Impact of Laparoscopic Versus Open Hepatectomy on Perioperative Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Primary Hepatic Carcinoma

Objective To compare the perioperative outcomes of patients with primary hepatic carcinoma treated with laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH) with those treated with open hepatectomy(OH). Methods From January 2010 to August 2014, 100 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma were randomly divided into the LH group and OH group respectively, 50 patients in each group. And the incision length, blood loss, operative time, postoperative liver function, anus exhaust time, complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and cost measures were compared. Results LH could achieve shorter incision length, less blood loss, more rapid recovery in liver function and gastrointestinal function, and shorter postoperative hospital stay length compared with OH for primary hepatic carcinoma patients(all P<0.05). However, LH could not significantly shorten operative time, and reduce postoperative complications and hospitalization cost(all P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with OH, LH could improve perioperative outcomes of primary hepatic carcinoma patients.

Effects of kanglaite capsules combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） on patients with mid or late-stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of kanglaite （KLT） capsules combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） in treating patients with mid or late-stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： Sixty-five cases were randomly divided into 2 groups, 32 patients in combination group received the treatment of KLT capsules ＋ TACE and 33 patients in control group were treated with TACE alone. The objective response rate （RR）, serum alpha fetoprotein （AFP）, peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroups （T-LS）, quality of life （QOL）, time to progression （TTP） and adverse reaction were observed and compared between 2 groups. Results： The objective response rate and serum alpha fetoprotein levels had no significant difference between the two groups （P 〉 0.05）. Combination group was superior to control group in quality of life （QOL）, time to progression （TTP）, peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroups （CD3＋, CD4＋, CD4＋／CD8 ratio） and liver adverse reactions, with significant differences （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： KLT capsules combined with TACE is an effective method to treat primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） patients who have lost the opportunity of surgical therapy.

Development and validation of a postoperative pulmonary infection prediction model for patients with primary hepatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND There are factors that significantly increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary infections in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC).Previous reports have shown that over 10%of patients with PHC experience postoperative pulmonary infections.Thus,it is crucial to prioritize the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary infections in patients with PHC.AIM To identify the risk factors for postoperative pulmonary infection in patients with PHC and develop a prediction model to aid in postoperative management.METHODS We retrospectively collected data from 505 patients who underwent hepatobiliary surgery between January 2015 and February 2023 in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticospleen Surgery.Radiomics data were selected for statistical analysis,and clinical pathological parameters and imaging data were included in the screening database as candidate predictive variables.We then developed a pulmonary infection prediction model using three different models:An artificial neural network model;a random forest model;and a generalized linear regression model.Finally,we evaluated the accuracy and robustness of the prediction model using the receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analyses.RESULTS Among the 505 patients,86 developed a postoperative pulmonary infection,resulting in an incidence rate of 17.03%.Based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix,we identified 14 categories of radiomic data for variable screening of pulmonary infection prediction models.Among these,energy,contrast,the sum of squares(SOS),the inverse difference(IND),mean sum(MES),sum variance(SUV),sum entropy(SUE),and entropy were independent risk factors for pulmonary infection after hepatectomy and were listed as candidate variables of machine learning prediction models.The random forest model algorithm,in combination with IND,SOS,MES,SUE,SUV,and entropy,demonstrated the highest prediction efficiency in both the training and internal verification sets,with areas under the curve of 0.823 and 0.801 and a 95%confidence interval of 0.766-0.880 and 0.744-0.858,respectively.The other two types of prediction models had prediction efficiencies between areas under the curve of 0.734 and 0.815 and 95%confidence intervals of 0.677-0.791 and 0.766-0.864,respectively.CONCLUSION Postoperative pulmonary infection in patients undergoing hepatectomy may be related to risk factors such as IND,SOS,MES,SUE,SUV,energy,and entropy.The prediction model in this study based on diffusion-weighted images,especially the random forest model algorithm,can better predict and estimate the risk of pulmonary infection in patients undergoing hepatectomy,providing valuable guidance for postoperative management.

