OBJECTIVETo evaluate the prognostic value of CLIP score system for patients with resection of HCC.

METHODSA retrospective survey was carried out in 174 patients undergoing resection of HCC from January 1986 to June 1998. 153 of 174 patients with curative resection were followed up for at least three years. Disease-free survival rate was defined as the time relapsed from the date of image diagnosis and either the date of death or the date of the latest follow-up visit, with final evaluation at June 30, 2001. Recurrences were classified into early ( 3 year) recurrence. Risk factors for recurrences and prognostic factors for survival in each group were analyzed by the chi-square test, the Kalain-Meier estimation and the COX proportional hazards model respectively.

RESULTSThe 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, and 10-year cumulative disease free survival rates were 57.2%, 28.3%, 23.5%, 18.8% and 17.8%, respectively. The associated factors with early recurrence were as fellows: tumor size > 5 cm, microsatellite, venous invasion, tumor morphology, tumor extension, advanced TNM stages, CLIP scores, radical resection, and resection margin, respectively. But both CLIP scores and Child stage were associated with late recurrence. Univariate survival curves analysis expressed that Child grades, radical resection, resection margin, tumor size, microsatellite, venous invasion, tumor morphology, tumor extension, TNM stages, and CLIP scores were associated with prognosis. The multivariate analysis by COX proportional hazards model, the independent prognostic factors for survival were radical resection, resection margin, and TNM stages.

CONCLUSIONSCLIP score, which takes into account both liver function and tumor extension, has displayed a unique superiority in predicting the tumor early and late recurrence and prognosis. It could be an useful tool in predicting the patient recurrence and prognosis with resection of HCC. Meanwhile, it may help physicians to decide the more appropriate management in advance for patients with HCC.