Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Immunohistochemical Assessment of Markers of Cancer Cell Metabolism.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been associated to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We sought to investigate the immunoexpression of several glycolytic metabolism-associated markers in patients with HCC associated to NAFLD and associate these factors to their clinical-pathological characteristics. METHODS: We evaluated 35 HCC specimens from 21 patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) undergoing liver resection (12 patients), liver transplantation (8 patients), or both (1 patient). Histological features, clinical aspects, demographic and biochemical data, as well as the immunohistochemical reactivity for monocarboxylate transporters 1, 2, and 4; their chaperone CD147; carbonic anhydrase IX; and glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) were assessed. RESULTS: Metabolic-associated cirrhosis was present in 12 of the 21 patients (8 child A and 4 child B scores). From 9 patients without cirrhosis, 3 presented NASH F3 and 6 NASH F2. Sixteen (76%) had diabetes mellitus, 17 (81%) arterial hypertension, and 19 (90%) body mass index above 25 kg/m2; 8 (38%) had dyslipidemia. From 35 nodules, steatosis was found in 26, ballooning in 31 nodules, 25 of them diagnosed as steatohepatitic subtype of HCC. MCT4 immunoexpression was associated with extensive intratumoral fibrosis, advanced clinical stages, and shorter overall survival. GLUT1 was noticeable in nodules with extensive intratumoral steatosis, higher intratumoral fibrosis, and advanced clinical stages. Immunohistochemical expression of the metabolic biomarkers MCT4 and GLUT1 was higher in patients with Barcelona-clinic liver cancer B or C. GLUT1 correlated with higher degree of steatosis, marked ballooning, intratumoral fibrosis, and higher parenchymal necroinflammatory activity. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the expression of the glycolytic phenotype of metabolic markers, especially GLUT1 and MCT4, correlates with a more severe course of HCC occurring in NASH patients.

African genetic ancestry is associated with lower frequency of PNPLA3 G allele in non-alcoholic fatty liver in an admixed population.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: PNPLA3 (rs738409) and TM6SF2 (rs58542926) variants, interindividual and ethnic differences may be risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The PNPLA3 G allele is associated with worse NAFLD evolution in Hispanics and Caucasians. TM6SF2 is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, NAFLD, and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between genetic ancestry by Ancestry Informative Markers (AIM), PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 polymorphisms in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD in an admixed population. METHODS: We included adults with biopsy-proven NAFLD and excluded patients with the presence of other chronic liver disease, alcohol intake >100g/week, HIV, drug-induced fatty liver disease, or liver transplantation. We classified NAFLD using the Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH-CRN) histological scoring system. The PNPLA3 (rs738409 c.444C>G) and TM6SF2 (rs58542926 c.449C>T) genotyping were performed by RT-PCR. Genetic ancestry was determined using 46 insertion-deletion AIM; α<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients with NAFLD were enrolled [34 with simple steatosis (NAFL); 214 with NASH]. Overall, we detected a greater European ancestry contribution (0.645), followed by African (0.173), Amerindian (0.095), and East Asian (0.087) ancestry contribution, without differences between NAFL and NASH patients. However, we found a higher African genetic ancestry contribution among patients with NAFL who had the PNPLA3 C/C genotype than those with the G allele (0.216 ± 0.205 versus 0.105 ± 0.101, respectively; p=0.047). Ancestry contributions did not differ among TM6SF2 genotypes. CONCLUSION: Among NAFL patients, greater African genetic ancestry was associated to a lower frequency of the PNPLA3 G allele, demonstrating a possible NASH ancestry-related protective factor.

