Journal of Liver Cancer

Original Articles

Role of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic metastases in the era of advancing systemic therapy: Byeong Geun Song, Myung Ji Goh, Wonseok Kang, Dong Hyun Sinn, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Joon Hyeok Lee, Moon Seok Choi; Received March 5, 2024 Accepted May 26, 2024 Published online June 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.05.26 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Backgrounds/Aims
Systemic therapy is the current standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with extrahepatic metastasis (EHM). However, some patients with HCC and EHM undergo transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to manage intrahepatic tumors. Herein, we aimed to explore the appropriateness of TACE in patients with HCC and EHM in an era of advanced systemic therapy.
Methods
This study analyzed 248 consecutive patients with HCC and EHM (median age, 58.5 years; male, 83.5%; Child-Pugh A, 88.7%) who received TACE or systemic therapy (83 sorafenib, 49 lenvatinib, 28 immunotherapy-based) between January 2018 and January 2021.
Results
Among the patients, 196 deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 8.9 months. Patients who received systemic therapy had a higher albumin-bilirubin grade, elevated tumor markers, an increased number of intrahepatic tumors, larger-sized tumors, and more frequent portal vein invasion than those who underwent TACE. TACE was associated with longer median overall survival (OS) than sorafenib (15.1 vs. 4.7 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.1-22.2 vs. 3.7-7.3; hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; P<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, TACE was associated with statistically similar survival outcomes to those of lenvatinib (median OS, 8.0 months; 95% CI, 6.5-11.0; HR, 1.21; P=0.411) and immunotherapies (median OS, 14.3 months; 95% CI, 9.5-27.0; HR, 1.01; P=0.973), demonstrating survival benefits equivalent to these treatments.
Conclusions
In patients with HCC and EHM, TACE can provide a survival benefit comparable to that of newer systemic therapies. Accordingly, TACE remains a valuable option in this era of new systemic therapies.

Nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma based on real-world practice: Nalee Kim, Jeong Il Yu, Hee Chul Park, Jung Yong Hong, Ho Yeong Lim, Myung Ji Goh, Yong-Han Paik; J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):350-361. Published online September 6, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.08.10

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Background/Aim
Patients with large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have limited treatment options, thus necessitating the identification of prognostic factors and the development of predictive tools. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and to construct a nomogram to predict survival outcomes in patients with large HCC.
Methods
A cohort of 438 patients, who were diagnosed with large HCC at a tertiary hospital between 2015 and 2018, was analyzed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify key prognosticators of overall survival (OS), and an independent set of prognostic factors was used to develop a nomogram. The discrimination and calibration abilities of the nomogram were assessed and internal validation was performed using cross-validation and bootstrapping methods.
Results
During a median follow-up of 9.3 months, the median OS was 9.9 months, and the 1-year OS rate was 43.9%. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that performance status, modified albumin-bilirubin grade, tumor size, extent of portal vein tumor thrombosis, and initial treatment significantly affected OS. The newly developed nomogram incorporating these variables demonstrated favorable accuracy (Harrell’s concordance index, 0.807).
Conclusions
The newly developed nomogram facilitated the estimation of individual survival outcomes in patients with large HCC, providing an acceptable level of accuracy.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Prognostic Role of Basal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Suitable for Curative Treatment
Stefano Mazza, Chiara Frigerio, Daniele Alfieri, Aurelio Mauro, Francesca Torello Viera, Davide Scalvini, Chiara Barteselli, Carmelo Sgarlata, Letizia Veronese, Marco Bardone, Laura Rovedatti, Simona Agazzi, Elena Strada, Lodovica Pozzi, Marcello Maestri,
Medicina.2024; 60(5): 692. CrossRef

Case Report

Advanced Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Successfully Treated with Transarterial Radioembolization and Multi-tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy: Myung Ji Goh, Wonseok Kang, Dong Hyun Sinn, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Moon Seok Choi, Joon Hyeok Lee, Kwang Cheol Koh, Seung Woon Paik; J Liver Cancer. 2020;20(2):160-166. Published online September 30, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.20.2.160