Percutaneous microwave ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for serum tumor markers and prognostics of middle-late primary hepatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND Primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC)has an insidious onset and is usually diagnosed in the middle and late stages.Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the preferred option for treating middle-and advanced-stage PHC,it has limited efficacy in killing tumor cells and poor long-term efficacy.TACE plus percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy(PMCT)is more effective than interventional therapy alone and can improve survival time.However,there are few reports on the effects of TACE and PMCT on serum marker levels and the prognosis of patients with advanced PHC.AIM To investigate the effect of PMCT+TACE on serum tumor markers and the prognosis of middle-late PHC.METHODS This retrospective study included 150 patients with middle-late PHC admitted to Zhongshan People’s Hospital between March 2018 and February 2021.Patients were divided into a single group(treated with TACE,n=75)and a combined group(treated with TACE+PMCT,n=75).Before and after treatment,the clinical efficacy and serum tumor marker levels[carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)]of both groups were observed.The 1-year survival rates and prognostic factors of the two groups were analyzed.RESULTS The combined group had 21 and 35 cases of complete remission(CR)and partial remission(PR),respectively.The single group had 13 and 25 cases of CR and PR,decreased,with the decrease in the combined group being more significant(P<0.05).The 1-year survival rate of the combined group(80.00%)was higher than that of the single group(60.00%)(P<0.05).The average survival time within 1 year in the combined group was 299.38±61.13 d,longer than that in the single group(214.41±72.97 d,P<0.05).COX analysis revealed that tumor diameter,tumor number,and the treatment method were prognostic factors for patients with middle-late PHC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TACE+PMCT is effective in treating patients with mid-late PHC.It reduces the levels of tumor markers,prolongs survival,and improves prognosis.

EXPRESSION OF PRE-S_1 AND PRE-S_2 ANTIGENS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN HUMAN PRIMARY HEPATIC CARCINOMA

The specimens of 135 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma were obtained from the Pathological Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, PRC. Ten percent formalin-fixed and paraffin- embedded sections were stained by HE and by ABC and PAP immunohistochemical methods. Positive rates of pre- S1 and pre- S2 antigens in cancerous tissue were 22. 2% and 20. 0%, respectively, while those in surrounding hepatic tissue were 60.6% and 59.6%, separately. The pre- S1 and pre- S2 antigens were found to coexist In 16. 3% of cancerous tissue and in 55. 6% of surrounding hepatic tissue. In all the 135 cases of hepatic carcinoma, the cancerous tissue showed positive HBsAg in 16. 3%, HBxAg in 55. 6% and HBcAg in 8. 9%; in the surrounding hepatic tissue, positive HBsAg was 59.6%, HBxAg 78.8% and HBcAg 24.2%. The results of this study suggestes that positive rates of pre- S1 and pre-S2 antigens in cancerous tissue were slightly higher than that of HBsAg, but markedly lower than that of HBxAg. The positive rate of pre-S1 and pre- S2 antigens in surrounding hepatic tissue was nearly the same as HBsAg, but slightly lower than that of HBxAg. Antigens of pre-S1 and pre-S2 are the new markers of HBV infection. The same as other antigens, they may play an important role in the development of hepatic carcinoma. The mechanism of their effect will be further investigated,

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON X ANTIGEN OF HBV (HBxAg) IN PRIMARY HEPATIC CARCINOMA

The specimens were from 110 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma. The formalin- fixed and paraffin-embedded sections were stained for HBxAg by ABC method and for HBsAg and HBcAg by PAP method. Of the 110 cases, 64 (58. 2%) showed HBxAg-positive reaction in tumor tissue, and 63 (78. 8%) of 80 cases displayed positive HBxAg in surrounding non-cancerous hepatic tissue. Among the 64 cases with positive HBxAg in tumor tissue, 15 (23. 4%) were associated with HBsAg and/or HBcAg, while in the 63 cases with positive HBxAg in non-tumor tissue, 45(71. 4%) were accompanied with HBsAg and/or HBcAg. These findings suggest a dose relationship between prlmay hepatic carcinoma and HBV infection. The high detection rate of HBxAg Indicates a very active expression of the Integrated HBV- DNA genome in the host cells. However, the action of HBxAg in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma remains to be further investigated.

DIAGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF α_1-ANTITRYSIN IN PRIMARY HEPATIC CARCINOMA - AN APPRAISAL OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY-RATE NEPHELOMETRY

Using hybridoma technique, we prepared the monoclonal antibody against a1-AT and combined it with Immuno-Chemical Monitor System-(ICS)-rate nephelemetry to determine the serum a1-AT concentration of 50 health adults, 49 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) and 52 with benign liver diseases, respectively. Serum a1-AT levels were significantly higher in patients with PHC than in normal adults (P<0.001). Elevated levels of a1-AT were found in 43% of patients with PHC. No difference was found in a1-AT between patients with benigh liver diseases and health adults (P>0.05). The results indicated that a1-AT is one of the serum markers useful for diagnosing PHC. It is hopeful by using the monoclonal antibody against a1-AT as a new reagent to examine a1-AT on the molocular cytological level.

THE CHANGES OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD T LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY HEPATIC CARCINOMA BOTH PRE-TACE AND POST-TACE

Objective To observe the variations of the cellular immunological function in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma both pre-TACE(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,TACE).Methods T lymphocyte subset CD4,CD8 and CD4/CD7 ratio in 45 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma both pre-TACE and post-TACE were measured by flow Cytometer,and compared with the result of T lymphocyte subset in 19 healthy people as normal control samples.Results The CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma were significantly lower than those in normal control(P<0.05),while CD8 higher(P<0.05);The CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma were much more lower after TACE than those before TACE(P<0.05),while CD8 was higher but had no significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion The cellular immunological function in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma decreased and is much more lower after TACE.

Evaluation of combined detection of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and glutathione peroxidase 4 in primary hepatic carcinoma and preliminary exploration of pathogenesis

This study aims to analyze the clinical significance and mechanism of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC).Methods:The expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in peripheral blood of patients with PHC was determined to analyze the diagnostic value of the two combined for PHC.The prognostic significance of NRF2 and GPX4 was evaluated by 3-year followup.Human liver epithelial cells THLE-2 and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 were purchased,and the expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in the cells was determined.NRF2 and GPX4 aberrant expression vectors were constructed and transfected into HepG2,and changes in cell proliferation and invasion capabilities were observed.Results:The expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in patients with PHC was higher than that in patients with LC or VH(p<0.05),and the two indicators combined was excellent in diagnosing PHC.Moreover,patients with high expression of NRF2 and GPX4 had a higher risk of death(p<0.05).In in vitro experiments,both NRF2 and GPX4 expression was elevated in HepG2(p<0.05).HepG2 activity was enhanced by increasing the expression of the two,vice versa(p<0.05).Conclusion:NRF2 and GPX4 combined is excellent in diagnosing PHC,and promotes the malignant development of PHC.

STUDY ON THE RFLPs AND AMPLICATION AND REARRANGEMENT OF THE TRANSFORMING GENES IN PRIMARY HEPATIC CARCINOMA, GASTRIC CARCINOMA AND BRAIN TUMOR WITH SIX HUMAN ONCOGENE PROBES

By using c-Ha-ras-1, N-ras Wigler (left sequence) and P52C.(right sequence), c-sis, v-erbB, c-myc and v-fos oncogenes as probes, restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of tumor tissue DNAs of 95 patients with gastric carcinoma, primary hepatic carcinoma and brain tumor, and those of 90 normal individuals were studied with the techniques of Southern blot and dot blot. Gene amplification and recombination were also examined in some tumors simultaneously. Some alleles of oncogene are reported in Chinese population for the first time. Moreover, the characteristic frequency of some "rare" alleles and genotypes occurred in some tumor samples is significantly higher than that occured in normal individuals. Pedigree analysis for 2 patients showed that some "rare" alleles are also abandant. Besides, gene amplification and recombination were found in some tumors.

