BACKGROUND/AIMS: Practice guidelines recommend endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and endoscopic variceal obturation (EVO) for bleeding from esophageal varices and fundal varices, respectively. However, the optimal treatment for bleeding from cardiac varices along the lesser curvature of the stomach (GOV1) remains undefined. This retrospective study compared the efficacy between EBL and EVO for bleeding from GOV1. METHODS: Patients treated by EBL or EVO via cyanoacrylate injection for bleeding from GOV1 were enrolled. Patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma or treated with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy were excluded. RESULTS: The study included 91 patients treated for bleeding from GOV1. The mean age was 56.3±10.9 years (mean±SD), and 78 of them (85.7%) were men. Overall, 51 and 40 patients were treated with EBL and EVO, respectively. A trend for a higher hemostasis rate was noted in the EVO group (100%) than in the EBL group (82.6%, P=0.078). Varices rebled in 15 patients during follow-up. The rebleeding rate was significantly higher in the EBL group than in the EVO group (P=0.004). During follow-up, 13 patients died (11 in the EBL group and 2 in the EVO group); the survival rate was marginally significant between two groups (P=0.050). The rebleeding-free survival rate was significantly higher in the EVO group than in the EBL group (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to EBL, EVO offered significantly lower rebleeding rates, significantly higher rebleeding-free survival rates, and a trend for higher hemostasis and survival rates. EVO appears to be the better therapeutic option for bleeding from GOV1.
Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/complications ; Cyanoacrylates/*therapeutic use ; Disease-Free Survival ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology/mortality/*therapy ; Humans ; Ligation ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications/diagnosis ; Liver Neoplasms/complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sclerotherapy ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We compared the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the survival of patients who received radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with patients treated with TACE or RFA alone. METHODS: This study included 201 patients with HCC, who were consecutively enrolled at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between December 2004 and February 2010. Inclusion criteria were a single HCC < or = 5.0 cm or up to three HCCs < or = 3.0 cm. We used a propensity score model to compare HCC patients (n = 87) who received RFA after TACE (TACE + RFA) with those who received TACE (n = 71) or RFA alone (n = 43). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 33.3 months (range, 6.8 to 80.9). The TACE + RFA group showed significantly lower local recurrence than the RFA or TACE groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.309; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.130 to 0.736; p = 0.008; and HR, 0.352; 95% CI, 0.158 to 0.787; p = 0.011, respectively). The overall survival was significantly better in the TACE + RFA group compared to the RFA group (HR, 0.422; 95% CI, 0.185 to 0.964; p = 0.041). However, the survival benefit was not different between the TACE + RFA and TACE groups (p = 0.124). Subgroup analysis showed that among patients with a tumor size < 3 cm, the TACE + RFA group had significantly better long-term survival than those in the TACE or RFA groups (p = 0.017, p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: TACE + RFA combination treatment showed favorable local recurrence and better overall survival rates in early-stage HCC patients. Patients with tumors < 3 cm are likely to benefit more from TACE + RFA combination treatment. Additional studies are needed for the selection of suitable HCC patients for TACE + RFA treatment.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; *Catheter Ablation/adverse effects/mortality ; *Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects/mortality ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Neoadjuvant Therapy/adverse effects/mortality ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Patient Selection ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Burden ; Young Adult

Pretransplant alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a useful tumor marker predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Little is known, however, about the relationship between changes in AFP concentration and prognosis. This study investigated the clinical significance of change in peri-transplant AFP level as a predictor of HCC recurrence. Data from 125 HCC patients with elevated pretransplant AFP level who underwent liver transplantation (LT) between February 2000 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with AFP normalization within 1 month after LT were classified into the rapid normalization group (n = 97), with all other patients classified into the non-rapid normalization group (n = 28). Tumor recurrence was observed in 17 of the 97 patients (17.5%) with rapid normalization; of these, 11 patients had high AFP levels and six had normal levels at recurrence. In contrast, tumor recurrence was observed in 24 of the 28 patients (85.7%) without rapid normalization, with all 24 having high AFP levels at recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that non-rapid normalization (harzard ratio [HR], 4.41, P < 0.001), sex (HR, 3.26, P = 0.03), tumor size (HR, 1.15, P = 0.001), and microvascular invasion (HR, 2.65, P = 0.005) were independent risk factors for recurrence. In conclusion, rapid normalization of post-LT AFP level at 1 month is a useful clinical marker for HCC recurrence. Therefore, an adjuvant strategy and/or intensive screening are needed for patients who do not show rapid normalization.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood/mortality/*pathology/therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver Neoplasms/blood/mortality/*pathology/therapy ; *Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Severity of Illness Index ; alpha-Fetoproteins/analysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of chemoembolization in Child-Pugh class C patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 55 patients with HCC who were classified as Child-Pugh class C and who underwent initial chemoembolization between January 2003 and December 2012. Selective chemoembolization was performed in all technically feasible cases to minimize procedure-related complications. All adverse events within 30 days were recorded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). The tumor response to chemoembolization was evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors. RESULTS: Thirty (54.5%) patients were within the Milan criteria, and 25 (45.5%) were beyond. The mortality of study subjects at 30 days was 5.5%. Major complications were observed in five (9.1%) patients who were all beyond the Milan criteria: two hepatic failures, one hepatic encephalopathy, and two CTCAE grade 3 increases in aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase abnormality. The mean length of hospitalization was 6.3 ± 8.3 days (standard deviation), and 18 (32.7%) patients were discharged on the next day after chemoembolization. The tumor responses of the patients who met the Milan criteria were significantly higher (p = 0.014) than those of the patients who did not. The overall median survival was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval: 4.4-9.8 months). CONCLUSION: Even in patients with Child-Pugh class C, chemoembolization can be performed safely with a selective technique in selected cases with a small tumor burden.
Adult ; Aged ; Alanine Transaminase/metabolism ; Aspartate Aminotransferases/metabolism ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality/*pathology/therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects ; Female ; Hepatic Encephalopathy/etiology ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Liver Neoplasms/mortality/*pathology/therapy ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Severity of Illness Index ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Burden

