Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Laparoscopic HCC resections are increasing worldwide. Ivanics et al. report on a retrospective single-institution experience in North America that involves 149 patients who were matched by propensity score. Laparoscopic liver resection was performed in 57, and open liver resection was completed in 92. The laparoscopic liver resection group experienced a lower number of serious complications (14% vs 29%; P = .01). The 1-year overall survival (OS) rate was 90.9% vs 91.3% in the laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection group, while 3-year OS was 79.3% vs 88.5%, and 5-year OS was 70.5% vs 83.1% (P = .26). The cumulative incidence of recurrence at 1 year was 31.1% vs 18.9% in the laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection group, at 3 years was 59.7% vs 40.6%, and at 5 years was 62.9% vs 49.2% (P = .06). The authors concluded that laparoscopic HCC resection had fewer short-term complications, and statistically equivalent tumor control, compared to open liver resection, and should be considered as an option for treatment of patients with resectable liver cancer.

Radioembolization is a common treatment for liver-dominant HCC. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has a high objective response rate, but has yet to demonstrate a OS benefit. This could be due to incidental damage to the healthy liver, resulting in scarring, liver decompensation and a shorter survival. Van Doom et al. retrospectively analyzed 69 patients with advanced HCC who underwent SIRT. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who developed Child-Pugh (CP) ≥ B7 liver disease after SIRT. The secondary outcomes were OS and response. After a median follow-up of 30 months, 38/69 patients (55%) developed CP ≥ B7. A lower ALBI score at baseline was significantly associated with a better outcome. The median OS in the SIRT-treated patients was 18 months (95% CI 14–22) compared to a case-matched cohort of 300 patients treated with sorafenib between 2007 and 2016 where the median OS was 8 months (95% CI 6–12; p = 0.0027). The authors concluded that patients with intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC treated with SIRT have a substantial risk of developing liver decompensation, but improved patient selection using the ALBI score may mitigate this risk. Note is made that the sorafenib patients were treated at a time when limited systemic options were available.

Finally, Peng et al. analyzed 699 adults with newly diagnosed HCC who were initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) between 2010 and 2013. Initial treatment with TACE resulted in a complete response (CR) in 22.3% of the patients. The patients with a CR had a better OS than those who did not achieve CR (35.8 vs 24.0 months, P < 0.001). Predictors of lower likelihood of CR included CP B cirrhosis, higher tumor load, bilobar tumor, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level ≥20, and platelet counts >150,000. The authors concluded that TACE is an excellent treatment for selected patients with localized HCC.

Laparoscopic HCC resections are increasing worldwide. Ivanics et al. report on a retrospective single-institution experience in North America that involves 149 patients who were matched by propensity score. Laparoscopic liver resection was performed in 57, and open liver resection was completed in 92. The laparoscopic liver resection group experienced a lower number of serious complications (14% vs 29%; P = .01). The 1-year overall survival (OS) rate was 90.9% vs 91.3% in the laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection group, while 3-year OS was 79.3% vs 88.5%, and 5-year OS was 70.5% vs 83.1% (P = .26). The cumulative incidence of recurrence at 1 year was 31.1% vs 18.9% in the laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection group, at 3 years was 59.7% vs 40.6%, and at 5 years was 62.9% vs 49.2% (P = .06). The authors concluded that laparoscopic HCC resection had fewer short-term complications, and statistically equivalent tumor control, compared to open liver resection, and should be considered as an option for treatment of patients with resectable liver cancer.

Radioembolization is a common treatment for liver-dominant HCC. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has a high objective response rate, but has yet to demonstrate a OS benefit. This could be due to incidental damage to the healthy liver, resulting in scarring, liver decompensation and a shorter survival. Van Doom et al. retrospectively analyzed 69 patients with advanced HCC who underwent SIRT. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who developed Child-Pugh (CP) ≥ B7 liver disease after SIRT. The secondary outcomes were OS and response. After a median follow-up of 30 months, 38/69 patients (55%) developed CP ≥ B7. A lower ALBI score at baseline was significantly associated with a better outcome. The median OS in the SIRT-treated patients was 18 months (95% CI 14–22) compared to a case-matched cohort of 300 patients treated with sorafenib between 2007 and 2016 where the median OS was 8 months (95% CI 6–12; p = 0.0027). The authors concluded that patients with intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC treated with SIRT have a substantial risk of developing liver decompensation, but improved patient selection using the ALBI score may mitigate this risk. Note is made that the sorafenib patients were treated at a time when limited systemic options were available.

