Article
Surgery
Yutaka Endo, Kazunari Sasaki, Zorays Moazzam, Selamawit Woldesenbet, Jason Yang, Henrique Araujo Lima, Laura Alaimo, Muhammad Musaab Munir, Chanza F. Shaikh, Austin Schenk, Minoru Kitago, Timothy M. Pawlik
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of liver transplantation (LT) programs on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent liver resection (LR) and noncurative intent treatment. The presence of an LT program was associated with better survival among LR and noncurative intent treatment patients, indicating that LT programs have a positive impact on the prognosis of HCC patients.
Article
Oncology
Allison Kwong, Bilal Hameed, Shareef Syed, Ryan Ho, Hossein Mard, Sahar Arshad, Isaac Ho, Tashfeen Suleman, Francis Yao, Neil Mehta
Summary: A prediction model for waitlist dropout among liver transplant candidates with HCC was developed using 5 variables, achieving a concordance statistic of 0.74. This model can effectively prioritize patients with HCC and their need for transplant.
Review
Oncology
Zongyi Yin, Dongying Chen, Shuang Liang, Xiaowu Li
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by low resection and high postoperative recurrence rates. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is widely employed in the routine management of several solid tumors, but its effects on HCC remain inconclusive. With the development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, NAT for HCC may become imminent, and future research should focus on identifying biomarkers for treatment response, exploring mechanisms of resistance, and standardizing the endpoints of NAT.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tiffany Cho-Lam Wong, Victor Ho-Fun Lee, Ada Lai-Yau Law, Herbert H. Pang, Ka-On Lam, Vince Lau, Tracy Yushi Cui, Adrianna Sze-Yin Fong, Sarah Wai-Man Lee, Edwin Chun-Yin Wong, Jeff Wing-Chiu Dai, Albert Chi-Yan Chan, Tan-To Cheung, James Yan-Yue Fung, Rebecca Mei-Wan Yeung, Mai-Yee Luk, To-Wai Leung, Chung-Mau Lo
Summary: The study showed that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as a bridge to liver transplantation for HCC has a significantly higher tumor control rate and lower risk of waitlist dropout compared to conventional bridging therapies, making it a safe alternative option.
Article
Oncology
Kelley G. Nunez, Tyler Sandow, Daniel Fort, Mina Hibino, Paige Wright, Ari J. Cohen, Paul T. Thevenot
Summary: This study investigated the association between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and PD-1 expression with response to liver-directed therapy (LDT) and bridge-to-transplant survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The results showed that low lymphocyte count or elevated PD-1 expression were associated with incomplete response to LDT and increased risk of bridge-to-transplant tumor progression. Patients with impaired T cell homeostasis may benefit from PD-1 immunotherapy to improve response to LDT and improve bridge-to-transplant outcomes.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeong Yeop Lee, Byung Chan Lee, Hyoung Ook Kim, Suk Hee Heo, Sang Soo Shin, Yong Yeon Jeong
Summary: This study identified heterogeneous signal intensity and elevated AFP level as important predictors for treatment response and disease-free survival after DEB-TACE in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hai-Tao Zhao, Jian-Qiang Cai
Summary: Low resection and high recurrence rates in HCC present challenges, with neoadjuvant and conversion therapies offering safe, feasible, and effective strategies. A consensus among Chinese experts aims to standardize the application of these therapies for managing HCC.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Osman Oecal, Kerstin Schuette, Christoph J. Zech, Christian Loewe, Otto van Delden, Vincent Vandecaveye, Chris Verslype, Bernhard Gebauer, Christian Sengel, Irene Bargellini, Roberto Iezzi, Alexander Philipp, Thomas Berg, Heinz J. Kluempen, Julia Benckert, Maciej Pech, Antonio Gasbarrini, Holger Amthauer, Peter Bartenstein, Bruno Sangro, Peter Malfertheiner, Jens Ricke, Max Seidensticker
Summary: In patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma receiving sorafenib treatment, the combination with radioembolization can enhance tumor response without prolonging survival. Better patient selection and selective treatment could potentially improve outcomes after combination therapy.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Kei Amioka, Tomokazu Kawaoka, Takahiro Kinami, Shintaro Yamasaki, Masanari Kosaka, Yusuke Johira, Shigeki Yano, Kensuke Naruto, Yuwa Ando, Yasutoshi Fujii, Shinsuke Uchikawa, Atsushi Ono, Masami Yamauchi, Michio Imamura, Yumi Kosaka, Kazuki Ohya, Nami Mori, Shintaro Takaki, Keiji Tsuji, Keiichi Masaki, Yoji Honda, Hirotaka Kouno, Hioshi Kohno, Kei Morio, Takashi Moriya, Noriaki Naeshiro, Michihiro Nonaka, Yasuyuki Aisaka, Takahiro Azakami, Akira Hiramatsu, Hiroshi Aikata, Shiro Oka
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of lenvatinib and its combination with TACE in patients with intermediate-stage unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC). The results demonstrated the efficacy of lenvatinib and confirmed that further improvements in prognosis could be obtained with TACE after lenvatinib induction. This suggests that considering the combination of lenvatinib and TACE may be important for improving the prognosis of intermediate-stage u-HCC patients.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Nieun Seo, Dong Jin Joo, Mi-Suk Park, Seung-seob Kim, Hye Jung Shin, Yong Eun Chung, Jin-Young Choi, Myoung Soo Kim, Myeong-Jin Kim
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the optimal radiologic method for determining Milan criteria (MC) in predicting post-liver transplantation (LT) recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The findings showed that MRI with mRECIST was the optimal method in predicting recurrence, with higher accuracy and sensitivity compared to CT with LI-RADS TRA or MRI with mRECIST.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Zi-yun Qiao, Zi-jie Zhang, Zi-cheng Lv, Huan Tong, Zhi-feng Xi, Hao-xiang Wu, Xiao-song Chen, Lei Xia, Hao Feng, Jian-jun Zhang, Qiang Xia
Summary: The study investigated the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in LT recipients with HCC, showing promising results in terms of objective response rate and disease control rate. The combination therapy of PD-1 blockade and tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrated effective outcomes with acceptable mortality, highlighting the potential of this approach in transplant recipients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Indah Jamtani, Kwang-Woong Lee, Yunhee Choi, YoungRok Choi, Jeong-Moo Lee, Eui-Soo Han, Kwangpyo Hong, Gyu-Seong Choi, Jong Man Kim, Nam-Joon Yi, Suk Kyun Hong, Jeik Byun, Su Young Hong, Sanggyeun Suh, Jae-Won Joh, Kyung-Suk Suh
Summary: This study aimed to develop a tailored prediction model of HCC-specific survival after transplantation, validated internally and externally. By combining multiple risk factors, the model showed good accuracy in predicting HCC-specific survival tailored for patients undergoing transplantation. The calculated SALT predictor provided accurate information on expected survival rates based on risk scores and specific characteristics.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Zhancheng Qiu, Weili Qi, Youwei Wu, Lingling Li, Chuan Li
Summary: This study examines the impact of public insurance status on the survival outcomes of HCC patients after liver resection in China. The results show that underinsured HCC patients have worse survival outcomes after liver resection. This may be due to the limited access to care for underinsured patients, but further exploration is needed for conclusive evidence.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Alexander M. Menzies, Richard A. Scolyer, Georgina V. Long
Summary: Neoadjuvant immunotherapy, especially in melanoma, is showing promising safety and activity. It may soon become a standard-of-care in drug development.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lei Xu, Lin Chen, Wei Zhang
Summary: Neoadjuvant therapy plays a crucial role in preventing tumor progression and improving liver transplantation and resectability rates for HCC, proving to be effective in different stages of the disease.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Carla Montironi, Florian Castet, Philipp K. Haber, Roser Pinyol, Miguel Torres-Martin, Laura Torrens Fontanals, Agavni Mesropian, Huan Wang, Marc Puigvehi, Miho Maeda, Wei Qiang Leow, Elizabeth Harrod, Patricia Taik, Jigjidsuren Chinburen, Erdenebileg Taivanbaatar, Enkhbold Chinbold, Manel Sole Arques, Michael Donovan, Swan Thung, Jaclyn Neely, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, Jeffrey Anderson, Sasan Roayaie, Myron Schwartz, Augusto Villanueva, Scott L. Friedman, Andrew Uzilov, Daniela Sia, Josep M. Llovet
Summary: This study characterizes the immunogenomic contexture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and defines inflamed and non-inflamed tumors. Two distinct patterns of CTNNB1 are associated with differential immune evasion and may help predict immune response in HCC.
