman Kim, Jinsoo Rhu, Gyu-Seong Choi, Jae-Won Joh
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(1): 102. CrossRef - A refined prediction model for survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization
Hae Lim Lee, Seok Hwan Kim, Hee Yeon Kim, Sung Won Lee, Myeong Jun Song
Frontiers in Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Clinical outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization in Child–Turcotte Pugh class A patients with a single small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma
Jungnam Lee, Young‐Joo Jin, Seung Kak Shin, Jung Hyun Kwon, Sang Gyune Kim, Jung Hwan Yu, Jin‐Woo Lee, Oh Sang Kwon, Soon Woo Nahm, Young Seok Kim
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.2024; 39(9): 1924. CrossRef - Recent Hepatocellular Carcinoma Managements in Korea: Focus on the Updated Guidelines in 2022
Yuri Cho, Bo Hyun Kim, Young-Suk Lim
Digestive Disease Interventions.2024; 08(03): 169. CrossRef - Radiomics as a tool for prognostic prediction in transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kaige Deng, Tong Chen, Zijian Leng, Fan Yang, Tao Lu, Jingying Cao, Weixuan Pan, Yongchang Zheng
La radiologia medica.2024; 129(8): 1099. CrossRef - Superselective ablative chemo-ethanol embolization for recurrent single hepatocellular carcinoma: a 6-month outcome analysis
Jae Hwan Lee, Kun Yung Kim, Chong-ho Lee, Minuk Kim, Chang Jin Yoon
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 217. CrossRef - TACE vs. TARE for HCC ≥ 8 cm: A propensity score analysis
Nhan Hien Phan, Ho Jong Chun, Jung Suk Oh, Su Ho Kim, Byung Gil Choi
Abdominal Radiology.2024; 50(3): 1198. CrossRef - Implications of the first edition of the Korean expert consensus-based practice recommendations for transarterial chemoembolization in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Jin Wook Chung
Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(2): 235. CrossRef
Original Article
- Comparison of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis
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Jeayeon Park, Yun Bin Lee, Yunmi Ko, Youngsu Park, Hyunjae Shin, Moon Haeng Hur, Min Kyung Park, Dae-Won Lee, Eun Ju Cho, Kyung-Hun Lee, Jeong-Hoon Lee, Su Jong Yu, Tae-Yong Kim, Yoon Jun Kim, Tae-You Kim, Jung-Hwan Yoon
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):81-91. Published online January 19, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.12.25
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4,331
Views
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254
Downloads
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4
Citations
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material
- Background/Aim
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and lenvatinib are currently available as first-line therapy for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, comparative efficacy studies are still limited. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of these treatments in HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).
Methods
We retrospectively included patients who received either atezolizumab plus bevacizumab or lenvatinib as first-line systemic therapy for HCC with PVTT. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints included progressionfree survival (PFS) and disease control rate (DCR) determined by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, version 1.1.
Results
A total of 52 patients were included: 30 received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and 22 received lenvatinib. The median follow-up duration was 6.4 months (interquartile range, 3.9-9.8). The median OS was 10.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7 to not estimated) with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and 5.8 months (95% CI, 4.8 to not estimated) with lenvatinib (P=0.26 by log-rank test). There was no statistically significant difference in OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.71; 95% CI, 0.34-1.49; P=0.37). The median PFS was similar (P=0.63 by log-rank test), with 4.1 months (95% CI, 3.3-7.7) for atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and 4.3 months (95% CI, 2.6-5.8) for lenvatinib (aHR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.51-1.69; P=0.80). HRs were similar after inverse probability treatment weighting. The DCRs were 23.3% and 18.2% in patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and lenvatinib, respectively (P=0.74).
Conclusion
The effectiveness of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and lenvatinib was comparable for the treatment of HCC with PVTT.
-
Citations
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- Management strategies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with
portal vein tumor thrombosis
Jeayeon Park, Su Jong Yu
The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Portal vein tumor thrombosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: Is it the end?
Walaa Abdelhamed, Hend Shousha, Mohamed El-Kassas
Liver Research.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Reappraisal of transarterial radioembolization for liver-confined hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: Editorial on “Transarterial radioembolization versus tyrosine kinase inhibitor in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein throm
Jin Hyoung Kim, Gun Ha Kim, Dong Il Gwon
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2024; 30(4): 659. CrossRef - Current perspectives on the pharmacological treatment of advanced
hepatocellular carcinoma: a narrative review
Hye-Jin Yoo, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sang Gyune Kim, Young Seok Kim
The Ewha Medical Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef