Journal of Liver Cancer

Original Article

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; Received October 9, 2024 Accepted December 27, 2024 Published online January 14, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.12.27 [Accepted]

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Abstract PDF: Background/Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Although numerous efforts have been made to identify effective therapies for HCC, current strategies have limitations. We present a new approach for targeting L-arginine and argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1).
Methods
ASS1 expression in HCC cell lines and primary hepatocytes was detected using PCR and western blotting. Proliferation, migration, signaling pathways, and nitric oxide production in HCC cell lines were measured using MTS, colony formation, wound healing, western blot, and Griess assays.
Results
ASS1 expression varied among the HCC cell lines, and cisplatin cytotoxicity was ASS1-dependent. L-arginine alone induced apoptosis in HCC cell lines, regardless of ASS1 expression; however, its effect was enhanced in ASS1-expressing HCC cell lines. Cisplatin cytotoxicity also increased, suggesting that L-arginine acts as a sensitizer to cisplatin in HCC cell lines. ASS1 and L-arginine produced nitric oxide and inhibited key proliferation- and survival-related signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK. Additionally, ASS1 and L-arginine reduced the expression of PKM1 and PKM2 in the glycolysis pathway.
Conclusions
Our study revealed that ASS1 and L-arginine exhibited anticancer effects in HCC and sensitized cisplatin-resistant HCC cells to chemotherapy. The combination of ASS1 and L-arginine significantly enhanced the anticancer effects, even in HCC cell lines with low or absent ASS1 expression. These findings highlight the critical roles of arginine and ASS1 in HCC and suggest that increasing arginine availability could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Case Report

Durable complete response after discontinuation of atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: the first report: Pramod Kumar, Pradeep Krishna, Rohit Maidur, Naveen Chandrashekhar, Suresh Raghavaiah; Received June 14, 2024 Accepted September 26, 2024 Published online November 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.09.26 [Accepted]

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Abstract PDF: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is associated with a dismal prognosis. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezo-bev) is the recommended palliative treatment, and approximately 10% of the patients may experience a complete response (CR), according to the mRECIST criteria. The treatment duration is until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. Long-term continuation can cause potential toxicities and a substantial financial burden, making early treatment discontinuation a viable option. This report describes durable CR after discontinuing atezo-bev treatment in three patients with HCC and PVTT.

Recommendation and Guideline

Local ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: 2024 expert consensus-based practical recommendation of the Korean Liver Cancer Association: Seungchul Han, Pil Soo Sung, Soo Young Park, Jin Woong Kim, Hyun Pyo Hong, Jung-Hee Yoon, Dong Jin Chung, Joon Ho Kwon, Sanghyeok Lim, Jae Hyun Kim, Seung Kak Shin, Tae Hyung Kim, Dong Ho Lee, Jong Young Choi; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):131-144. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.08.04

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Local ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a non-surgical option that directly targets and destroys tumor cells, has advanced significantly since the 1990s. Therapies with different energy sources, such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation, employ different mechanisms to induce tumor necrosis. The precision, safety, and effectiveness of these therapies have increased with advances in guiding technologies and device improvements. Consequently, local ablation has become the firstline treatment for early-stage HCC. The lack of organized evidence and expert opinions regarding patient selection, pre-procedure preparation, procedural methods, swift post-treatment evaluation, and follow-up has resulted in clinicians following varied practices. Therefore, an expert consensus-based practical recommendation for local ablation was developed by a group of experts in radiology and hepatology from the Research Committee of the Korean Liver Cancer Association in collaboration with the Korean Society of Image-guided Tumor Ablation to provide useful information and guidance for performing local ablation and for the pre- and posttreatment management of patients.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Practical consensus multi-specialty guidelines on image-guided ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
David S. Lu
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 120. CrossRef

Review Article

Disease modifiers and novel markers in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: Lung-Yi Mak; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):145-154. Published online August 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.08.03

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Abstract PDF: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is responsible for 40% of the global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a high case fatality rate. The risk of HCC differs among CHB subjects owing to differences in host and viral factors. Modifiable risk factors include viral load, use of antiviral therapy, co-infection with other hepatotropic viruses, concomitant metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease or diabetes mellitus, environmental exposure, and medication use. Detecting HCC at early stage improves survival, and current practice recommends HCC surveillance among individuals with cirrhosis, family history of HCC, or above an age cut-off. Ultrasonography with or without serum alpha feto-protein (AFP) every 6 months is widely accepted strategy for HCC surveillance. Novel tumor-specific markers, when combined with AFP, improve diagnostic accuracy than AFP alone to detect HCC at an early stage. To predict the risk of HCC, a number of clinical risk scores have been developed but none of them are clinically implemented nor endorsed by clinical practice guidelines. Biomarkers that reflect viral transcriptional activity and degree of liver fibrosis can potentially stratify the risk of HCC, especially among subjects who are already on antiviral therapy. Ongoing exploration of these novel biomarkers is required to confirm their performance characteristics, replicability and practicability.