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Chinese medicine (CM) herbal treatment based on syndrome differentiation on patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSA total of 94 patients with unresectable HCC were reviewed between June 2008 and June 2011. Survival analysis was performed between patients who received CM with/without non-curative antitumor treatments of Western medicine (WM) (CM group, 30 cases) and patients who were not treated with CM but with non-curative antitumor treatments of WM or supportive treatment alone (non-CM group, 64 cases). Then, survival analysis was performed between patients treated with CM combined with non-curative antitumor treatments of WM (combination therapy group, 25 cases) and patients with non-curative antitumor treatments of WM alone (non-curative antitumor treatments group of WM, 52 cases). The survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) were assessed by the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTSThe median survival time (MST), 1- and 2-year survival rates of the CM group and the non-CM group were 36 months, 76.7%, 56.1% and 12 months, 48.4%, 26.6%, respectively. The Log-rank test revealed significant difference between the two groups in OS (P<0.01). Cox proportional multivariate analysis revealed that CM was an independent favorable prognostic factor for OS. The MST, 1- and 2-year survival rates of combination therapy group and non-curative antitumor treatments group of WM were 36 months, 76.0%, 55.5% and 13 months, 55.8%, 30.8%, respectively. There was significant difference in OS between the two groups (P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONSCM herbs based on syndrome differentiation have positive effects on survival of patients with unresectable HCC. Furthermore, combination therapy of CM and WM are recommended in HCC treatment.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; mortality ; surgery ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; mortality ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Survival Analysis ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVEThis study was aimed to understand the clinical characteristics and prognosis in Uighur patients with Non-B Non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and virus-related HCC.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 301 Uighur HCC patients, among them, there were 145 NBC-HCC cases and 156 virus-related HCC cases. The overall survival rates of the patients were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method, and the factors that may influence the prognosis and survival of NBC-HCC patients were analyzed using univariate (Log rank test) and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTSThe differences of the gender, living region, history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), history of cirrhosis, TNM stage, Child-Pugh scores, total bilirubin, and AFP level between the NBC-HCC group and viral-HCC group were statistically significant (P < 0.05 for all). The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 35.6%, 20.3%, 12.6%, and 4.5%, respectively, for all the 301 patients, and no significant difference between these two groups in terms of OS (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis by Cox model showed that age, TNM staging, PVTT, Child-Pugh scores, TACE combined with radiotherapy or RFA were significant independent prognostic factors (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe clinical characteristics in Uighur patients with non-B non-C HCC and hepatitis virus-related HCC are not all the same and HCC in Xinjiang region has certain regional characteristics and features. Age, TNM stages, portal vein tumor thrombus, Child-Pugh scores, and TACE combined with radiotherapy or RFA are significant independent prognostic factors.

Age Factors ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; ethnology ; mortality ; therapy ; virology ; Female ; Hepatitis C ; virology ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver Neoplasms ; ethnology ; mortality ; therapy ; virology ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Portal Vein ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Factors ; Survival Rate ; Thrombosis ; Treatment Outcome

INTRODUCTIONMost hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) develop in a background of underlying liver disease including chronic hepatitis B. However, the effect of antiviral therapy on the long-term outcome of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC treated with chemoembolization is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the survival benefits of anti-HBV therapy after chemoembolization for patients with HBV-related HCC.

METHODSA total of 224 HCC patients who successfully underwent chemoembolization were identified, and their survival and other relevant clinical data were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to validate possible effects of antiviral treatment on overall survival (OS).

RESULTSThe median survival time (MST) was 15.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.5-27.7) months in the antiviral group and 9.6 (95% CI, 7.8-13.7) months in the non-antiviral group (log-rank test, P = 0.044). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that antiviral treatment was a prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.008). Additionally, a further analysis was based on the stratification of the TNM tumor stages. In the subgroup of early stages, MST was significantly longer in the antiviral-treatment group than in the non-antiviral group (61.8 months [95% CI, 34.8 months to beyond the follow-up period] versus 26.2 [95% CI, 14.5-37.7] months, P = 0.012). Multivariate analysis identified antiviral treatment as a prognostic factor for OS in the early-stage subgroup (P = 0.006). However, in the subgroup of advanced stages, MST of the antiviral-treated group was comparable to that of the non-antiviral group (8.4 [95% CI, 5.2-13.5] months versus 7.4 [95% CI, 5.9-9.3] months, P = 0.219). Multivariate analysis did not indicate that antiviral treatment was a significant prognostic factor in this subgroup.

