Journal of Liver Cancer

Review Articles

Contemporary overview of liver transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: Hae Won Lee; Received January 11, 2026 Accepted March 3, 2026 Published online March 5, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2026.03.03 [Accepted]

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Abstract PDF: Historically, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) were regarded as absolute contraindications for liver transplantation (LT) due to dismal outcomes characterized by high recurrence rates and poor long-term survival in early experiences. Consequently, these malignancies have been systematically excluded from standard transplant criteria for decades. However, the landscape of transplant oncology is undergoing a significant paradigm shift, driven by a deeper understanding of tumor biology and refined patient selection strategies. Recent multicenter retrospective studies have identified a distinct subgroup of patients-specifically those with "very early" iCCA in the setting of cirrhosis-who achieve excellent post-transplant outcomes comparable to those of hepatocellular carcinoma. This evidence has prompted major international societies to update their guidelines, cautiously opening the door for LT in this selected population. Conversely, cHCC-CCA remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This narrative review critically analyzes the pivotal data driving the current paradigm shift and synthesizes the latest clinical practice guidelines to provide a contemporary roadmap for the management of iCCA and cHCC-CCA in the transplant setting.

Surgical Management of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Combined Hepatocellular–Cholangiocarcinoma: A Narrative Review of Principles, Technical Nuances, and Emerging Strategies: Woohyung Lee, Kwang Pyo Hong, Jae Hoon Lee, Mirang Lee, Minkyu Sung, Seung Jae Lee, Ki Byung Song, Dae Wook Hwang, Song Cheol Kim; Received December 12, 2025 Accepted January 24, 2026 Published online February 5, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2026.01.24 [Accepted]

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Abstract PDF: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, combined HCC–CCA is a rare malignancy exhibiting hepatocytic and cholangiocytic differentiation. For both tumors, R0 resection with regional lymph node dissection remains the only potentially curative treatment. Nevertheless, key aspects of surgical management remain controversial. In this narrative review, we synthesize contemporary evidence on the surgical management of intrahepatic CCA and combined HCC–CCA. We summarize current data on lymphadenectomy, safety, and oncologic comparability of minimally invasive versus open surgery, and integration of liver hypertrophy techniques for major hepatectomy. We also review the emerging clinical experience with immune checkpoint inhibitor–based chemoimmunotherapy as a neoadjuvant treatment and conversion surgery for advanced disease. We highlight persisting knowledge gaps and propose practical perspectives to support individualized surgical planning for this heterogeneous disease.

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

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21 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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Sang Jin Kim, Woo Kyoung Jeong, Hyung-Joon Han, Gyu-Seong Choi, Kyun-Hwan Kim, Jongman Kim
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Radiofrequency for hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 3 cm: potential for applications in daily practice
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Hepatocellular carcinoma outcomes and potential implications for surveillance in elderly patients
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
Trends in alcohol use and alcoholic liver disease in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study
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Stage dependent microbial dynamics in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent normal liver tissues
Hee Eun Jo, Sophallika Khom, Sumi Lee, Su Hyeon Cho, Shin Young Park, Ga Ram You, Hyosin Kim, Nah Ihm Kim, Jae-Ho Jeong, Jae Hyun Yoon, Misun Yun
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Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Moonhyung Lee, Hyun Phil Shin
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Imaging prognostication and tumor biology in hepatocellular carcinoma: Diana Kadi, Marilyn F. Yamamoto, Emily C. Lerner, Hanyu Jiang, Kathryn J. Fowler, Mustafa R. Bashir; J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(2):284-299. Published online September 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.08.29

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8 Citations

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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Membranous Overexpression of Fibronectin Predicts Microvascular Invasion and Poor Survival Outcomes in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
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Original Article

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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83 Downloads
3 Citations

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

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.

