Journal of Liver Cancer

Review Articles

Multidisciplinary approaches to downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma: present and future: Sang-Youn Hwang, Hyunwook Choi, Wan Jeon, Ryoung-Go Kim; J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):171-177. Published online September 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.08.30

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Abstract PDF: Downstaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically defined as the reduction in size or number of viable tumors through locoregional therapy (LRT), aiming to meet the established criteria for liver transplantation (LT). According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, a subgroup of patients with BCLC-B may benefit most from downstaging therapies. The United Network Organ Sharing downstaging protocol identifies potential candidates for downstaging by setting out ‘inclusion criteria’ and defining ‘successful downstaging.’ Additionally, the protocol considers factors related to tumor biology, such as an alphafetoprotein level <500 ng/mL after LRT. Reports indicate that successful downstaging rates following LRT are about 50%, with post- LT recurrence rates comparable to those of patients within the Milan criteria. A comprehensive multicenter US study on 10-year outcomes post-LT after downstaging showed 10-year post-LT survival and recurrence rates of 52.1% and 20.6%, respectively, for patients whose disease was downstaged; this compares to 61.5% and 13.3% for those consistently within the Milan criteria. Recently, the development of effective systemic treatments for HCC, such as immuno-oncologic agents, has provided additional opportunities for downstaging. Numerous clinical trials are exploring a multidisciplinary approach (MDA) combining LRT and systemic therapy. Although concrete evidence of the superiority of MDA for HCC downstaging is lacking, some retrospective studies and phase I and II trials have shown promising results regarding the efficacy and safety of MDA for this purpose. In this review, we will also discuss the future of MDA protocols in downstaging for improved clinical outcomes.

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

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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

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
Comparative Effectiveness of Endoscopic Versus Pharmacological Interventions for Variceal Rebleeding in Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review
Muath M Dabas, Muhammad Maqbool, Adees W Bedros, Hiba Mazhar, Papuna Papuashvili, Muhammad Umar, Aqsa B Bajwa, Dhruvi H Patel, Nada B Abushalha, Abid Khattak, Junaid Ahmed, Asma Mehdi
Cureus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
APASL clinical practice guidelines on systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma-2024
George Lau, Shuntaro Obi, Jian Zhou, Ryosuke Tateishi, Shukui Qin, Haitao Zhao, Motoyuki Otsuka, Sadahisa Ogasawara, Jacob George, Pierce K. H. Chow, Jianqiang Cai, Shuichiro Shiina, Naoya Kato, Osamu Yokosuka, Kyoko Oura, Thomas Yau, Stephen L. Chan, Min
Hepatology International.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Case Reports

Multidisciplinary approach for hepatocellular carcinoma arising from cirrhotic liver with Budd-Chiari syndrome: a case report: Sangmi Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Ji Won Han, Jeong Won Jang, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon, Pil Soo Sung; J Liver Cancer. 2022;22(2):202-206. Published online September 20, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.09.17

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Abstract PDF: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is defined by the obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow between the small hepatic veins and the junction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with the right atrium. BCS with IVC obstruction occasionally progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report the case of a patient with HCC arising from a cirrhotic liver with BCS, in whom the hepatic portion of the IVC was obstructed, and who had a favorable outcome with a multidisciplinary approach and IVC balloon angioplasty.

Multidisciplinary treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma: Ahlim Lee, Jaejun Lee, Hyun Yang, Soo-Yoon Sung, Chang Ho Jeon, Su Ho Kim, Moon Hyung Choi, Young Joon Lee, Ho Jong Chun, Si Hyun Bae; J Liver Cancer. 2022;22(1):75-83. Published online March 18, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.03.04