Molecular characterisation of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing globally, but its molecular features are not well defined. We aimed to identify unique molecular traits characterising NASH-HCC compared to other HCC aetiologies. METHODS: We collected 80 NASH-HCC and 125 NASH samples from 5 institutions. Expression array (n = 53 NASH-HCC; n = 74 NASH) and whole exome sequencing (n = 52 NASH-HCC) data were compared to HCCs of other aetiologies (n = 184). Three NASH-HCC mouse models were analysed by RNA-seq/expression-array (n = 20). Activin A receptor type 2A (ACVR2A) was silenced in HCC cells and proliferation assessed by colorimetric and colony formation assays. RESULTS: Mutational profiling of NASH-HCC tumours revealed TERT promoter (56%), CTNNB1 (28%), TP53 (18%) and ACVR2A (10%) as the most frequently mutated genes. ACVR2A mutation rates were higher in NASH-HCC than in other HCC aetiologies (10% vs. 3%, p <0.05). In vitro, ACVR2A silencing prompted a significant increase in cell proliferation in HCC cells. We identified a novel mutational signature (MutSig-NASH-HCC) significantly associated with NASH-HCC (16% vs. 2% in viral/alcohol-HCC, p = 0.03). Tumour mutational burden was higher in non-cirrhotic than in cirrhotic NASH-HCCs (1.45 vs. 0.94 mutations/megabase; p <0.0017). Compared to other aetiologies of HCC, NASH-HCCs were enriched in bile and fatty acid signalling, oxidative stress and inflammation, and presented a higher fraction of Wnt/TGF-ß proliferation subclass tumours (42% vs. 26%, p = 0.01) and a lower prevalence of the CTNNB1 subclass. Compared to other aetiologies, NASH-HCC showed a significantly higher prevalence of an immunosuppressive cancer field. In 3 murine models of NASH-HCC, key features of human NASH-HCC were preserved. CONCLUSIONS: NASH-HCCs display unique molecular features including higher rates of ACVR2A mutations and the presence of a newly identified mutational signature. LAY SUMMARY: The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing globally, but its molecular traits are not well characterised. In this study, we uncovered higher rates of ACVR2A mutations (10%) - a potential tumour suppressor - and the presence of a novel mutational signature that characterises NASH-related HCC.

Phase II consolidation trial with anti-Lewis-Y monoclonal antibody (hu3S193) in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer after a second remission.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of hu3S193, a humanized anti-Lewis-Y monoclonal antibody, as a consolidation strategy in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who achieved a second complete response after salvage platinum-doublet chemotherapy. METHODS: This single-arm phase II study accrued patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer with Lewis-Y expression by immunohistochemistry who had achieved a second complete response after five to eight cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients received intravenous infusions of hu3S193, 30 mg/m2 every 2 weeks starting no more than 8 weeks after the last dose of chemotherapy and continuing for 12 doses, until disease progression, or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival of the second remission. Secondary objectives were safety and pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled. Most had a papillary/serous histology tumor (94%), stage III disease at diagnosis (75%), and five (17%) underwent secondary cytoreduction before salvage chemotherapy. Two patients were not eligible for efficacy but were considered for toxicity analysis. Eighteen patients (62%) completed the full consolidation treatment while nine patients progressed on treatment. At the time of analysis, 23 patients (85%) of the eligible population had progressed and seven of these patients (26%) had died. Median progression-free survival of the second remission was 12.1 months (95% CI: 10.6-13.9), with a 1-year progression-free survival of the second remission rate of 50.1%. The trial was terminated early since it was unlikely that the primary objective would be achieved. The most commonly reported treatment-related adverse events were nausea (55%) and vomiting (51%). CONCLUSIONS: Hu3S193 did not show sufficient clinical activity as consolidation therapy in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who achieved a second complete response after platinum-based chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01137071.

Impact of Brazilian expanded criteria for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main indications for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In Brazil, selection criteria for HCC is an expanded version of the Milan Criteria (MC), the so-called "Brazilian Milan Criteria" (BMC). Our aims were to evaluate post-OLT outcomes in patients with HCC and analyze the BMC performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study, analyzing medical records of 1,059 liver transplant recipients with HCC. Tumor was staged according to MC and BMC and correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). We compared the ability of MC and BMC to predict OS and DFS using Delta C-statistic. RESULTS: Post-OLT OS were 63% in five years and HCC recurrence was observed in 8% of patients. At diagnosis, 85% of patients were within MC. Patients within MC at diagnosis and in the explant showed a higher OS and DFS than patients outside MC and within BMC and patients outside both criteria (p < 0.001). Patients outside MC in the explant had an increased risk of tumor recurrence (HR: 3.78; p < 0.001) and poor survival (HR:1.77; p = 0.003). The BMC presented a lower performance than MC in properly classifying patients regarding recurrence risk. CONCLUSIONS: In a large Brazilian cohort of HCC patients submitted to liver transplantation, we observed satisfactory overall survival and recurrence rates. However, patients transplanted within the Brazilian expanded criteria had lower OS and DFS when compared to patients within MC, which may generate future discussions regarding the criteria currently used.

A phenotypical map of disseminated hepatocellular carcinoma suggests clonal constraints in metastatic sites.