Original Articles

Re-assessing the diagnostic value of the enhancing capsule in hepatocellular carcinoma imaging: Jae Seok Bae, Jeong Min Lee, Bo Yun Hur, Jeongin Yoo, Sae-Jin Park; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):206-216. Published online May 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.05.01

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61 Downloads

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Backgrounds/Aims
The enhancing capsule (EC) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis has received varying degrees of recognition across major guidelines. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of EC in HCC detection.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent pre-surgical computed tomography (CT) and hepatobiliary agent-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (HBA-MRI) between January 2016 and December 2019. A single hepatic tumor was confirmed based on the pathology of each patient. Three radiologists independently reviewed the images according to the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 criteria and reached a consensus. Interobserver agreement for EC before reaching a consensus was quantified using Fleiss κ statistics. The impact of EC on the LI-RADS classification was assessed by comparing the positive predictive values for HCC detection in the presence and absence of EC.
Results
In total, 237 patients (median age, 60 years; 184 men) with 237 observations were included. The interobserver agreement for EC detection was notably low for CT (κ=0.169) and HBA-MRI (κ=0.138). The presence of EC did not significantly alter the positive predictive value for HCC detection in LI-RADS category 5 observations on CT (94.1% [80/85] vs. 94.6% [88/93], P=0.886) or HBAMRI (95.7% [88/92] vs. 90.6% [77/85], P=0.178).
Conclusions
The diagnostic value of EC in HCC diagnosis remains questionable, given its poor interobserver agreement and negligible impact on positive predictive values for HCC detection. This study challenges the emphasis on EC in certain diagnostic guidelines and suggests the need to re-evaluate its role in HCC imaging.

Outcomes of liver resection and transarterial chemoembolization in patients with multinodular BCLC-A hepatocellular carcinoma: Jiwon Yang, Won-Mook Choi, Danbi Lee, Ju Hyun Shim, Kang Mo Kim, Young-Suk Lim, Han Chu Lee, Deok-Bog Moon, Dong-Hwan Jung, Jonggi Choi; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):178-191. Published online April 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.03.25

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107 Downloads
1 Citation

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Backgrounds/Aims
This study aimed to compare the outcomes of liver resection (LR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria who were not eligible for liver transplantation.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 483 patients with multinodular HCC within the Milan criteria, who underwent either LR or TACE as an initial therapy between 2013 and 2022. The overall survival (OS) in the entire population and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients who underwent LR and TACE and achieved a complete response were analyzed. Propensity score (PS) matching analysis was also used for a fair comparison of outcomes between the two groups.
Results
Among the 483 patients, 107 (22.2%) and 376 (77.8%) underwent LR and TACE, respectively. The median size of the largest tumor was 2.0 cm, and 72.3% of the patients had two HCC lesions. The median OS and RFS were significantly longer in the LR group than in the TACE group (P<0.01 for both). In the multivariate analysis, TACE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.81 and aHR, 2.41) and large tumor size (aHR, 1.43 and aHR, 1.44) were significantly associated with worse OS and RFS, respectively. The PS-matched analysis also demonstrated that the LR group had significantly longer OS and RFS than the TACE group (PS<0.05).
Conclusions
In this study, LR showed better OS and RFS than TACE in patients with multinodular Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A HCC. Therefore, LR can be considered an effective treatment option for these patients.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Exploring the role of liver resection as a first-line treatment option for multinodular BCLC-A hepatocellular carcinoma
Joo Hyun Oh, Dong Hyun Sinn
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 126. CrossRef

Review Articles

Changing etiology and epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma: Asia and worldwide: Do Young Kim; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):62-70. Published online March 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.03.13

8,625 Views
533 Downloads
31 Citations

Abstract PDF

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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Multidisciplinary approach for hepatocellular carcinoma patients: current evidence and future perspectives: Joo Hyun Oh, Dong Hyun Sinn; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):47-56. Published online March 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.02.27

3,086 Views
176 Downloads
4 Citations

Abstract PDF

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging due to the complex relationship between underlying liver disease, tumor burden, and liver function. HCC is also notorious for its high recurrence rate even after curative treatment for early-stage tumor. Liver transplantation can substantially alter patient prognosis, but donor availability varies by each patient which further complicates treatment decision. Recent advancements in HCC treatments have introduced numerous potentially efficacious treatment modalities. However, high level evidence comparing the risks and benefits of these options is limited. In this complex situation, multidisciplinary approach or multidisciplinary team care has been suggested as a valuable strategy to help cope with escalating complexity in HCC management. Multidisciplinary approach involves collaboration among medical and health care professionals from various academic disciplines to provide comprehensive care. Although evidence suggests that multidisciplinary care can enhance outcomes of HCC patients, robust data from randomized controlled trials are currently lacking. Moreover, the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach necessitates increased medical resources compared to conventional cancer care. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of multidisciplinary approach in HCC management and explores potential future directions.