Finally, Peng et al. analyzed 699 adults with newly diagnosed HCC who were initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) between 2010 and 2013. Initial treatment with TACE resulted in a complete response (CR) in 22.3% of the patients. The patients with a CR had a better OS than those who did not achieve CR (35.8 vs 24.0 months, P < 0.001). Predictors of lower likelihood of CR included CP B cirrhosis, higher tumor load, bilobar tumor, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level ≥20, and platelet counts >150,000. The authors concluded that TACE is an excellent treatment for selected patients with localized HCC.

Laparoscopic HCC resections are increasing worldwide. Ivanics et al. report on a retrospective single-institution experience in North America that involves 149 patients who were matched by propensity score. Laparoscopic liver resection was performed in 57, and open liver resection was completed in 92. The laparoscopic liver resection group experienced a lower number of serious complications (14% vs 29%; P = .01). The 1-year overall survival (OS) rate was 90.9% vs 91.3% in the laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection group, while 3-year OS was 79.3% vs 88.5%, and 5-year OS was 70.5% vs 83.1% (P = .26). The cumulative incidence of recurrence at 1 year was 31.1% vs 18.9% in the laparoscopic liver resection versus open liver resection group, at 3 years was 59.7% vs 40.6%, and at 5 years was 62.9% vs 49.2% (P = .06). The authors concluded that laparoscopic HCC resection had fewer short-term complications, and statistically equivalent tumor control, compared to open liver resection, and should be considered as an option for treatment of patients with resectable liver cancer.

Radioembolization is a common treatment for liver-dominant HCC. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has a high objective response rate, but has yet to demonstrate a OS benefit. This could be due to incidental damage to the healthy liver, resulting in scarring, liver decompensation and a shorter survival. Van Doom et al. retrospectively analyzed 69 patients with advanced HCC who underwent SIRT. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who developed Child-Pugh (CP) ≥ B7 liver disease after SIRT. The secondary outcomes were OS and response. After a median follow-up of 30 months, 38/69 patients (55%) developed CP ≥ B7. A lower ALBI score at baseline was significantly associated with a better outcome. The median OS in the SIRT-treated patients was 18 months (95% CI 14–22) compared to a case-matched cohort of 300 patients treated with sorafenib between 2007 and 2016 where the median OS was 8 months (95% CI 6–12; p = 0.0027). The authors concluded that patients with intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC treated with SIRT have a substantial risk of developing liver decompensation, but improved patient selection using the ALBI score may mitigate this risk. Note is made that the sorafenib patients were treated at a time when limited systemic options were available.

Finally, Peng et al. analyzed 699 adults with newly diagnosed HCC who were initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) between 2010 and 2013. Initial treatment with TACE resulted in a complete response (CR) in 22.3% of the patients. The patients with a CR had a better OS than those who did not achieve CR (35.8 vs 24.0 months, P < 0.001). Predictors of lower likelihood of CR included CP B cirrhosis, higher tumor load, bilobar tumor, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level ≥20, and platelet counts >150,000. The authors concluded that TACE is an excellent treatment for selected patients with localized HCC.

Key clinical point: HCC patients treated with lenvatinib showed longer progression-free survival compared to those treated with sorafenib (hazard ratio 0.40, P = 0.004).

Major finding:  In a propensity score matching analysis, progression-free survival was greater in HCC patients treated with lenvatinib compared to those treated with sorafenib (5.2 months vs 3.3 months, respectively); overall survival was similar between the (13.3 months vs 11.8 months, respectively).

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 210 adults with unresectable HCC who underwent lenvatinib or sorafenib treatment between January 2018 and August 2020.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Kuo Y-H et al. Front Oncol. 2021 Oct 25. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.737767.

Key clinical point: HCC patients treated with lenvatinib showed longer progression-free survival compared to those treated with sorafenib (hazard ratio 0.40, P = 0.004).

Major finding:  In a propensity score matching analysis, progression-free survival was greater in HCC patients treated with lenvatinib compared to those treated with sorafenib (5.2 months vs 3.3 months, respectively); overall survival was similar between the (13.3 months vs 11.8 months, respectively).