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Risk-based selection of treatment strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion
Nalee Kim, Hyunki Park, Jeong Il Yu, Hee Chul Park, Byeong Geun Song, Myung Ji Goh, Wonseok Kang, Geum-Youn Gwak, Yong-Han Paik, Joon Hyeok Lee, Dong Hyun Sinn, Moon Seok Choi, Jung Yong Hong, Minsuk Kwon, Sung Wook Shin, Sung Ki Cho, Dongho Hyun
Radiotherapy and Oncology.2026; 214: 111260. CrossRef
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,
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Prognostic Index for Liver Radiation (PILiR)
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Review Article

Radiologic features of hepatocellular carcinoma related to prognosis: Shin Hye Hwang, Hyungjin Rhee; J Liver Cancer. 2023;23(1):143-156. Published online March 9, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2023.02.16

10,689 Views
267 Downloads
17 Citations

Abstract PDF

The cross-sectional imaging findings play a crucial role in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies have shown that imaging findings of HCC are not only relevant for the diagnosis of HCC, but also for identifying genetic and pathologic characteristics and determining prognosis. Imaging findings such as rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, arterial phase peritumoral hyperenhancement, hepatobiliary phase peritumoral hypointensity, non-smooth tumor margin, low apparent diffusion coefficient, and the LR-M category of the Liver Imaging-Reporting and Data System have been reported to be associated with poor prognosis. In contrast, imaging findings such as enhancing capsule appearance, hepatobiliary phase hyperintensity, and fat in mass have been reported to be associated with a favorable prognosis. Most of these imaging findings were examined in retrospective, single-center studies that were not adequately validated. However, the imaging findings can be applied for deciding the treatment strategy for HCC, if their significance can be confirmed by a large multicenter study. In this literature, we would like to review imaging findings related to the prognosis of HCC as well as their associated clinicopathological characteristics.

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Original Article

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of Korean patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with respect to etiology: Wonjoon Jang, Hye Won Lee, Jae Seung Lee, Beom Kyung Kim, Seung Up Kim, Jun Yong Park, Sang Hoon Ahn, Do Young Kim; J Liver Cancer. 2022;22(2):158-166. Published online September 27, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.09.18

6,944 Views
109 Downloads
13 Citations

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background/Aim
The profile of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has changed globally; the role of etiology in predicting prognosis of HCC patients remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the characteristics and prognosis of Korean patients with HCC according to disease etiology.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with HCC between 2010 and 2014 in a single center in Korea. Patients with HCC aged <19 years old, had coinfection with other viral hepatitis, had missing follow-up data, were Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage D, or died before 1 month were excluded.
Results
A total of 1,595 patients with HCC were analyzed; they were classified into the hepatitis B virus (HBV) group (1,183 [74.2%]), hepatitis C virus (HCV) group (146 [9.2%]), and non-B non-C (NBNC) group (266 [16.7%]). The median overall survival of all patients was 74 months. The survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 78.8%, 62.0% and 54.9% in the HBV group; 86.0%, 64.0%, and 48.6% in the HCV group; and 78.4%, 56.5%, and 45.9% in the NBNC group, respectively. NBNC-HCC has a poorer prognosis than other causes of HCC. Survival was significantly longer in the HBV group with early-stage HCC than in the NBNC group. Furthermore, survival was shorter in patients with early-stage HCC and diabetes mellitus (DM) than in those without DM.
Conclusions
The etiology of HCC affected clinical characteristics and prognosis to some extent. NBNC-HCC patients showed shorter overall survival than viral-related HCC patients. Additionally, the presence of DM is an additional important prognostic factor in patients with early-stage HCC.

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Review Article

A clinical and pathological update on hepatocellular carcinoma: Salvatore Lorenzo Renne, Luca Di Tommaso; J Liver Cancer. 2022;22(1):14-22. Published online March 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.03.18

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752 Downloads
21 Citations

Abstract PDF

It is estimated that more than 1 million individuals will be affected annually by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by 2025. HCC can be broadly grouped into two major molecular subgroups, each of which is characterized by specific morphological and phenotypic features that mirror the genetic background. The use of these tissue biomarkers in the daily practice of pathologists promises to better allocate patients with HCC with adequate treatments. In turn, this will likely boost the attitude of clinicians toward obtaining a pre-treatment biopsy.

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Measurement of Heavy Metal and Antioxidant-Oxidant Levels in Tissues Obtained From Three Different Localizations of Explant Hepatectomy of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Cemalettin Koc, Sami Akbulut, Kemal Baris Sarici, Muhammed Mehdi Uremis, Ufuk Gunay Dogan, Zeynep Kucukakcali, Ibrahim Umar Garzali, Ertugrul Karabulut, Yusuf Turkoz, Sezai Yilmaz
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Adding MRI as a Surveillance Test for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Can Improve Prognosis
Su Jong Yu, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Dong Ho Lee, Su Jin Kim, Eun Ju Cho, Se Hyung Kim, Jeong-Hoon Lee, Yoon Jun Kim, Jeong Min Lee, Jae Young Lee, Jung-Hwan Yoon
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Development of a sorafenib-loaded solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system: Formulation optimization and characterization of enhanced properties
Chaemin Lim, Dayoon Lee, Mikyung Kim, Subin Lee, Yuseon Shin, Jacob D. Ramsey, Han-Gon Choi, Eun Seong Lee, Yu Seok Youn, Kyung Taek Oh
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Liver Transplantation.2023; 29(10): 1029. CrossRef
Higher Number of Tumor-Infiltrating PD-L1+ Cells Is Related to Better Response to Multikinase Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
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Original Articles