Diagnostic efficacy of combined detection of different tumor markers for primary hepatic carcinoma

Objective:To explore the clinical diagnostic value of combined detection of different tumor markers for primary hepatic carcinoma, and to provide the reference for the clinical diagnosis. Methods: 72 patients who were diagnosed with primary hepatic carcinoma were collected as observation group, 65 patients with benign liver disease as benign liver disease group and 80 cases of health examination as healthy control group, the contents of tumor markers alpha fetoprotein(AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), carbohydrate antigen-199(CA199), carbohydrate antigen-125(CA125) and carbohydrate antigen-153(CA153) were determined by electrochemiluminescence in all subjects, then the results of five kinds of tumor markers and the positive rates of each index between the two groups were compared, the diagnostic value of separate and combined detection of different tumor markers in primary hepatic carcinoma were analyzed.Results: The values of AFP, CA199 and CA153 in the observation group were higher than the benign liver disease group, the values of AFP, CEA, CA199, CA125 and CA153 in the observation group were higher than the control group, the values of CA199 and CA125 in the benign liver disease group were higher than the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The positive rates of AFP, CEA, CA199 and CA153 in the observation group were higher than the benign liver disease group, the positive rates of AFP, CEA, CA199 and CA125 in the observation group were higher than the control group, the positive rates of AFP, CEA, CA199 and CA125 in the benign liver disease group were higher than the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The sensitivity of combined detection of all indicators for primary hepatic carcinoma was 86.4%, specificity, correct index, misdiagnosis rate and missed diagnosis rate were 86.4%, 89.2%, 75.6%, 13.6% and 10.8% respectively, and the combined detection was higher than the correct index of each index.Conclusion: Combined detection of serum tumor markers AFP, CEA, CA199, CA125 and CA153 can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoma, it has better diagnostic value for primary hepatic carcinoma.

Clinical Study on TACE Combined with Elemene Injection and Cinobufagin Injection Respectively for Middle and Advanced Primary Hepatic Carcinoma

Objective: To observe and compare the differences in the clinical effect and the incidences of adverse reactions oftranscatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) combined with elemene injection and cinobufagin injection respectively for middleand advanced primary hepatic carcinoma. Methods: A total of 104 cases of patients with middle and advanced primary hepaticcarcinoma who were treated in the oncology department from August 2018 to January 2020 were included as the study objects, andwere randomly divided into two groups according to different treatment regimens, 52 cases in each group. Both groups were treatedwith TACE once;the cinobufagin injection group was given intravenous infusion with 500 mL of 5% glucose injection and 10 mLof cinobufagin injection once a day. The elemene injection group was given intravenous infusion with elemene injection of 0.4 geach time and once a day. Both groups were treated for two courses, 15 days of continuous treatment with a rest of 15 days beingone course. The clinical effect, the changes in the indexes of liver function including alanine amino transferase(ALT), aspartatetransaminase(AST) and total bilirubin(TBil), the scores of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) and Karnofsky (KPS) and tumor volumes aswell as the difference in the incidences of adverse reactions between the two groups were observed and compared. Results: Thetotal clinical effective rate was 88.46% in the elemene injection group and 71.15% in the cinobufagin injection group, and thedifference was significant(P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of ALT, AST and TBil in serum in the two groups were significantlydecreased when compared with those before treatment, differences being significant(P<0.05). There was no significant differencebeing found in the comparison of the levels of ALT, AST and TBil in serum between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, thedecrease of AFP, tumor volume and the increase of KPS scores in the elemene injection group were significantly more than thosein the cinobufagin injection group, differences being significant (P<0.01). During treatment, there was no significant differencebeing found in the comparison of the total incidences of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05). The adverse reactionsin the cinobufagin injection group were mainly nausea and vomiting, with higher incidence than that in the elemene injection group,the difference being significant (P<0.05). The adverse reactions in the elemene injection group were mainly pain at the injectionsite, with higher incidence than that in the cinobufagin injection group, the difference being significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Thetherapy of elemene injection combined with TACE for middle and advanced primary hepatic carcinoma has better clinical effect thanthat of cinobufagin injection, but the occ.