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 210 adults with unresectable HCC who underwent lenvatinib or sorafenib treatment between January 2018 and August 2020.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Kuo Y-H et al. Front Oncol. 2021 Oct 25. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.737767.

Key clinical point: HCC patients treated with lenvatinib showed longer progression-free survival compared to those treated with sorafenib (hazard ratio 0.40, P = 0.004).

Major finding:  In a propensity score matching analysis, progression-free survival was greater in HCC patients treated with lenvatinib compared to those treated with sorafenib (5.2 months vs 3.3 months, respectively); overall survival was similar between the (13.3 months vs 11.8 months, respectively).

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 210 adults with unresectable HCC who underwent lenvatinib or sorafenib treatment between January 2018 and August 2020.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Kuo Y-H et al. Front Oncol. 2021 Oct 25. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.737767.

Key clinical point: Both overall survival and progression-free survival rates were significantly higher in patients with unresectable HCC who were treated with TACE-MWA compared to those treated with TACE alone.

Major finding:  After propensity score matching, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates for patients treated with TACE-MWA were 93.6%, 80.5%, and 61.6%, respectively, compared to 72.4%, 48.9%, and 41.9%, respectively, in patients treated with TACE alone group, respectively.

Study details: The data come from a propensity score matching study of 91 adults with unresectable HCC who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) and 140 who underwent TACE alone at four medical centers.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Li H-Z et al. J Hepatocell Carcinoma. 2021 Nov 1. doi: 10.2147/JHC.S338456.

Key clinical point: Both overall survival and progression-free survival rates were significantly higher in patients with unresectable HCC who were treated with TACE-MWA compared to those treated with TACE alone.

Major finding:  After propensity score matching, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates for patients treated with TACE-MWA were 93.6%, 80.5%, and 61.6%, respectively, compared to 72.4%, 48.9%, and 41.9%, respectively, in patients treated with TACE alone group, respectively.

Study details: The data come from a propensity score matching study of 91 adults with unresectable HCC who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) and 140 who underwent TACE alone at four medical centers.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Li H-Z et al. J Hepatocell Carcinoma. 2021 Nov 1. doi: 10.2147/JHC.S338456.

Key clinical point: Both overall survival and progression-free survival rates were significantly higher in patients with unresectable HCC who were treated with TACE-MWA compared to those treated with TACE alone.

Major finding:  After propensity score matching, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates for patients treated with TACE-MWA were 93.6%, 80.5%, and 61.6%, respectively, compared to 72.4%, 48.9%, and 41.9%, respectively, in patients treated with TACE alone group, respectively.

Study details: The data come from a propensity score matching study of 91 adults with unresectable HCC who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) and 140 who underwent TACE alone at four medical centers.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Li H-Z et al. J Hepatocell Carcinoma. 2021 Nov 1. doi: 10.2147/JHC.S338456.

Key clinical point: Hepatocellular carcinoma patients who achieved complete remission with postoperative treatment after reduction hepatectomy fared better than those who achieved remission without postoperative treatment.

Major finding:  The 5-year overall survival rate and mean survival time after reduction hepatectomy were 15.7% and 28.40 months for the entire study population. The 5-year overall survival and mean survival times were 37.5% and 56.55 months, respectively, for patients who achieved complete remission with postoperative treatment, compared to 6.3% and 14.84 months, respectively, for those who achieved complete remission without postoperative treatment (P = 0.0041).

Study details: The data come from a review of 30 adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent reduction hepatectomy at a single center between 2000 and 2018.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Asahi Y et al. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Oct 27. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i10.1245.

Key clinical point: Hepatocellular carcinoma patients who achieved complete remission with postoperative treatment after reduction hepatectomy fared better than those who achieved remission without postoperative treatment.

Major finding:  The 5-year overall survival rate and mean survival time after reduction hepatectomy were 15.7% and 28.40 months for the entire study population. The 5-year overall survival and mean survival times were 37.5% and 56.55 months, respectively, for patients who achieved complete remission with postoperative treatment, compared to 6.3% and 14.84 months, respectively, for those who achieved complete remission without postoperative treatment (P = 0.0041).

Study details: The data come from a review of 30 adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent reduction hepatectomy at a single center between 2000 and 2018.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Asahi Y et al. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Oct 27. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i10.1245.