The effects of immune checkpoint modulators on the clinical course of patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Jihyun An, Hyo Jeong Kang, Eunsil Yu, Han Chu Lee, Ju Hyun Shim; J Liver Cancer. 2022;22(1):40-50. Published online March 17, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2022.03.06

6,496 Views
135 Downloads
2 Citations

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background/Aim
Immune checkpoint proteins regulating T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity have been reported to affect clinical outcomes in multiple malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of histological expression of immune checkpoint proteins in patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
A total of 221 patients with HCC who underwent curative resection were included. Expression of programmed-cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in tumor cells (tPD-L1) and tumor infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMCs) (iPD-L1), programmed-cell death-1 in TIMCs (iPD-1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 in TIMCs (iCTLA-4) were measured immunohistochemically.
Results
Histo-positivity for iCTLA-4, iPD-1, iPD-L1, and tPD-L1 was 32.1%, 42.5%, 35.3%, and 14.9%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analyses revealed that male sex and tumor >5 cm were variables related to iCTLA-4 positivity (odds ratio [OR], 0.46 and 1.94, respectively; P<0.05). Poor differentiation was related to PD-L1 expression in both tumor cells and TIMCs (OR, 2.88 and 3.46, respectively; P<0.05). Microvascular invasion was significantly associated only with iPD-L1 (OR, 2.24; P<0.05). In time-dependent outcome analyses, expression of immune checkpoint proteins in TIMCs (i.e., iCTLA-4, iPD-1, and iPD-L1) was significantly related to longer overall survival and non-cancer-related survival (all P<0.05), but not to time-to-recurrence or cancer-specific deaths. Concurrent activation of the PD-1:PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways predicted improved outcomes in terms of overall survival and non-cancer related survival (P=0.06 and P=0.03, respectively).
Conclusions
Immune checkpoint proteins upregulated in TIMCs in HCC tissues have individual and additive effects in prolonging the survival of patients, specifically in terms of survival not related to cancer recurrence.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The role of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in cancer pathogenesis and treatment: a systematic review
Amirhosein Sabaghian, Shahnam Shamsabadi, Saghar Momeni, Mobina Mohammadikia, Kiarash Mohebbipour, Samira Sanami, Sajjad Ahmad, Nahid Akhtar, Neeta Raj Sharma, Raja Babu Singh Kushwah, Yash Gupta, Ajit Prakash, Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi
Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment.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

Serum PD-1 Levels Change with Immunotherapy Response but Do Not Predict Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Hye Won Lee, Kyung Joo Cho, Soon Young Shin, Ha Yan Kim, Eun Ju Lee, Beom Kyung Kim, Seung Up Kim, Jun Yong Park, Do Young Kim, Sang Hoon Ahn, Kwang-Hyub Han; J Liver Cancer. 2019;19(2):108-116. Published online September 30, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.19.2.108