CONCLUSIONAntiviral treatment is associated with prolonged OS time after chemoembolization for HCC, especially in patients with early-stage tumors.

Antiviral Agents ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Hepatitis B virus ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; Mortality ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using gelatin sponges or microspheres plus lipiodol-doxorubicin vs. doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting beads (DEB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 158 patients with HCC received TACE from November 2010 to November 2011 were enrolled in this study, including 64 (40.5%) received TACE with lipiodol-doxorubicin and gelatin sponges (group A), 41 (25.9%) received TACE with lipiodol-doxorubicin and microspheres (group B), and 53 (33.5%) received TACE with doxorubicin-loaded DEB (group C). Tumor response and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant difference was found at baseline among the three groups. The doxorubicin dosage in group C was significantly (p < 0.001) higher compared to the dose used in groups A or B (median, 50 mg vs. 31 mg or 25 mg). Significantly (p < 0.001) more patients in group C achieved complete response compared to those in groups A or B (32.1% vs. 6.3% or 2.4%). Significantly (p < 0.001) less patients in group C had progressive disease compared to those in groups A or B (34.0% vs. 57.8% or 68.3%). Minor AEs were more common in groups A and B compared to group C, with rates of 54.7%, 34.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with HCC, TACE with DEB offers better safety and efficacy profiles compared to either TACE with gelatin sponges or TACE with microspheres.
Abdominal Pain/etiology ; Adult ; Aged ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/*drug therapy/mortality ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Disease-Free Survival ; Doxorubicin/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Drug Carriers/*chemistry ; Ethiodized Oil/chemistry ; Female ; Fever/etiology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gelatin/chemistry ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver Neoplasms/*drug therapy/mortality ; Male ; Microspheres ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most commonly used immunosuppressant therapy after liver transplantation (LT) is a combination of tacrolimus and steroid. Basiliximab induction has recently been introduced; however, the most appropriate immunosuppression for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after LT is still debated. METHODS: Ninety-three LT recipients with HCC who took tacrolimus and steroids as major immunosuppressants were included. Induction with basiliximab was implemented in 43 patients (46.2%). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was added to reduce the tacrolimus dosage (n=28, 30.1%). The 1-year tacrolimus exposure level was 7.2 +/- 1.3 ng/mL (mean +/- SD). RESULTS: The 1- and 3-year recurrence rates of HCC were 12.9% and 19.4%, respectively. Tacrolimus exposure, cumulative steroid dosages, and MMF dosages had no impact on HCC recurrence. Induction therapy with basiliximab, high alpha fetoprotein (AFP; >400 ng/mL) and protein induced by vitamin K absence/antagonist-II (PIVKA-II; >100 mAU/mL) levels, and microvascular invasion were significant risk factors for 1-year recurrence (P<0.05). High AFP and PIVKA-II levels, and positive 18fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron-emission tomography findings were significantly associated with 3-year recurrence (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Induction therapy with basiliximab, a strong immunosuppressant, may have a negative impact with respect to early HCC recurrence (i.e., within 1 year) in high-risk patients.
Adult ; Aged ; Biological Markers/analysis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents/*therapeutic use ; Liver Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; *Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Protein Precursors/analysis ; Prothrombin/analysis ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Severity of Illness Index ; Survival Rate ; alpha-Fetoproteins/analysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify the prognostic factors associated with patient survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty two patients who underwent TACE for infiltrative HCC were evaluated between 2007 and 2010. The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 7 cm to 22 cm (median 15 cm). Of 46 infiltrative HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis, 32 patients received adjuvant radiation therapy for portal vein tumor thrombosis after TACE. RESULTS: The tumor response by European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria was partial in 18%, stable in 47%, and progressive in 35% of the patients. The median survival time was 5.7 months (Kaplan-Meier analysis). The survival rates were 48% at six months, 25% at one year, and 12% at two years. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, Child-Pugh class (p = 0.02), adjuvant radiotherapy (p = 0.003) and tumor response after TACE (p = 0.004) were significant factors associated with patient survival. Major complications occurred in nine patients. The major complication rate was significantly higher in patients with Child-Pugh B than in patients with Child-Pugh A (p = 0.049, chi2 test). CONCLUSION: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization can be a safe treatment option in infiltrative HCC patients with Child Pugh class A. Child Pugh class A, radiotherapy for portal vein tumor thrombosis after TACE and tumor response are good prognostic factors for an increased survival after TACE in patients with infiltrative HCCs.
Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/*adverse effects/methods/mortality ; Female ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Tumor Burden ; Venous Thrombosis/etiology