Key clinical point: Hepatocellular carcinoma patients who achieved complete remission with postoperative treatment after reduction hepatectomy fared better than those who achieved remission without postoperative treatment.

Major finding:  The 5-year overall survival rate and mean survival time after reduction hepatectomy were 15.7% and 28.40 months for the entire study population. The 5-year overall survival and mean survival times were 37.5% and 56.55 months, respectively, for patients who achieved complete remission with postoperative treatment, compared to 6.3% and 14.84 months, respectively, for those who achieved complete remission without postoperative treatment (P = 0.0041).

Study details: The data come from a review of 30 adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent reduction hepatectomy at a single center between 2000 and 2018.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Asahi Y et al. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Oct 27. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i10.1245.

Key clinical point: A combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ+BV) caused less fatigue in HCC patients as a first-line therapy than when given as a later line therapy, based on the IMbrave150 criteria.

Major finding:  Treatment interruption due to fatigue was significantly higher in Child-Pugh B patients who received later treatment compared to Child-Pugh A patients who received early treatment (P = 0.030). In a multivariate analysis, neutrophil lymphocyte ratios and B-IMbrave150 criteria were independent predictors of objective response to the combination therapy (hazard ratios 4.591 and 4.108, respectively).

Study details: The data come from 94 adults with unresectable HCC treated with ATZ+BV at multiple centers. Of these, 46 Child-Pugh A patients received treatment early (B-IMbrave150-in) and 48 Child-Pugh B patients received the combination as first-line or later line therapy (B-IMbrave150-out).

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Chuma M et al. Hepatol Res. 2021 Nov 10. doi: 10.1111/hepr.13732. 

Key clinical point: A combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ+BV) caused less fatigue in HCC patients as a first-line therapy than when given as a later line therapy, based on the IMbrave150 criteria.

Major finding:  Treatment interruption due to fatigue was significantly higher in Child-Pugh B patients who received later treatment compared to Child-Pugh A patients who received early treatment (P = 0.030). In a multivariate analysis, neutrophil lymphocyte ratios and B-IMbrave150 criteria were independent predictors of objective response to the combination therapy (hazard ratios 4.591 and 4.108, respectively).

Study details: The data come from 94 adults with unresectable HCC treated with ATZ+BV at multiple centers. Of these, 46 Child-Pugh A patients received treatment early (B-IMbrave150-in) and 48 Child-Pugh B patients received the combination as first-line or later line therapy (B-IMbrave150-out).

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Chuma M et al. Hepatol Res. 2021 Nov 10. doi: 10.1111/hepr.13732. 

Key clinical point: A combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ+BV) caused less fatigue in HCC patients as a first-line therapy than when given as a later line therapy, based on the IMbrave150 criteria.

Major finding:  Treatment interruption due to fatigue was significantly higher in Child-Pugh B patients who received later treatment compared to Child-Pugh A patients who received early treatment (P = 0.030). In a multivariate analysis, neutrophil lymphocyte ratios and B-IMbrave150 criteria were independent predictors of objective response to the combination therapy (hazard ratios 4.591 and 4.108, respectively).

Study details: The data come from 94 adults with unresectable HCC treated with ATZ+BV at multiple centers. Of these, 46 Child-Pugh A patients received treatment early (B-IMbrave150-in) and 48 Child-Pugh B patients received the combination as first-line or later line therapy (B-IMbrave150-out).

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Chuma M et al. Hepatol Res. 2021 Nov 10. doi: 10.1111/hepr.13732. 

Key clinical point: Complete response after initial treatment with TACE was significantly associated with improved survival in adults with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma.

Major finding:  After their first treatment with TACE, 22.3% of the patients achieved complete response, and these patients had a better overall survival rate over a median follow-up period of 26.6 months than those who did not achieve complete response (35.8 months vs 24.0 months, P < 0.001).

Study details: The data come from 699 adults with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma who were initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) between 2010 and 2013.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Chang Gung Medical Research Fund and the National Science Council, Taiwan. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Peng C-W et al. Am J Cancer Res. 2021 Oct 15. 11(10): 4956–4965. PMID: 34765303. PMCID: PMC8569367.

Key clinical point: Complete response after initial treatment with TACE was significantly associated with improved survival in adults with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma.