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor: A case report and literature review

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors(PHNETs) are extremely rare and difficult to distinguish from other liver tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, based on medical imaging findings. A 70-year-old man was referred for evaluation of liver mass incidentally discovered on abdominal computed tomography. The characteristic finding from dynamic liver magnetic resonance imaging led to a diagnosis of HCC. The patient underwent right hepatectomy. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination revealed grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor. The postoperative 24-h urinary excretion of 5-hydroxy-indolacetic acid was within the normal range. Further imaging investigations were performed. No other lesions were found making probable the diagnosis of PHNET. This case shows that the diagnosis of PHNET is a medical challenge, requiring differentiation of PHNETs other hepatic masses and exclusion of occult primary neuroendocrine tumors. The diagnosis of PHNET can be ascertained after long term follow-up to exclude another primary origin.

Predominant expression of Th1-type cytokines in primary hepatic cancer and adjacent liver tissues

BACKGROUND: Research has revealed a shift towards Th2 in many types of malignant tumor, but the state of Th1/Th2 is not clear in patients with primary hepatic cancer (PHC). This study was designed to determine the expression of Th1- versus Th2-type cytokines in primary hepatic cancer and the adjacent liver tissue in order to provide evidence for treatment of the Th1/Th2 shift. METHODS: Samples were collected from 11 patients with PHC. The gene expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using IFN-gamma and IL-2 as Th1-type cytokine genes, and IL-4 and IL-10 as Th2-type cytokine genes. RESULTS: Th1-type cytokines were expressed in 7/11 PHCs and 9/11 adjacent liver tissues, while Th0 type cytokines occurred in 4/11 PHCs and 2/11 adjacent liver tissues. CONCLUSION: Th1-type cytokines are expressed predominantly in primary hepatic cancer and the adjacent liver tissue.

Features of hepatocellular carcinoma in cases with autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis

AIM: To characterize the clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with autoimmune liver disease, we critically evaluated the literature on HCC associated with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Japana Centra Revuo Medicina database which produced 38 cases of HCC with AIH (AIH-series) and 50 cases of HCC with PBC (PBC-series). We compared the clinical features of these two sets of patients with the general Japanese HCC population. RESULTS: On average, HCC was more common in men than in women with AIH or PBC. While many patients underwent chemolipiodolization (CL) or transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) (AIH-series: P = 0.048 (vs operation), P = 0.018 (vs RFA, PEIT); PBC-series: P = 0.027 (vs RFA, PEIT), others refused therapeutic interventions [AIH-series: P = 0.038 (vs RFA, PEIT); PBC-series: P = 0.003 (vs RFA, PEIT)].Liver failure was the primary cause of death among patients in this study, followed by tumor rupture. The survival interval between diagnosis and death was fairly short, averaging 14 ± 12 mo in AIH patients and 8.4 ± 14 mo in PBC patients. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated common clinical features among Japanese cases of HCC arising from AIH and PBC.

Efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil and High-Concentration Cisplatin Suspended in Lipiodol by Short-Term Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

Background: Since advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is potentially fatal, and patients’ quality of life (QOL) often deteriorates during their treatment, improving the prognosis and QOL of patients given chemotherapy is very important. In addition, cost-effective treatments are highly desirable when chemotherapy must be given repeatedly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and usefulness of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and high-concentration cisplatin by short-term hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (3-day FPL) in advanced HCC patients. Methods: Thirty patients with unresectable advanced HCC were enrolled. The patients underwent hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy via the implanted port system with 5-FU on days 1 - 3 and a fine-powder formulation of cisplatin in suspended pre-warmed lipiodol on day 2 every 4 to 10 weeks. Tumor response was assessed one month later with CT. Results: All patients had evidence of portal vein invasion (Vp2-4). Four patients achieved a complete response (CR), 8 patients achieved a partial response (PR), and 7 patients had stable disease (SD). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 198 days and 452 days, respectively. The OS was significantly longer in the successful disease control group (CR, PR, and SD) than in the progressive disease group (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Three-day FPL was effective and tolerable in advanced HCC patients due to its shorter time of administration than conventional FP therapy. Therefore, repetitive 3-day FPL appears useful and contributes to improving the prognosis and QOL of patients with advanced HCC. In addition, this protocol is a cost-effective treatment.

