Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 4/2013

01-04-2013 | Hepatobiliary Tumors

Single HCC in Cirrhotic Patients: Liver Resection or Liver Transplantation? Long-term Outcome According to an Intention-to-treat Basis

Authors: Gonzalo Sapisochin, MD, PhD, Lluis Castells, MD, PhD, Cristina Dopazo, MD, PhD, Itxarone Bilbao, MD, PhD, Beatriz Minguez, MD, PhD, Jose Luis Lázaro, MD, Helena Allende, MD, PhD, Joaquin Balsells, MD, PhD, Mireia Caralt, MD, Ramón Charco, MD, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 4/2013

Login to get access

ABSTRACT

Background

Compensated cirrhotic patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm may benefit from both liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT); however, the better 10-year actuarial survival of the two treatments remains unclear. We aimed to assess the long-term outcome of cirrhotic patients with single HCC ≤5 cm treated either with LR or LT on an intention-to-treat basis.

Methods

A total of 217 cirrhotic patients with single HCC ≤5 cm were evaluated at our department: 95 were treated with LR (LR group), and 122 were included on the waiting list for LT (LT group). Patients in the LR group were divided into very early HCC (tumor size ≤2 cm) and early HCC (tumor size >2 cm). Median follow-up was 5.3 (range 0.1–18) years.

Results

Tumor recurrence was 72 % in the LR group versus 16 % in the LT group (p < 0.001). 1-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative risk of recurrence was 18, 69, and 83 % in the LR group versus 4, 18, and 20 % in the LT group (p < 0.001). Ten-year actuarial survival was 33 % in the LR group versus 49 % in the LT group (p = 0.002). At HCC recurrence, 27.3 % were included on the waiting list for salvage transplantation (very early HCC group) versus 15.1 % (early HCC group) (p = 0.2). After salvage transplantation, HCC recurrence was 0 % (very early HCC group) versus 40 % (early HCC group) (p = 0.2). No significant differences were observed in 1-, 5-, and 10-year actuarial survival between the very early HCC group and the LT group (95, 55, and 50 % vs. 82, 62, and 50 %).