8,417 Views
165 Downloads
6 Citations

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background/Aims
Programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) is a promising new target for treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A high expression level of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a possible prognostic indicator for poor outcome in other malignancies. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of PD-1 and PD-L1 in patients with HCC.
Methods
We enrolled patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection at Severance Hospital between 2012 and 2017 and investigated the levels of PD-L1 in HCC tissues (tPD-L1) and PD-L1/PD-1 in serum (sPD-L1/sPD-1). We also aimed to determine whether expression levels correlated with clinical and histological features.
Results
A total of 72 patient samples were analyzed. The median sPD-L1 and sPD-1 levels were 25.72 and 341.44 pg/mL, respectively. A positive correlation was detected between tPD-L1 and sPD-1 levels (R²=0.426, P<0.001). The median sPD-1 level increased linearly with tPD-L1 score (P=0.002). During the follow-up period, HCC recurred in eight (11.1%) patients and liverrelated mortality occurred in eight (11.1%) patients. Higher sPD-L1 levels (≥19.18 pg/mL) tended to be associated with liver-related mortality (hazard ratio 6.866; 95% confidence interval, 0.804-58.659, P=0.078). sPD-1 levels of patients treated with nivolumab as a second-line therapy changed serially, and a >50% reduction in sPD-1 levels was observed immediately after nivolumab administration. However, sPD-1 level was not associated directly with prognosis in patients with advanced HCC.
Conclusions
The results demonstrated that PD-L1 and PD-1 levels changed according to the immunotherapy. However, no significant association with clinical outcome in patients with HCC was detected.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Liquid biopsy for cancer immunotherapy: Biomarkers to predict and monitor response upon immune checkpoint blockade
Chae Yeon Son, Deborah Lee, Hyun Sung Park, Jung Hyun Choi, Dong Hyung Kim, Il Doh, Lifeng Kang, Jiyoon Bu, Sun Min Kim, Tae-Joon Jeon
Coordination Chemistry Reviews.2025; 539: 216767. CrossRef
Blood-based biomarkers for immune-based therapy in advanced HCC: Promising but a long way to go
Pil Soo Sung, Isaac Kise Lee, Pu Reun Roh, Min Woo Kang, Jaegyoon Ahn, Seung Kew Yoon
Frontiers in Oncology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Serum levels of soluble programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1): A possible biomarker in predicting post-treatment outcomes in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma
Tudor Mocan, Maria Ilies, Iuliana Nenu, Rares Craciun, Adelina Horhat, Ruxandra Susa, Iulia Minciuna, Ioana Rusu, Lavinia-Patricia Mocan, Andrada Seicean, Cristina Adela Iuga, Nadim Al Hajjar, Mihaela Sparchez, Daniel-Corneliu Leucuta, Zeno Sparchez
International Immunopharmacology.2021; 94: 107467. CrossRef
Interfacial interactions of SERS-active noble metal nanostructures with functional ligands for diagnostic analysis of protein cancer markers
Han-Jung Ryu, Won Kyu Lee, Yoon Hyuck Kim, Jae-Seung Lee
Microchimica Acta.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Current Status and Future Direction of Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: What Do the Data Suggest?
Hye Won Lee, Kyung Joo Cho, Jun Yong Park
Immune Network.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Nivolumab for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Multiple Lung Metastases after Sorafenib Failure
Jaewoong Kim, Jin Won Chang, Jun Yong Park
Journal of Liver Cancer.2020; 20(1): 72. CrossRef

Review Article

Tumor Response Evaluation after Treatment and Post-treatment Surveillance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Yoon, Jun Sik , Park, Soo Young; J Liver Cancer. 2018;18(1):9-16. Published online March 31, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.18.1.9

9,696 Views
213 Downloads

Abstract PDF: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent malignancies and frequent causes of death worldwide. Treatment options of hepatocellular carcinoma consist of locoregional therapy, surgical resection, liver transplantation, and systemic therapy. Assessment of tumor response is required in patients receiving locoregional and systemic therapy. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 is widely used tumor response evaluation criteria. However, the RECIST does not reflect the extent of tumor necrosis after some locoregional therapies and molecular targeted agents. The Modified RECIST (mRECIST), which has the concept of viable tumor, was introduced in order to overcome this problem. The mRECIST were developed on the basis of RECIST version 1.1 and only tumoral tissue showing contrast uptake in arterial phase of dynamic radiologic imaging techniques was measured to assess tumor response. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. To identify tumor response after immunotherapy, immune RECIST (iRECIST) has been proposed as consensusbased criteria. After achieving complete response after curative treatment, optimal surveillance was needed to detect recurrence. Individualized surveillance schedule should be considered, taking into consideration the risk factors of the patient and the risk associated with the treatment modalities.

