Preoperative Predictors of Very Early Recurrence in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Beyond the Milan Criteria

Overview

Journal Langenbecks Arch Surg

Specialty General Surgery

Date 2024 Sep 18

PMID 39292284

Authors

Satoshi Yasuda

Yasuko Matsuo

Shunsuke Doi

Takeshi Sakata

Minako Nagai

Kota Nakamura

Taichi Terai

Yuichiro Kohara

Masayuki Sho

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients beyond the Milan criteria (MC) who undergo liver resection have high recurrence rates and poor prognosis, and sometimes experience very early recurrence (VER) within six months after surgery. This study aimed to identify predictive factors, including the newly proposed C-reactive protein (CRP)-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, for VER after surgery for HCC beyond MC.

Methods: We included patients who underwent initial liver resection for HCC beyond MC between 2000 and 2021. We defined VER as recurrence within six months after surgery and compared the clinicopathological factors and long-term prognosis between the VER and non-VER groups. Multivariate analysis identified risk factors for VER and evaluated the potential for prognostic stratification using these factors.

Results: The overall survival (OS) and post-recurrence survival were significantly worse in the VER group compared to patients with recurrence in 7-12 months, over 12 months, and without recurrence (median survival time (MST) 1.16 vs. 5.14, 7.26, and undefined; and MST 0.81 vs. 4.34, and 5.48, respectively, P < 0.01). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 200, non-simple nodule (SN) type on preoperative imaging, and CALLY index < 2.8 were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.01 for all). An increased risk factor count was correlated with poorer VER and OS rates, allowing for effective stratification.

Conclusion: VER after hepatic resection for HCC beyond MC was associated with a significantly poorer prognosis. AFP, non-SN type on imaging, and CALLY index are valuable preoperative indicators. Patients with multiple risk factors have a worse prognosis and may be candidates for multimodal treatment.

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