Major finding:  After their first treatment with TACE, 22.3% of the patients achieved complete response, and these patients had a better overall survival rate over a median follow-up period of 26.6 months than those who did not achieve complete response (35.8 months vs 24.0 months, P < 0.001).

Study details: The data come from 699 adults with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma who were initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) between 2010 and 2013.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Chang Gung Medical Research Fund and the National Science Council, Taiwan. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Peng C-W et al. Am J Cancer Res. 2021 Oct 15. 11(10): 4956–4965. PMID: 34765303. PMCID: PMC8569367.

Key clinical point: Complete response after initial treatment with TACE was significantly associated with improved survival in adults with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma.

Major finding:  After their first treatment with TACE, 22.3% of the patients achieved complete response, and these patients had a better overall survival rate over a median follow-up period of 26.6 months than those who did not achieve complete response (35.8 months vs 24.0 months, P < 0.001).

Study details: The data come from 699 adults with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma who were initially treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) between 2010 and 2013.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Chang Gung Medical Research Fund and the National Science Council, Taiwan. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Peng C-W et al. Am J Cancer Res. 2021 Oct 15. 11(10): 4956–4965. PMID: 34765303. PMCID: PMC8569367.

Key clinical point: Baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and delta NLR were predictors of overall survival in HCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy; however, neither platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) nor delta PLR were predictive of survival.

Major finding:  Elevations in NLR and delta-NLR (dNLR) prior to SBRT in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were significant predictors of worse overall survival (P <0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). 

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 93 adult HCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), with a median follow-up of 10.7 months.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Tri-Service General Hospital. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.  

Source: Hsiang C-W et al. J Hepatocell Carcinoma. 2021 Oct 29. doi: 10.2147/JHC.S334933.

Key clinical point: Baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and delta NLR were predictors of overall survival in HCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy; however, neither platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) nor delta PLR were predictive of survival.

Major finding:  Elevations in NLR and delta-NLR (dNLR) prior to SBRT in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were significant predictors of worse overall survival (P <0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). 

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 93 adult HCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), with a median follow-up of 10.7 months.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Tri-Service General Hospital. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.  

Source: Hsiang C-W et al. J Hepatocell Carcinoma. 2021 Oct 29. doi: 10.2147/JHC.S334933.

Key clinical point: Baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and delta NLR were predictors of overall survival in HCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy; however, neither platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) nor delta PLR were predictive of survival.

Major finding:  Elevations in NLR and delta-NLR (dNLR) prior to SBRT in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were significant predictors of worse overall survival (P <0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). 

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 93 adult HCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), with a median follow-up of 10.7 months.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Tri-Service General Hospital. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.  

Source: Hsiang C-W et al. J Hepatocell Carcinoma. 2021 Oct 29. doi: 10.2147/JHC.S334933.

Key clinical point: Fever following radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients was independently associated with younger age, low serum albumin level, general anesthesia, tumor size, and tumor number.

Major finding:  The adjusted odds ratios for the independent predictors of fever in these patients were 0.96 for younger age, 0.49 for low serum albumin level, 2.06 for general anesthesia, 1.52 for tumor size, and 1.71 for tumor number. HCC patients who developed fevers after radiofrequency ablation also had significantly longer hospital stays than those without fevers (9.06 days vs 5.50 days).

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 272 adults with new or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) between April 2014 and February 2019.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Chen P-Y et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 22. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215303.

Key clinical point: Fever following radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients was independently associated with younger age, low serum albumin level, general anesthesia, tumor size, and tumor number.

Major finding:  The adjusted odds ratios for the independent predictors of fever in these patients were 0.96 for younger age, 0.49 for low serum albumin level, 2.06 for general anesthesia, 1.52 for tumor size, and 1.71 for tumor number. HCC patients who developed fevers after radiofrequency ablation also had significantly longer hospital stays than those without fevers (9.06 days vs 5.50 days).

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 272 adults with new or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) between April 2014 and February 2019.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Chen P-Y et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 22. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215303.

Key clinical point: Fever following radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients was independently associated with younger age, low serum albumin level, general anesthesia, tumor size, and tumor number.

Major finding:  The adjusted odds ratios for the independent predictors of fever in these patients were 0.96 for younger age, 0.49 for low serum albumin level, 2.06 for general anesthesia, 1.52 for tumor size, and 1.71 for tumor number. HCC patients who developed fevers after radiofrequency ablation also had significantly longer hospital stays than those without fevers (9.06 days vs 5.50 days).