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4 Citations

Abstract PDF

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cytotoxic chemotherapy-resistant tumor and most HCCs arise in a background of liver cirrhosis of various causes. Although the IMBrave150 trial showed remarkable advancements in the treatment of unresectable HCC with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (AteBeva), therapeutic outcomes were unsatisfactory in more than half of the patients. Accordingly, many ongoing trials combine conventional modalities with new drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors for better treatment outcomes, and they are expected to benefit patients with limited responses to conventional treatment. Here, two patients with advanced stage HCC with preserved liver function and good performance status showed partial response after treatment with combination or sequential therapy of AteBeva, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and transarterial chemoembolization. These findings indicate the efficacy of multidisciplinary treatment against advanced HCC. Additional studies are required to establish optimal treatment strategies.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Complications of immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Young-Gi Song, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sang Gyune Kim, Young Seok Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(1): 9. CrossRef
Higher objective responses by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy following atezolizumab and bevacizumab failure than when used as initial therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study
Jae-Sung Yoo, Ji Hoon Kim, Hee Sun Cho, Ji Won Han, Jeong Won Jang, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon, Suho Kim, Jung Suk Oh, Ho Jong Chun, Pil Soo Sung
Abdominal Radiology.2024; 49(9): 3127. CrossRef
Feasibility of additional radiotherapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab
Tae Hyun Kim, Bo Hyun Kim, Yu Ri Cho, Young-Hwan Koh, Joong-Won Park
Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(2): 330. CrossRef
Is multidisciplinary treatment effective for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus?
Won Hyeok Choe
Journal of Liver Cancer.2022; 22(1): 1. CrossRef

A Case of Complete Response by Multidisciplinary Management in a Patient with Solitary Bone Metastasis after Curative Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Seawon Hwang, Hyun Yang, Hae Lim Lee, Jeong Won Jang, Si Hyun Bae, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon; J Liver Cancer. 2016;16(1):52-56. Published online March 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.16.1.52

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Abstract PDF: Despite recent advances in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the prognosis of patients with extrahepatic metastasis from HCC still remains dismal. The current study presents a case of HCC that was metastatic to the pelvis and describes successful treatment with multidisciplinary approach to the skeletal metastasis. The patient was a 67-year-old male who presented with right pelvic pain 28 months following right hepatectomy for HCC. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a solitary bone metastasis without intrahepatic recurrence. Complete response was achieved with multidisciplinary management including sorafenib, transarterial embolization, surgery to remove the metastatic mass and radiotherapy after surgery. A post-operative follow-up 15 months later found that the patient remained in good health with maintained complete response. This case suggests that a multidisciplinary approach can achieve long-term cancer-free survival and prolonged life expectancy beyond palliative care for patients with solitary bone metastasis after curative surgery for HCC.

Review Article

Directions for Future Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Guidelines; Hepatologist’s Perspective: Systemic Approach to Multidisciplinary Treatment: Soo Young Park, Won Young Tak; Journal of the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group. 2013;13(1):8-13. Published online February 28, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.13.1.8

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Abstract PDF: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most important malignancies in Korea with high mortality rates. Although current guidelines define treatment algorithm by performance status, underlying liver function, size and number of hepatocellular carcinoma, those are not fully reflect the complexities of patients’ characteristics and recently advanced available therapeutic options. Treatment can be optimized by available therapeutic options based on the patients’ characteristics. Because of the heterogeneity in presentation among patients, it is now widely accepted that management of hepatocellular carcinoma requires multimodality and multidisciplinary treatment approaches involving hepatologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and radiation oncologists. These approaches are important in improving the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Case Report

A Case of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Curative Surgical Resection after Downstaging by Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy: Jong Ryul Eun, Heon Ju Lee, Jae Woon Kim, Jay Chun Chang, Sung Su Yun, Joon Hyuk Choi; Journal of the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group. 2011;11(1):60-64. Published online February 28, 2011

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Abstract PDF: Cure by single modality for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult. Therefore, multidisciplinary approaches are needed to get a better outcome for advanced HCC. In this paper, we report a case of advanced HCC treated with curative surgical resection after downstaging by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). A 50-year-old male patient had a maximum 16.0 cm sized HCC in the right lobe. He achieved a partial response after 2 cycles of HAIC with 5-FU (750 mg/m2) and cisplatin (25 mg/m2). After completion of 6 cycles, he received a curative right hepatectomy and the histopathology revealed 95% of tumor necrosis. He is under follow-up without recurrence at 14 months of surgery. This case suggests that surgery after downstaging by HAIC may provide good clinical outcome in advanced HCC.

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