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Abstract PDF: Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 microspheres has become widely utilized in managing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The utility of TARE is expanding with new insights through experiences from real-world practice and clinical trials, and recently published data suggest that TARE in combination with sorafenib may improve the overall survival in selected patients. Here, we report a case of advanced stage HCC that was successfully treated with TARE and sorafenib. The patient achieved complete response (CR) at 12 months after the initial treatment with TARE and sorafenib, followed by additional transarterial chemoembolization and proton beam therapy for local tumor recurrence at 19-month post-TARE. The patient was followed up every 3 months thereafter and still achieved CR both biochemically and radiologically for the following 12 months. A combination strategy of TARE and systemic therapy may be a useful alternative treatment option for selected patients with advanced stage HCC.

Original Article

Cause of Mortality for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients who were Diagnosed within the Milan Criteria: Hyun-Woo Lee, Dong Hyun Sinn, Wonseok Kang, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Moon Seok Choi, Joon Hyeok Lee, Kwang Cheol Koh, Seung Woon Paik; J Liver Cancer. 2016;16(2):101-107. Published online September 30, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.16.2.101

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7 Citations

Abstract PDF

Background/Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a unique condition where the cause of death might not only be due to progressive cancer, but also from liver failure. We evaluated specific causes of death for HCC patients who were initially diagnosed within the Milan criteria.
Methods
A retrospective cohort of 147 patients with mortality who were initially diagnosed with HCC within the Milan criteria between January 2008 and December 2012 at a single institution was reviewed.
Results
During follow-up, 104 patients (70.7%) experienced one or more cirrhotic complications, such as ascites, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy. Near mortality, cancer progression (exceeding the Milan criteria) was recorded for 102 patients (69.3%), while cirrhosis progression (greater than two-point increase in Child-Pugh score) was noted in 110 (74.8%) patients. Alphafetoprotein, protein-induced by vitamin K antagonist-II levels and treatment modality were associated with cancer progression, while age and Child-Pugh class were associated with cirrhosis progression. There were 61 patients with in-hospital mortality; cancer progression plus liver failure was noted in 34 patients (55.7%), liver failure without cancer progression was seen in 20 patients (32.8%), and only four patients (6.6%) showed mortality from extrahepatic metastasis without liver failure.
Conclusions
Among HCC patients who were diagnosed within the Milan criteria, most of them had cirrhosis progression near mortality, and significant proportion died without uncontrolled cancer growth, mainly due to liver failure. These findings show the importance of liver function that should be considered in managing HCC patients.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(1): 1. CrossRef
Clinical Outcomes of Hepatitis B Virus–Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Undetectable Serum HBV DNA Levels
Jong-In Chang, Dong Hyun Sinn, Hyun Cho, Seonwoo Kim, Wonseok Kang, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Moon Seok Choi, Joon Hyeok Lee, Kwang Cheol Koh, Seung Woon Paik
Digestive Diseases and Sciences.2022; 67(9): 4565. CrossRef
2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(4): 583. CrossRef
2022 KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Korean Journal of Radiology.2022; 23(12): 1126. CrossRef
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Oligometastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study (KROG 20-04)
Tae Hyung Kim, Taek-Keun Nam, Sang Min Yoon, Tae Hyun Kim, Young Min Choi, Jinsil Seong
Cancers.2022; 14(23): 5848. CrossRef
Multidisciplinary approach is associated with improved survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Dong Hyun Sinn, Gyu-Seong Choi, Hee Chul Park, Jong Man Kim, Honsoul Kim, Kyoung Doo Song, Tae Wook Kang, Min Woo Lee, Hyunchul Rhim, Dongho Hyun, Sung Ki Cho, Sung Wook Shin, Woo Kyoung Jeong, Seong Hyun Kim, Jeong Il Yu, Sang Yun Ha, Su Jin Lee, Ho Yeon
PLOS ONE.2019; 14(1): e0210730. CrossRef
Hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic metastasis: Are there still candidates for transarterial chemoembolization as an initial treatment?
Jihye Kim, Dong-Hyun Sinn, Moon Seok Choi, Wonseok Kang, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Joon Hyeok Lee, Kwang Cheol Koh, Seung Woon Paik, Enzo Tagliazucchi
PLOS ONE.2019; 14(3): e0213547. CrossRef