AIMS: Access to tissue in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited compared to other malignancies, particularly at advanced stages. This has precluded a thorough characterisation of molecular drivers of HCC dissemination, particularly in relation to distant metastases. Biomarker assessment is restricted to early stages, and paired primary-metastatic comparisons between samples from the same patient are difficult. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report the evaluation of 88 patients with HCC who underwent autopsy, including multiregional sampling of primary and metastatic sites totalling 230 nodules analysed. The study included morphological assessment, immunohistochemistry and mutation status of the TERT promoter, the most frequently mutated gene in HCC. We confirm a strong predilection of HCC for lung dissemination, including subclinical micrometastases (unrecognised during imaging and macroscopic examinations) in 30% of patients with disseminated disease. Size of dominant tumour nodule; multinodularity; macrovascular invasion; high histological, nuclear and architectural grades; and cellular crowding were associated with the presence of extrahepatic metastasis. Among the immunohistochemistry markers tested, metastatic nodules had significantly higher K19 and EpCAM expression than primary liver tumours. Morphological and immunohistochemical features showed that metastatic HCC could be traced back to the primary tumour, sometimes to a specific hepatic nodule. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests limited heterogeneity in metastatic sites compared to primary tumour sites.

Histology of portal vascular changes associated with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: nomenclature and definition.

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a rare vascular liver disease that has attracted new interest in recent years. It is characterised by clinical signs of portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis or severe fibrosis and any known cause of portal hypertension. As much uncertainty exists about INCPH pathophysiology, and no definite diagnostic tests are available, liver biopsy is an essential tool for achieving a definite diagnosis. Unfortunately, the histological diagnosis of INCPH is not always straightforward, as the characteristic lesions are unevenly distributed, vary greatly in their severity, are often very subtle, and are not all necessarily present in a single case. Furthermore, specifically for the characteristic portal vessel changes observed in INCPH, the terminology and definition are ambiguous, which adds complexity to the already complex clinicopathological scenario. An international study group of liver pathologists and hepatologists pursued a consensus on nomenclature for the portal vascular lesions of INCPH. Such standardisation may assist pathologists in the recognition of such lesions, and will possibly facilitate further advancement in this field.

Yellow fever and orthotopic liver transplantation: new insights from the autopsy room for an old but re-emerging disease.

AIMS: The clinical spectrum of yellow fever (YF) ranges from asymptomatic to fulminant hepatitis. During the sylvatic YF epidemic in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil in 2018, seven orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) were performed in our institution to treat fulminant YF hepatitis. Three patients recovered, while four patients died following OLT. The autopsy findings of all these cases are presented herein as the first description of YF in transplanted patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients were men, aged 16-40 years, without vaccination to YF virus (YFV). All organs were examined, with tissue sampling for histopathological analysis. Detection of YF virus antigens (YFV Ag) was performed with two primary antibodies (mouse polyclonal anti-YFV antibody directed to wild strain and a goat anti-YF virus antibody), and RT-PCR assays were utilised to detect YFV-RNA. All the cases depicted typical findings of YF hepatitis in the engrafted liver. The main extrahepatic findings were cerebral oedema, pulmonary haemorrhage, pneumonia, acute tubular necrosis and ischaemic/reperfusion pancreatitis. Of the four cases, the YVF Ag was detected in the heart in one case, liver and testis in three cases, and the kidney and spleen in all four cases. All four cases had YF virus RNA detected by RT-PCR in the liver and in other organs. CONCLUSIONS: Infection of the engrafted liver and other organs by YFV, possibly combined with major ischaemic systemic lesions, may have led to the death of four of the seven patients undergoing OLT.

Pathological factors and prognosis of resected liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma: implications and proposal for a pathological reporting protocol.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The liver is the most common site of distant metastases, and surgery is the only potentially curative treatment, although the recurrence rate following surgery is high. In order to define prognosis after surgery, many histopathological features have been identified in the primary tumour. In turn, pathologists routinely report specific findings to guide oncologists on the decision to recommend adjuvant therapy. In general, the pathological report of resected colorectal liver metastases is limited to confirmation of the malignancy and details regarding the margin status. Most pathological reports of a liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis lack information on other important features that have been reported to be independent prognostic factors. We herein review the evidence to support a more detailed pathological report of the resected liver specimen, with attention to: the number and size of liver metastases; margin size; the presence of lymphatic, vascular, perineural and biliary invasion; mucinous pattern; tumour growth pattern; the presence of a tumour pseudocapsule; and the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, we propose a new protocol for the evaluation of colorectal liver metastasis resection specimens.