Hepatic Angiomyolipoma Demonstrating Similar Imaging Characteristics as Hepatocellular Carcinoma: One Case Report

Angiomyolipoma （AML） is a benign mesenchymal tumor that has been frequently reported in the kidney but rarely in the liver. AML is composed of fat, vascular, and smooth muscle elements. Because the proportion of the constituents composed of AML are varied, hepatic AML may be clinically, radiologically and morphologically difficult to distinguish from hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） or other hepatic lesions. Here we report a case with pathologically confirmed hepatic AML who was previously diagnosed as HCC based on imaging examinations.

Surgical management of spontaneous rupture of primary liver cell carcinoma:a case report

Primary liver cell carcinoma (PLCC) or Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor in Nigeria. It is a difficult problem in surgery for the diagnosis and therapy of spontaneous liver rupture. The clinical presentation can be varied owing to its clinical signs being usually not specific; therefore, correct diagnosis and management are very important. Without any treatment, the outcome is poor and survival rate is only 10%. Surgeons operate on those patients who present with ruptured PLCC; consisting of packing, hepatic artery ligation and hepatectomy. However, it is often associated with a high mortality rate; as high as 70%, even for the less invasive procedures like packing, argon beam coagulation or hepatic artery ligation. We present a 24-year old lady who had ligation of hepatic artery at an emergency laparotomy for ruptured primary liver cell carcinoma.

Liver-directed therapiesfor fibrolamellar carcinoma:Asingle-center experience

Background:This article aims to present the single-institution outcomes of patients with Fibrolamellar Carcinoma(FLC)treated with liver-directed therapies(LDT).Methods:In this single-center retrospective study,all patients diagnosed with FLC who underwent LDT were identified.Between July 2012 and July 2023,six patients were identified.One patient was excluded due to bleeding.Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded.Complications within 30 days of the LDT were evaluated.Radiological treatment responses at 1,6,and 12 months were assessed per mRECIST.Results:A total offive patients,which included three females and two males,were reviewed.Three patients were treated with transarterial hepatic embolization(TAE;n=3),transarterial radioembolization(TARE;n=1),and combined TAE+radiofrequency ablation(n=1).The objective response rate at one month was 80%[CR=2(40%),PR=2(40%),and SD=1(20%)].At 12 months(n=4),two patients demonstrated CR(50%)and two demonstrated PR(50%).Overall survival from LDT atfive years was 50%.There was no 30-day mortality among this group of patients or any adverse event attributable to the LDT.Conclusion:TAE,TARE,and ablation are safe and effective therapeutic options for FLC.Based on this study and previously published case reports,ablation and TARE yielded the most favorable results.

Role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α in Regulating Hepatic Differentiation and the Inflammatory Response in HCC

Limited treatment options are available for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),especially in the advanced stage,which is associated with a poor prognosis.Many studies have demonstrated that hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α(HNF 4α)plays an important role in hepatic differentiation and the carcinogenesis of HCC.HNF 4αcritically regulates hepatic differentiation by controlling a large number of genes involved in hepatic functions including metabolism,xenobiotic detoxification,bile acid synthesis,and serum protein production.It has also been confirmed to play an important role in the inflammatory environment in HCC.Thus,HNF 4αis considered to be a promising target for the treatment of HCC.Some studies have demonstrated that regulating HNF 4αexpression in HCC had beneficial effects in in vivo and in vitro experiments.We herein review the role of HNF 4αin regulating hepatic metabolism and the inflammatory response,aiming to provide some ideas on induced hepatic differentiation therapy and regulating the inflammatory microenvironment for the treatment of advanced HCC.