Citations

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Exploring the role of liver resection as a first-line treatment option for multinodular BCLC-A hepatocellular carcinoma
Joo Hyun Oh, Dong Hyun Sinn
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 126. CrossRef
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Original Article

Comparison of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: 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; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):81-91. Published online January 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.12.25

3,604 Views
226 Downloads
3 Citations

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.

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Portal vein tumor thrombosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: Is it the end?
Walaa Abdelhamed, Hend Shousha, Mohamed El-Kassas
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Review Article

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: histological diversity and the role of the pathologist: Mina Komuta; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):17-22. Published online January 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.12.11

3,426 Views
236 Downloads
1 Citation

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.

Citations

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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
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Case Report

Metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis confirmed on blind liver biopsy: Hun Kim, Tae Hoon Roh, Jun Seop Lee, Min Seong Kim, Beom Kyung Kim; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(1):113-117. Published online November 29, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.11.05

2,737 Views
108 Downloads

Abstract PDF: Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is an uncommon condition in which tumor cells expand into the vessels, causing blood clot formation in the portal vein. PVTT is mainly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to an unfavorable prognosis; however, it can also develop in patients with other cancer types. Herein, we report a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma diagnosed by a blind liver biopsy in a patient with dynamic computed tomography-confirmed portal vein thrombosis and cholangiopathy. This case illustrates the importance of systematic surveillance with routine laboratory tests and contrast-enhanced imaging studies on patients with cancer to detect potential liver infiltration of metastatic cancer.

Review Article

Management of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: challenges and strategies for optimal outcomes: Jae Hyun Yoon, Sung Kyu Choi; J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):300-315. Published online September 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.08.27

4,913 Views
215 Downloads
12 Citations

Abstract PDF

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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Diosgenin potentiates the anticancer effect of doxorubicin and volasertib via regulating polo-like kinase 1 and triggering apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Eman H. Yousef, Mohamed E. El-Mesery, Maha R. Habeeb, Laila A. Eissa
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Comparison of Surgical Resection and Radiofrequency Ablation in Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Jun Il Kim, Jayoun Lee, Gi Hong Choi, Min Woo Lee, Dong Ah Park, Jeong-Ju Yoo
Digestive Diseases and Sciences.2024; 69(3): 1055. CrossRef
Radiofrequency for hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 3 cm: potential for applications in daily practice
Ji Hoon Kim, Pil Soo Sung
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(1): 1. CrossRef
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Aryoung Kim, Goeun Park, Myung Ji Goh, Byeong Geun Song, Wonseok Kang, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Moon Seok Choi, Joon Hyeok Lee, Dong Hyun Sinn
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
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BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
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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
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Jaejun Lee, Jong Young Choi, Soon Kyu Lee
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 253. CrossRef
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Case Reports

Adult hepatoblastoma: making the challenging distinction from hepatocellular carcinoma: Allison Kaye L. Pagarigan, Paulo Giovanni L. Mendoza; J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(1):219-224. Published online March 13, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.02.24

1,533 Views
65 Downloads
2 Citations

Abstract PDF

Hepatoblastoma is an exceptionally rare malignancy in adults with just over 70 non-pediatric cases reported in literature. Recounted is a case of a 49-year-old female who presented with acute right upper quadrant abdominal pain, elevated serum alpha fetoprotein and a large liver mass on imaging. Hepatectomy was performed under clinical suspicion of hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunomorphologic characteristics of the tumor proved consistent with hepatoblastoma of mixed epithelial and mesenchymal type. Hepatocellular carcinoma remains to be the primary differential diagnosis for adult hepatoblastoma, however, distinguishing between these two neoplasms requires close histomorphologic assessment and immunohistochemical profiling as clinical, radiologic and gross pathologic findings typically overlap. Making this distinction is highly crucial in the timely initiation of surgical and chemotherapeutic interventions for this inherently aggressive and rapidly fatal disease.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Blastomas of the digestive system in adults: A review
Yu Liu, Tony El Jabbour, Jonathan Somma, Yukihiro Nakanishi, Saverio Ligato, Hwajeong Lee, Zhi-Yan Fu
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.2024; 16(4): 1030. CrossRef
Adult Hepatoblastoma and Concomitant Hepatitis B Infection
Alejandro Nieto Dominguez, Sarah Elizabeth Eichinger, Elza Matrova, Anas Almoghrabi
ACG Case Reports Journal.2024; 11(9): e01491. CrossRef

Parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy for multiple bilobar colorectal liver metastases in a Jehovah’s witness: a case report: Shehan Ratnayake, Duminda Subasinghe, Vihara Dassanayake, Sivasuriya Sivaganesh; J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(1):202-205. Published online February 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.01.27

2,178 Views
82 Downloads
1 Citation

Abstract PDF

Parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSH), though technically challenging, is emerging as a choice of treatment for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). PSH in Jehovah’s witness (JW) patients, for whom transfusion is not an option, involves complex surgical and medicolegal issues. A 52-year-old JW male with synchronous, multiple, bilobar liver metastases from a rectal adenocarcinoma was referred following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. At surgery, 10 metastatic deposits were observed and confirmed by intraoperative ultrasonography. Parenchymal-sparing non-anatomical resections were performed using a cavitron ultrasonic aspirator with the application of intermittent Pringle maneuvres. Histology confirmed multiple CRLMs with tumor-free resection margins. PSH is increasingly employed for CRLMs to preserve residual liver volume and minimize morbidity without compromising oncological outcomes. It is technically challenging, especially in the presence of bilobar, multi-segmental disease. This case illustrates the feasibility of performing complex hepatic surgery in special patient groups by meticulous planning and preparation involving multiple specialties and the patient.

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Citations to this article as recorded by

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Challenges in liver disease management and in liver transplantation
Jordan S. Sack, Sander S. Florman, Thomas D. Schiano
Liver Transplantation.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Review Article

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma: Darine Daher, Karim Seif El Dahan, Amit G. Singal; J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(1):127-142. Published online February 9, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.12.30

7,510 Views
280 Downloads
18 Citations

Abstract PDF

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.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

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Byeong Geun Song, Aryoung Kim, Myung Ji Goh, Wonseok Kang, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Moon Seok Choi, Joon Hyeok Lee, Dong Hyun Sinn
Liver Cancer.2024; 13(5): 561. CrossRef
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Young-Gi Song, Kyeong-Min Yeom, Eun Ae Jung, Sang Gyune Kim, Young Seok Kim, Jeong-Ju Yoo
Liver Cancer.2024; : 1. CrossRef
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Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Trends in alcohol use and alcoholic liver disease in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study
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BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Surgical Implications for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Centura R. Anbarasu, Sophia Williams-Perez, Ernest R. Camp, Derek J. Erstad
Cancers.2024; 16(16): 2773. CrossRef
NAFLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) – A compelling case for repositioning of existing mTORc1 inhibitors
Nutan Sharma, Lakhwinder Singh, Aditya Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Dinesh Mahajan
Pharmacological Research.2024; 208: 107375. CrossRef
Biomarker Discovery in Liver Disease Using Untargeted Metabolomics in Plasma and Saliva
Noah J. Daniels, Courtney E. Hershberger, Matthew Kerosky, Chase J. Wehrle, Roma Raj, Nihal Aykun, Daniela S. Allende, Federico N. Aucejo, Daniel M. Rotroff
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(18): 10144. CrossRef
The histopathological and molecular heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma: a narrative review
Wonju Chung, Haeryoung Kim
The Ewha Medical Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Evolving epidemiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in South Korea: incidence, prevalence, progression, and healthcare implications from 2010 to 2022
Jae Woo Park, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Dong Hyeon Lee, Young Chang, Hoongil Jo, Young Youn Cho, Sangheun Lee, Log Young Kim, Jae Young Jang
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2024; 39(6): 931. CrossRef
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Smoking Increases the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
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Journal of Clinical Medicine.2023; 12(9): 3336. CrossRef
Reply: Validation of MELD 3.0 scoring system in East Asian patients with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation
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Liver Transplantation.2023; 29(11): E38. CrossRef
Unraveling the Janus-Faced Role of Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Therapeutic Interventions
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Comparative Analysis of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab and Hepatic Artery Infusion Chemotherapy in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter, Propensity Score Study
Ji Kim, Hee-Chul Nam, Chang-Wook Kim, Hee Cho, Jae-Sung Yoo, Ji Han, Jeong Jang, Jong Choi, Seung Yoon, Hyun Yang, Si Bae, Suho Kim, Jung Oh, Ho Chun, Chang Jeon, Jaegyoon Ahn, Pil Sung
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Jeong-Ju Yoo, Jayoun Lee, Gi Hong Choi, Min Woo Lee, Dong Ah Park
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

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