Case Report

Retraction: A Case of Rapid Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation: Keol Lee, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Moon Seok Choi, Joon Hyeok Lee, Kwang Cheol Koh, Seung Woon Paik, Dong Hyun Sinn; J Liver Cancer. 2016;16(1):67-67. Published online March 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.16.1.67

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Abstract PDF: This paper (“A case of rapid progression of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation” by Lee K, et al from Journal of Liver Cancer 2015;15(2):118-121) has been retracted because of the several figures (Fig. 1A, Fig. 3A, and Fig. 4) of the paper1 were identical to those of the previous published original article2 without agreement of the copyright holder. The authors informed that they will take full responsibility for this unintended duplicate publication of figures caused by lack of communication, and wish to apologize to readers of the journal for any convenience. To preserve scientific integrity, Journal of Liver Cancer agreed with the authors that this paper be retracted.

Original Article

Cirrhosis in Surgically Resected Hepatitis C-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Hepatitis B Endemic Area: Dong Hyun Sinn, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Moon Seok Choi, Joon Hyeok Lee, Kwang Cheol Koh, Jae-Won Joh, Seung Woon Paik, Byung Chul Yoo, Cheol Keun Park; J Liver Cancer. 2014;14(2):108-114. Published online September 30, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.14.2.108

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Abstract PDF: Background/Aims
Cirrhosis has generally been considered a prerequisite for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected livers to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but HCCs that arise in absence of cirrhosis has been reported. We assessed the prevalence and significance of cirrhosis in HCV-related HCC patients who underwent surgical resection.
Methods
A total of 78 HCC patients (65 male [83.3%]; mean age, 64.2 ± 8.6 years) were evaluated for the presence of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was assessed based on histology, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) as well as clinical criteria, such as ascites, varices, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and radiographic configuration of cirrhosis.
Results
Based on histology, cirrhosis, septal fibrosis, periportal fibrosis and no fibrosis was noticed in 33.3%, 60.3%, 5.1% and 1.3% of patients, respectively. The clinical criteria of cirrhosis were present in 76.9% of patients. APRI > 1.0 was seen in 47.4% of patients. There was no evidence of cirrhosis in 18 patients (23.1%), either by histology or clinically. Cirrhosis by histology was an independent factor for overall survival [hazard ratio: 3.87 (95% CI: 1.24 – 12.00), P=0.019].
Conclusions
Quite proportion of HCC patients had no evidence of cirrhosis, either by histology or clinically. Careful follow-up for HCC may be necessary even for non-cirrhotic HCVinfected Korean patients. (J Liver Cancer 2014;14:108-114)

Case Report

An Ischemic Skin Lesion after Chemoembolization of the Right Internal Mammary Artery in a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Jae-Hoon Lee, Chae Yoon Chon, Yong-Han Paik, Kwang-Hyub Han, Jong Tae Lee, Do Yun Lee, Young Myoung Moon; Journal of the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group. 2001;1(1):133-136. Published online June 30, 2001

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Abstract PDF: A large nodular hepatocellular carcinoma located at the anterior superior portion of the left lobe was treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization through the left hepatic artery. Three months later, however, there was a re-elevation of the serum alpha-fetoprotein level and an evidence of a marginal recurrence at the left side of the previously embolized tumor was noted on the postembolizeation computed tomographic scan. Although the hepatic artery was intact in the second hepatic arteriography, we found that the right internal mammary artery was feeding the recurred hepatocellular carcinoma. Right internal mammary artery was successfully treated with Lipiodol-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. However, an ischemic lesion occurred in the skin of the anterior chest and abdominal wall several days after the embolization of the internal mammary artery. We report here a very rare case of ischemic skin lesion on the anterior chest and abdominal wall following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of the right internal mammary artery. This internal mammary artery was embolized because it had developed a collateral tumor feeding vessel following the initial chemoembolization of a hepatocellular carcinoma.

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