Conclusions

LR should be the treatment of choice for cirrhotic patients with very early HCC.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Bruix J, Sherman M; American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Management of hepatocellular carcinoma: an update. Hepatology. 2011;53:1020–2.PubMedCrossRef Bruix J, Sherman M; American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Management of hepatocellular carcinoma: an update. Hepatology. 2011;53:1020–2.PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Forner A, Reig ME, de Lope CR, Bruix J. Current strategy for staging and treatment: the BCLC update and future prospects. Semin Liver Dis. 2010;30:61–74.PubMedCrossRef Forner A, Reig ME, de Lope CR, Bruix J. Current strategy for staging and treatment: the BCLC update and future prospects. Semin Liver Dis. 2010;30:61–74.PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Fuster J, Charco R, Llovet JM, Bruix J, Garcia-Valdecasas JC. Liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Transpl Int. 2005;18:278–82.PubMedCrossRef Fuster J, Charco R, Llovet JM, Bruix J, Garcia-Valdecasas JC. Liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Transpl Int. 2005;18:278–82.PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Rahbari NN, Mehrabi A, Mollberg NM, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma: current management and perspectives for the future. Ann Surg. 2011;253:453–69.PubMedCrossRef Rahbari NN, Mehrabi A, Mollberg NM, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma: current management and perspectives for the future. Ann Surg. 2011;253:453–69.PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Llovet JM, Fuster J, Bruix J. Intention-to-treat analysis of surgical treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma: resection versus transplantation. Hepatology. 1999;30:1434–40.PubMedCrossRef Llovet JM, Fuster J, Bruix J. Intention-to-treat analysis of surgical treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma: resection versus transplantation. Hepatology. 1999;30:1434–40.PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Arii S, Yamaoka Y, Futagawa S, et al. Results of surgical and nonsurgical treatment for small-sized hepatocellular carcinomas: a retrospective and nationwide survey in Japan. The Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan. Hepatology. 2000;32:1224–9.PubMedCrossRef Arii S, Yamaoka Y, Futagawa S, et al. Results of surgical and nonsurgical treatment for small-sized hepatocellular carcinomas: a retrospective and nationwide survey in Japan. The Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan. Hepatology. 2000;32:1224–9.PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Poon RT, Fan ST, Lo CM, Liu CL, Wong J. Long-term survival and pattern of recurrence after resection of small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with preserved liver function: implications for a strategy of salvage transplantation. Ann Surg. 2002;235:373–82.PubMedCrossRef Poon RT, Fan ST, Lo CM, Liu CL, Wong J. Long-term survival and pattern of recurrence after resection of small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with preserved liver function: implications for a strategy of salvage transplantation. Ann Surg. 2002;235:373–82.PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Huang J, Hernandez-Alejandro R, Croome KP, et al. Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in Childs A cirrhotics—a retrospective study of 1,061 cases. J Gastrointest Surg. 2011;15:311–20.PubMedCrossRef Huang J, Hernandez-Alejandro R, Croome KP, et al. Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in Childs A cirrhotics—a retrospective study of 1,061 cases. J Gastrointest Surg. 2011;15:311–20.PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Ruzzenente A, Guglielmi A, Sandri M, et al. Surgical resection versus local ablation for HCC on cirrhosis: results from a propensity case-matched study. J Gastrointest Surg. 2012;16:301–11.PubMedCrossRef Ruzzenente A, Guglielmi A, Sandri M, et al. Surgical resection versus local ablation for HCC on cirrhosis: results from a propensity case-matched study. J Gastrointest Surg. 2012;16:301–11.PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Liu JG, Wang YJ, Du Z. Radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16:3450–6.PubMedCrossRef Liu JG, Wang YJ, Du Z. Radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16:3450–6.PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Okada S, Shimada K, Yamamoto J, et al. Predictive factors for postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Gastroenterology. 1994;106:1618–24.PubMed Okada S, Shimada K, Yamamoto J, et al. Predictive factors for postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Gastroenterology. 1994;106:1618–24.PubMed
12.
go back to reference Poon RT, Fan ST, Lo CM, Liu CL, Wong J. Intrahepatic recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: long-term results of treatment and prognostic factors. Ann Surg. 1999;229:216–22.PubMedCrossRef Poon RT, Fan ST, Lo CM, Liu CL, Wong J. Intrahepatic recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: long-term results of treatment and prognostic factors. Ann Surg. 1999;229:216–22.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Minagawa M, Makuuchi M, Takayama T, Kokudo N. Selection criteria for repeat hepatectomy in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Surg. 2003;238:703–10.PubMedCrossRef Minagawa M, Makuuchi M, Takayama T, Kokudo N. Selection criteria for repeat hepatectomy in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Surg. 2003;238:703–10.PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Chen YJ, Yeh SH, Chen JT, et al. Chromosomal changes and clonality relationship between primary and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Gastroenterology. 