Study details: The data come from a retrospective study of 272 adults with new or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) between April 2014 and February 2019.

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Chen P-Y et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 22. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215303.

Key clinical point: A multi-dimensional “combined index” model using artificial intelligence and SHG/TPEF microscopy was a stronger predictor of HCC recurrence than alpha fetoprotein levels in HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy.

Major finding:  The sensitivity and specificity of the combined index model was 81.8% and 90.5%, respectively, compared to 68.2% and 47.6%, respectively, for alpha fetoprotein level as a predictor of recurrent HCC.

Study details: The data come from a study of 81 adults with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative intent hepatectomy. Researchers used fibrotic features of resected tissue to create a recurrence prediction model.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Taiwan Ministry of Health. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Liu I-T et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 23. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215323.

Key clinical point: A multi-dimensional “combined index” model using artificial intelligence and SHG/TPEF microscopy was a stronger predictor of HCC recurrence than alpha fetoprotein levels in HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy.

Major finding:  The sensitivity and specificity of the combined index model was 81.8% and 90.5%, respectively, compared to 68.2% and 47.6%, respectively, for alpha fetoprotein level as a predictor of recurrent HCC.

Study details: The data come from a study of 81 adults with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative intent hepatectomy. Researchers used fibrotic features of resected tissue to create a recurrence prediction model.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Taiwan Ministry of Health. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Liu I-T et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 23. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215323.

Key clinical point: A multi-dimensional “combined index” model using artificial intelligence and SHG/TPEF microscopy was a stronger predictor of HCC recurrence than alpha fetoprotein levels in HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy.

Major finding:  The sensitivity and specificity of the combined index model was 81.8% and 90.5%, respectively, compared to 68.2% and 47.6%, respectively, for alpha fetoprotein level as a predictor of recurrent HCC.

Study details: The data come from a study of 81 adults with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative intent hepatectomy. Researchers used fibrotic features of resected tissue to create a recurrence prediction model.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the Taiwan Ministry of Health. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: Liu I-T et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 23. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215323.

Key clinical point: Liver decompensation is a common late complication in HCC patients treated with SIRT, although overall survival rates surpass those in patients treated with sorafenib.

Major finding:  Liver decompensation, based on a Child-Pugh (CP) score of B7 or higher, occurred in significantly more HCC patients treated with SIRT compared to those treated with sorafenib (62% vs 27%) in a case-matched analysis. However, the median overall survival was significantly longer in SIRT-treated patients compared with sorafenib patients (16 months vs 9 months).

Study details: The data come from 69 adults with advanced HCC who underwent selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) and had not developed radioembolization-induced liver disease (REILD).

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: van Doorn DJ et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 29. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215427.

Key clinical point: Liver decompensation is a common late complication in HCC patients treated with SIRT, although overall survival rates surpass those in patients treated with sorafenib.

Major finding:  Liver decompensation, based on a Child-Pugh (CP) score of B7 or higher, occurred in significantly more HCC patients treated with SIRT compared to those treated with sorafenib (62% vs 27%) in a case-matched analysis. However, the median overall survival was significantly longer in SIRT-treated patients compared with sorafenib patients (16 months vs 9 months).

Study details: The data come from 69 adults with advanced HCC who underwent selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) and had not developed radioembolization-induced liver disease (REILD).

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: van Doorn DJ et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 29. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215427.

Key clinical point: Liver decompensation is a common late complication in HCC patients treated with SIRT, although overall survival rates surpass those in patients treated with sorafenib.

Major finding:  Liver decompensation, based on a Child-Pugh (CP) score of B7 or higher, occurred in significantly more HCC patients treated with SIRT compared to those treated with sorafenib (62% vs 27%) in a case-matched analysis. However, the median overall survival was significantly longer in SIRT-treated patients compared with sorafenib patients (16 months vs 9 months).

Study details: The data come from 69 adults with advanced HCC who underwent selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) and had not developed radioembolization-induced liver disease (REILD).

Disclosures: The study received no outside funding. The researchers had no financial conflicts to disclose.

Source: van Doorn DJ et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Oct 29. doi: 10.3390/cancers13215427.