Original Article

Factors Affecting Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis: Implications for Future Therapeutic Strategies: Sang Jun Suh, Hyung Joon Yim, Dong Won Lee, Jong Jin Hyun, Young Kul Jung, Ji Hoon Kim, Yeon Seok Seo, Jong Eun Yeon, Kwan Soo Byun, Soon Ho Um; J Liver Cancer. 2017;17(1):60-71. Published online March 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.17.1.60

3,454 Views
32 Downloads
1 Citation

Abstract PDF

Background/Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) exhibits poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated with survival of HCC patients with PVTT to suggest better therapeutic options.
Methods
Patients with HCC which were newly diagnosed at three tertiary hospitals between January 2004 and December 2012, were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, Barcelona Clinic of Liver Cancer stage C patients with PVTT were identified. Factors affecting overall survival (OS) were analyzed and efficacies of the treatment modalities were compared.
Results
Four hundred sixty five patients with HCC and PVTT were included. Liver function, tumor burden, presence of extrahepatic tumor, alfa fetoprotein, and treatment modalities were significant factors associated with OS. Treatment outcomes were different according to the initial modalities. OS of the patients who received hepatic resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), sorafenib, systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy (without combination), and supportive care were 27.8, 7.1, 6.7, 5.3, 2.5, 3.0, 1.8, and 0.9 months, respectively (P<0.001). Curative-intent treatments such as hepatic resection or RFA were superior to noncurativeintent treatments (P<0.001). TACE or HAIC was superior to sorafenib or systemic chemotherapy (P<0.001). Combining radiotherapy to TACE or HAIC did not provide additional benefit on OS (P=0.096).
Conclusions
Treatment modalities as well as baseline factors significantly influenced on OS of HCC patients with PVTT. Whenever possible, curative intent treatments should be preferentially considered. If unable, locoregional therapy would be a better choice than systemic therapy in HCC patients with PVTT.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Value of surgical resection compared to transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A meta-analysis of hazard ratios from five observational studies
Keera Kang, Sung Kyu Song, Chul-Woon Chung, Yongkeun Park
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.2020; 24(3): 243. CrossRef

Case Reports

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

1,750 Views
15 Downloads

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.

A Case of Rapid Progressive Extrahepatic Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Surgical Resection for Huge Single Mass: Eun Sun Jang, Haeryoung Kim, Young Rok Choi, Jai Young Cho, Yoo-Seok Yoon, Ho-Seong Han, Ji Hyun Kim, Jin-Wook Kim, Sook-Hyang Jeong; J Liver Cancer. 2016;16(1):42-46. Published online March 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.16.1.42

1,736 Views
15 Downloads
1 Citation

Abstract PDF

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows a poor prognosis with high recurrence rate even after surgical resection. To improve prognosis of HCC patient, regular surveillance for high-risk group is recommended, but cost-benefit of the surveillance under 40 years old Asian male with hepatitis B infection is unclear. We share a 39-year-old male case which showed early recurrence and rapid extrahepatic metastasis after surgical resection for single huge HCC. Based on the pathologic finding, this case was diagnosed with ‘stemness’-related markerexpressing HCC. Further molecular classification for HCC could be beneficial to estimate individual risk for HCC recurrence and to predict prognosis.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Rapid Bone Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report
Laraib ., Uzma Khalid, Ayesha Khalid
Cureus.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Article

Subclassification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Intermediate Stage: Hye Won Lee, Seung Up Kim, Jun Yong Park, Do Young Kim, Snag Hoon Ahn, Kwang-Hyub Han, Beom Kyung Kim; J Liver Cancer. 2016;16(1):17-22. Published online March 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.16.1.17

2,270 Views
17 Downloads

Abstract PDF: Background/Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) intermediate stage includes a highly heterogeneous population. Here, we aimed to subclassify hepatocellular carcinoma with BCLC intermediate stage for better prognostification.
Methods
Between 2003 and 2008, 325 patients who were newly diagnosed as HCC with BCLC intermediate stage were considered eligible. Tumor factor and liver function were used for sub-classification. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method with a comparison by log-rank test.
Results
A total of 325 patients with intermediate stage HCC were analyzed. Patients with tumor size ≥7 cm, tumor number ≥4 and Child-Pugh class B had the worse OS compared to those with tumor size <7 cm, tumor number <4 and Child-pugh class A, respectively (all P<0.05). These three variables affected the OS independently from multivariate Cox regression analysis (all P<0.05). So, using these three variables, patients were finally sub-classified as those with fulfilling none of three factors (B-a), one of three factors (B-b), two of three factors (B-c) and all of three factors (B-d) with the median OS of 39.2, 20.6, 12.0 and 8.3 months with statistical significances (all P<0.05 between B-a and B-b, between B-b and B-c, and between B-c and B-d), respectively.
Conclusions
Sub-classification of HCC with BCLC intermediate stage may be useful in not only prognostification but also guidance of treatment strategies. (J Liver Cancer 2016;16:17-22)

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