2000;119:431–40.PubMedCrossRef Chen YJ, Yeh SH, Chen JT, et al. Chromosomal changes and clonality relationship between primary and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Gastroenterology. 2000;119:431–40.PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Imamura H, Matsuyama Y, Tanaka E, et al. Risk factors contributing to early and late phase intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. J Hepatol. 2003;38:200–7.PubMedCrossRef Imamura H, Matsuyama Y, Tanaka E, et al. Risk factors contributing to early and late phase intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. J Hepatol. 2003;38:200–7.PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Koniaris LG, Levi DM, Pedroso FE, et al. Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma? Ann Surg. 2011;254:527–37.PubMedCrossRef Koniaris LG, Levi DM, Pedroso FE, et al. Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma? Ann Surg. 2011;254:527–37.PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Bigourdan JM, Jaeck D, Meyer N, et al. Small hepatocellular carcinoma in Child A cirrhotic patients: hepatic resection versus transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2003;9:513–20.PubMedCrossRef Bigourdan JM, Jaeck D, Meyer N, et al. Small hepatocellular carcinoma in Child A cirrhotic patients: hepatic resection versus transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2003;9:513–20.PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Baccarani U, Isola M, Adani GL, et al. Superiority of transplantation versus resection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma. Transpl Int. 2008;21:247–54.PubMedCrossRef Baccarani U, Isola M, Adani GL, et al. Superiority of transplantation versus resection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma. Transpl Int. 2008;21:247–54.PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Ho CM, Lee PH, Chen CL, Ho MC, Wu YM, Hu RH. Long-term outcomes after resection versus transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma within UCSF criteria. Ann Surg Oncol. 2012;19:826–33.PubMedCrossRef Ho CM, Lee PH, Chen CL, Ho MC, Wu YM, Hu RH. Long-term outcomes after resection versus transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma within UCSF criteria. Ann Surg Oncol. 2012;19:826–33.PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Facciuto ME, Rochon C, Pandey M, et al. Surgical dilemma: liver resection or liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Intention-to-treat analysis in patients within and outwith Milan criteria. HPB (Oxford). 2009;11:398–404.CrossRef Facciuto ME, Rochon C, Pandey M, et al. Surgical dilemma: liver resection or liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Intention-to-treat analysis in patients within and outwith Milan criteria. HPB (Oxford). 2009;11:398–404.CrossRef
21.
go back to reference Figueras J, Jaurrieta E, Valls C, et al. Resection or transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients: outcomes based on indicated treatment strategy. J Am Coll Surg. 2000;190:580–7.PubMedCrossRef Figueras J, Jaurrieta E, Valls C, et al. Resection or transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients: outcomes based on indicated treatment strategy. J Am Coll Surg. 2000;190:580–7.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Shah SA, Cleary SP, Tan JC, et al. An analysis of resection vs transplantation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: defining the optimal therapy at a single institution. Ann Surg Oncol. 2007;14:2608–14.PubMedCrossRef Shah SA, Cleary SP, Tan JC, et al. An analysis of resection vs transplantation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: defining the optimal therapy at a single institution. Ann Surg Oncol. 2007;14:2608–14.PubMedCrossRef
23.
24.
go back to reference Balsells J, Charco R, Lazaro JL, et al. Resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Br J Surg. 1996;83:758–61.PubMedCrossRef Balsells J, Charco R, Lazaro JL, et al. Resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Br J Surg. 1996;83:758–61.PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Mazzaferro V, Regalia E, Doci R, et al. Liver transplantation for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. N Engl J Med. 1996;334:693–9.PubMedCrossRef Mazzaferro V, Regalia E, Doci R, et al. Liver transplantation for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. N Engl J Med. 1996;334:693–9.PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Sala M, Fuster J, Llovet J, et al. High pathological risk of recurrence after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: an indication for salvage liver transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2004;10:1294–300.PubMedCrossRef Sala M, Fuster J, Llovet J, et al. High pathological risk of recurrence after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: an indication for salvage liver transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2004;10:1294–300.PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Sapisochin G, Bilbao I, Balsells J, et al. Optimization of liver transplantation as a treatment of intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after partial liver resection: experience of a single European series. World J Surg. 2010;34:2146–54.PubMedCrossRef Sapisochin G, Bilbao I, Balsells J, et al. Optimization of liver transplantation as a treatment of intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after partial liver resection: experience of a single European series. World J Surg. 2010;34:2146–54.