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Licia Rivoltini, Sherrie Bhoori, Chiara Camisaschi, Laura Bergamaschi, Luca Lalli, Paola Frati, Davide Citterio, Chiara Castelli, Vincenzo Mazzaferro
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Miguel A. Martin-Serrano, Benjamin Kepecs, Miguel Torres-Martin, Emily R. Bramel, Philipp K. Haber, Elliot Merritt, Alexander Rialdi, Nesteene Joy Param, Miho Maeda, Katherine E. Lindblad, James K. Carter, Marina Barcena-Varela, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, Myron Schwartz, Silvia Affo, Robert F. Schwabe, Augusto Villanueva, Ernesto Guccione, Scott L. Friedman, Amaia Lujambio, Anna Tocheva, Josep M. Llovet, Swan N. Thung, Alexander M. Tsankov, Daniela Sia
Summary: We present a comprehensive stratification of iCCA based on the tumor microenvironment (TME). The tumor is divided into five stable STIM classes, including 35% inflamed and 65% non-inflamed profiles. The inflamed classes, immune classical and inflammatory stroma, differ in oncogenic pathways and extent of desmoplasia. Analysis of cell-cell interactions highlights cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes as potential mediators of immune evasion. Among the non-inflamed classes, the desert-like class has the lowest immune infiltration with abundant regulatory T cells, while the hepatic stem-like class is enriched in 'M2-like' macrophages and specific mutations. Comparative analysis reveals high similarity between a KRAS/p19 murine model and the inflammatory stroma class. The KRAS-SOS inhibitor sensitizes a KRAS-mutant iCCA murine model to anti-PD1 therapy. Our findings provide valuable insights into the TME of iCCA and offer potential therapeutic targets for future research.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Giammauro Berardi, Francesca Ratti, Carlo Sposito, Martina Nebbia, Daniel M. D'Souza, Franco Pascual, Epameinondas Dogeas, Samer Tohme, Francesco E. D'Amico, Remo Alessandris, Ilaria Simonelli, Celeste Del Basso, Nadia Russolillo, Amika Moro, Guido Fiorentini, Matteo Serenari, Fernando Rotellar, Giuseppe Zimmitti, Simone Famularo, Tommy Ivanics, Daniel Hoffman, Edwin Onkendi, Yasmin Essaji, Santiago Lopez Ben, Celia Caula, Gianluca Rompianesi, Asmita Chopra, Mohammed Abu Hilal, Guido Torzilli, Gonzalo Sapisochin, Carlos Corvera, Adnan Alseidi, Scott Helton, Roberto I. Troisi, Kerri Simo, Claudius Conrad, Matteo Cescon, Sean Cleary, Choon H. D. Kwon, Alessandro Ferrero, Giuseppe M. Ettorre, Umberto Cillo, David Geller, Daniel Cherqui, Pablo E. Serrano, Cristina Ferrone, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, Luca Aldrighetti, T. Peter Kingham
Summary: A predictive model for postoperative major morbidity after liver resection in patients with metabolic syndrome and HCC has been developed and validated, identifying obesity, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and other factors as risk factors for major complications.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolo Brandi, Daniele Spinelli, Alessandro Granito, Francesco Tovoli, Fabio Piscaglia, Rita Golfieri, Matteo Renzulli