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Llovet J, Ricci S, Mazzaferro V, et al. Sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:378–90.PubMedCrossRef Llovet J, Ricci S, Mazzaferro V, et al. Sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:378–90.PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Cucchetti A, Ercolani G, Vivarelli M, et al. Is portal hypertension a contraindication to hepatic resection? Ann Surg. 2009;250:922–8.PubMedCrossRef Cucchetti A, Ercolani G, Vivarelli M, et al. Is portal hypertension a contraindication to hepatic resection? Ann Surg. 2009;250:922–8.PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Imamura H, Seyama Y, Kokudo N, et al. One thousand fifty-six hepatectomies without mortality in 8 years. Arch Surg. 2003;138:1198–206.PubMedCrossRef Imamura H, Seyama Y, Kokudo N, et al. One thousand fifty-six hepatectomies without mortality in 8 years. Arch Surg. 2003;138:1198–206.PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Cherqui D, Laurent A, Mocellin N, et al. Liver resection for transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma. Long-term survival and role of secondary liver transplantation. Ann Surg. 2009;250:738–46.PubMedCrossRef Cherqui D, Laurent A, Mocellin N, et al. Liver resection for transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma. Long-term survival and role of secondary liver transplantation. Ann Surg. 2009;250:738–46.PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Adam R, Azoulay D, Castaing D, et al. Liver resection as a bridge to transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis: a reasonable strategy? Ann Surg. 2003;238:508–18.PubMedCrossRef Adam R, Azoulay D, Castaing D, et al. Liver resection as a bridge to transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis: a reasonable strategy? Ann Surg. 2003;238:508–18.PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Belghiti J, Cortes A, Abdalla EK, et al. Resection prior to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Surg. 2003;238:885–92.PubMedCrossRef Belghiti J, Cortes A, Abdalla EK, et al. Resection prior to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Surg. 2003;238:885–92.PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Adam R, McMaster P, O’Grady JG, et al. Evolution of liver transplantation in Europe: report of the European Liver Transplant Registry. Liver Transpl. 2003;9:1231–43.PubMedCrossRef Adam R, McMaster P, O’Grady JG, et al. Evolution of liver transplantation in Europe: report of the European Liver Transplant Registry. Liver Transpl. 2003;9:1231–43.PubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Portolani N, Baiocchi GL, Coniglio A, et al. Limited liver resection: a good indication for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2011;41:1358–65.PubMedCrossRef Portolani N, Baiocchi GL, Coniglio A, et al. Limited liver resection: a good indication for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2011;41:1358–65.PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Yamamoto J, Iwatsuki S, Kosuge T, et al. Should hepatomas be treated with hepatic resection or transplantation? Cancer. 1999;1(86):1151–8.CrossRef Yamamoto J, Iwatsuki S, Kosuge T, et al. Should hepatomas be treated with hepatic resection or transplantation? Cancer. 1999;1(86):1151–8.CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Lee KK, Kim DG, Moon IS, Lee MD, Park JH. Liver transplantation versus liver resection for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Surg Oncol. 2010;101:47–53.PubMedCrossRef Lee KK, Kim DG, Moon IS, Lee MD, Park JH. Liver transplantation versus liver resection for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Surg Oncol. 2010;101:47–53.PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Taouli B, Krinsky GA. Diagnostic imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis before liver transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2006;12(11 Suppl 2):S1–7.PubMedCrossRef Taouli B, Krinsky GA. Diagnostic imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis before liver transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2006;12(11 Suppl 2):S1–7.PubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference Roayaie S, Schwartz JD, Sung MW, et al. Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplant: patterns and prognosis. Liver Transpl. 2004;10:534–40.PubMedCrossRef Roayaie S, Schwartz JD, Sung MW, et al. Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplant: patterns and prognosis. Liver Transpl. 2004;10:534–40.PubMedCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Pomfret EA, Washburn K, Wald C, et al. Report of a national conference on liver allocation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States. Liver Transpl. 2010;16:262–78.PubMedCrossRef Pomfret EA, Washburn K, Wald C, et al. Report of a national conference on liver allocation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States. Liver Transpl. 2010;16:262–78.PubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Margarit C, Escartín A, Castells L, Vargas V, Allende E, Bilbao I. Resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is a good option in Child–Turcotte–Pugh class A patients with cirrhosis who are eligible for liver transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2005;11:1242–51.PubMedCrossRef Margarit C, Escartín A, Castells L, Vargas V, Allende E, Bilbao I. Resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is a good option in Child–Turcotte–Pugh class A patients with cirrhosis who are eligible for liver transplantation. Liver Transpl. 2005;11:1242–51.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Single HCC in Cirrhotic Patients: Liver Resection or Liver Transplantation? Long-term Outcome According to an Intention-to-treat Basis
Authors
Gonzalo Sapisochin, MD, PhD
Lluis Castells, MD, PhD
Cristina Dopazo, MD, PhD
Itxarone Bilbao, MD, PhD
Beatriz Minguez, MD, PhD
Jose Luis Lázaro, MD
Helena Allende, MD, PhD
Joaquin Balsells, MD, PhD
Mireia Caralt, MD
Ramón Charco, MD, PhD
Publication date
01-04-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-012-2655-1

Other articles of this Issue 4/2013

Annals of Surgical Oncology 4/2013 Go to the issue