Summary: The liver is a secondary target of COVID-19, which can cause complications in patients with existing liver disease and affect the management of liver disease patients. Liver imaging and telemedicine can be useful tools for identifying complications and overcoming challenges caused by the pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Giada Aizza, Nadia Russolillo, Alessandro Ferrero, Nicholas L. Syn, Federica Cipriani, Davit Aghayan, Marco Marino, Riccardo Memeo, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, Adrian K. H. Chiow, Iswanto Sucandy, Arpad Ivanecz, Marco Vivarelli, Fabrizio Di Benedetto, Sung-Hoon Choi, Jae Hoon Lee, James O. Park, Mikel Gastaca, Constantino Fondevila, Mikhail Efanov, Fernando Rotellar, Gi-Hong Choi, Ricardo Robles-Campos, Xiaoying Wang, Robert P. Sutcliffe, Johann Pratschke, Chung Ngai Tang, Charing C. Chong, Mathieu D'Hondt, Chee Chien Yong, Andrea Ruzzenente, Paolo Herman, T. Peter Kingham, Olivier Scatton, Rong Liu, Giovanni Battista Levi Sandri, Olivier Soubrane, Alejandro Mejia, Santiago Lopez-Ben, Kazateru Monden, Go Wakabayashi, Daniel Cherqui, Roberto Troisi, Mengqiu Yin, Felice Giuliante, David Geller, Atsushi Sugioka, Bjorn Edwin, Tan-To Cheung, Tran Cong Duy Long, Mohammad Abu Hilal, David Fuks, Kuo-Hsin Chen, Luca Aldrighetti, Ho-Seong Han, Brian K. P. Goh
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between tumor size and the difficulty of laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (L-LLS). Three optimal tumor size cutoffs (40-, 70-, and 100-mm) were identified. As tumor size increased, there was a stepwise increase in the rates of open conversion, operative time, blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion, Pringle maneuver use, major morbidity, and 30-day readmission.
JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Carlo Sposito, Alessandro Cucchetti, Vincenzo Mazzaferro
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Riccardo Biondi, Matteo Renzulli, Rita Golfieri, Nico Curti, Gianluca Carlini, Claudia Sala, Enrico Giampieri, Daniel Remondini, Giulio Vara, Arrigo Cattabriga, Maria Adriana Cocozza, Luigi Vincenzo Pastore, Nicolo Brandi, Antonino Palmeri, Leonardo Scarpetti, Gaia Tanzarella, Matteo Cescon, Matteo Ravaioli, Gastone Castellani, Francesca Coppola
Summary: This study evaluated the possibility of using radiomic features to predict the presence/absence of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma liver tumors. The results showed that radiomic features from the tumor region of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images had good predictive performance for MVI.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Erica Franceschini, Giovanni Dolci, Antonella Santoro, Marianna Meschiari, Alice Ricco, Marianna Menozzi, Giulia Jole Burastero, Biagio Cuffari, Nicola De Maria, Lucia Serio, Emanuela Biagioni, Barbara Catellani, Stefano Di Sandro, Antonio Colecchia, Massimo Girardis, Fabrizio Di Benedetto, Cristina Mussini
Summary: This study aims to describe a case series of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). The results show that liver cirrhosis can be an independent risk factor for PCP, especially in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis who are on corticosteroid treatment for decompensated cirrhosis. Primary prophylaxis for PCP should be considered in these patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Francesco Vasuri, Mattia Riefolo, Matteo Ravaioli, Matteo Cescon, Gianandrea Pasquinelli, Giuliana Germinario, Antonia D'Errico
Summary: This study aimed to validate the impact of graft histology on transplant outcome and found that grafts with portal fibrosis stage = 3 had a higher incidence of early allograft dysfunction and 6-month dysfunction. Portal inflammation and lobular fibrosis were also correlated with post-transplant kidney function and graft survival. However, the use of HOPE significantly reduced the risk factor of portal inflammation on graft survival.
PATHOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Matteo Serenari, Francesca Ratti, Nicola Guglielmo, Matteo Zanello, Federico Mocchegiani, Jacopo Lenzi, Michele Colledan, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, Umberto Cillo, Alessandro Ferrero, Matteo Cescon, Fabrizio Di Benedetto, Marco Massani, Gianluca Grazi, Raffaele Dalla Valle, Marco Vivarelli, Giuseppe Maria Ettorre, Luca Aldrighetti, Elio Jovine
Summary: This study analyzed the trend and influencing factors of ALPPS in Italy. It was found that the use of ALPPS has slightly declined, but the use of minimally invasive techniques has increased, leading to a reduced 90-day mortality rate. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) still remains an unresolved issue.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Felice Giuliante, Francesca Ratti, Elena Panettieri, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, Alfredo Guglielmi, Giuseppe M. Ettorre, Salvatore Gruttadauria, Fabrizio Di Benedetto, Umberto Cillo, Luciano De Carlis, Raffaele Dalla Valle, Alessandro Ferrero, Roberto Santambrogio, Francesco Ardito, Luca Aldrighetti
Summary: The use of minimally invasive liver surgery has greatly reduced surgical risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. This study analyzed the outcomes of minimally invasive liver surgery for small hepatocellular carcinoma tumors less than 3 cm in size.
Review
Surgery
Cristiano Guidetti, Ning Q. Pang, Barbara Catellani, Paolo Magistri, Daniela Caracciolo, Gian P. Guerrini, Annarita Pecchi, Stefano Di Sandro, Fabrizio Di Benedetto
Summary: Iatrogenic injury to the liver hilum during cholecystectomy is a severe complication that may require liver transplantation. This study reviewed the experience of our center and analyzed the outcomes of liver transplantation in this setting. The results showed high mortality and incidence of severe complications after liver transplantation, but long-term survival rates were still promising.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Federico Ravaioli, Nicola De Maria, Lorenza Di Marco, Alessandra Pivetti, Riccardo Casciola, Carlo Ceraso, Gabriella Frassanito, Martina Pambianco, Maddalena Pecchini, Chiara Sicuro, Laura Leoni, Stefano Di Sandro, Paolo Magistri, Renata Menozzi, Fabrizio Di Benedetto, Antonio Colecchia
Summary: Liver transplantation (LT) is a complex surgical procedure that requires careful planning and care to ensure the nutritional status of the patient. This review examines the assessment and management of nutritional status before, during, and after LT, specifically for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Key factors influencing nutritional status in liver transplant patients, such as pre-existing malnutrition, liver disease severity, comorbidities, and immunosuppressive medications, are identified. The review emphasizes the importance of pre-operative nutritional assessment and intervention, close monitoring of nutritional status, individualized nutrition care plans, and ongoing support after LT. It also evaluates the impact of bariatric surgery on the nutritional status of liver transplant recipients, providing valuable insights for optimizing nutritional status during the transplant process.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dajana Cuicchi, Margherita Mottola, Paolo Castellucci, Alessandro Bevilacqua, Arrigo Cattabriga, Maria Adriana Cocozza, Stefano Cardelli, Gerti Dajti, Susanna Mattoni, Rita Golfieri, Stefano Fanti, Alberta Cappelli, Francesca Coppola, Gilberto Poggioli
Summary: This study used radiomic analysis to improve the diagnosis accuracy of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). By characterizing tissue properties through quantitative features, it facilitated the accurate detection of LRRC through CT and PET/CT.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)