Clinicopathological and prognostic features of Epstein-Barr virus infection, microsatellite instability, and PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gastric cancer (GC) has recently been categorized in molecular subtypes, which include Epstein-Barr (EBV)-positive and microsatellite instability (MSI) tumors. This distinction may provide prognostic information and identifies therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to evaluate EBV, MSI, and PD-L1 immunoexpression in GC and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and patient's prognosis. METHODS: We evaluated 287 GC patients who underwent D2-gastrectomy through immunohistochemistry for DNA mismatch repair proteins and PD-L1, and in situ hybridization for EBV detection utilizing tissue microarray. RESULTS: EBV-positive and MSI were identified in 10.5% and 27% of the GCs, respectively. EBV positivity was associated to male gender (P = 0.032), proximal location (P < 0.001), undetermined Lauren type (P < 0.001), poorly differentiated histology (P = 0.043) and severe inflammatory infiltrate (P < 0.001). MSI-tumors were associated to older age (P = 0.002), subtotal gastrectomy (P = 0.004), pN0 (P = 0.024) and earlier TNM stage (P = 0.020). PD-L1-positive was seen in 8.8% of cases, with predominant expression in EBV-positive GC (P < 0.001). MSI was associated to better survival outcomes. CONCLUSION: EBV-positive GCs had increased PD-L1 expression, while MSI GC had better survival outcome. EBV and MSI subgroups are distinct GC entities, their recognition is feasible by conventional techniques, and it may help individualize follow-up and guide adjuvant therapy.

Prognostic significance of poorly differentiated clusters and tumor budding in colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Histomorphological features have been described as prognostic factors after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The objectives of this study were to assess the prognostic significance of tumor budding (TB) and poorly differentiated clusters (PDC) among CLM, and their association with other prognostic factors. METHODS: We evaluated 229 patients who underwent a first resection of CLM. Slides stained by HE were assessed for TB, PDC, tumor border pattern, peritumoral pseudocapsule, peritumoral, and intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate. Lymphatic and portal invasion were evaluated through D2-40 and CD34 antibody. RESULTS: Factors independently associated with poor overall survival were nodules>4 (P = 0.002), presence of PDC G3 (P = 0.007), portal invasion (P = 0.005), and absence of tumor pseudocapsule (P = 0.006). Factors independently associated with disease-free survival included number of nodules>4 (P < 0.001), presence of PDC G3 (P = 0.005), infiltrative border (P = 0.031), portal invasion (P = 0.006), and absent/mild peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate (P = 0.002). PDC and TB were also associated with histological factors, as portal invasion (TB), peritumoral inflammatory infiltration (PDC), infiltrative border, and absence of tumor pseudocapsule (TB and PDC). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study demonstrating PDC as a prognostic factor in CLM. TB was also a prognostic factor, but it was not an independent predictor of survival.

Tumour epithelial and stromal characteristics of hepatocellular carcinomas with abundant fibrous stroma: fibrolamellar versus scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIMS: The scirrhous variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (S-HCC) and fibrolamellar HCC (FL-HCC) are less common subtypes of HCC that are characterized by abundant fibrous stroma. Here, we aimed to investigate differences in the tumour microenvironment and the tumour epithelial cell characteristics of S-HCC and FL-HCC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Whole tissue sections of 17 S-HCCs and 9 FL-HCCs were subjected to immunohistochemical stains for keratin 7 (K7), K19, EpCAM, CD56/NCAM, CD163, CD68, pSTAT3, FAP, CCN2 and Ki-67. FL-HCC patients were younger than S-HCC patients (P < 0.001), and chronic liver disease was seen in the background of 88.2% of S-HCC and in none of the FL-HCC. CD68 and CD163-positive tumour-infiltrating macrophages, and FAP-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were more abundant in the stroma of S-HCCs compared to FL-HCCs (all P < 0.05). Tumour epithelial K19 expression was more frequent in S-HCCs compared to FL-HCCs (P = 0.023). Significant positive correlations were seen between pSTAT3 expression status in tumour epithelial cells and CAFs, the extent of stromal CAF and macrophage infiltration and K19 expression status. No significant differences were seen for K7, EpCAM, CD56/NCAM, CCN2 expression and Ki-67 labelling index between S-HCCs and FL-HCCs. CONCLUSION: S-HCC and FL-HCC are subtypes of HCC with extensive fibrosis, and the nature of the fibrous stroma differs between them. While the stroma of FL-HCC is composed of dense lamellated collagenous bands with sparse cellular components, S-HCC demonstrates more abundant CAF and tumour-infiltrating macrophages and stemness-related marker expression, suggesting the presence of a complex tumour microenvironment that may influence the aggressive behaviour of S-HCCs.

Role of aetiology in the progression, regression, and parenchymal remodelling of liver disease: implications for liver biopsy interpretation.

Clinicopathological concepts on acute and chronic liver disease have evolved rapidly during the last few years, with advances in general and specific treatment options and improved patient outcomes. The old paradigm of 'irreversibility' of cirrhosis had been challenged in major ways, and the validity of the usage of the term 'cirrhosis' has come into question. This paper addresses aetiology-based clinicopathological concepts and features that may deserve attention because they may determine disease outcome and, specifically, patterns of regression and remodelling. A variety of therapeutic interventions may influence remaining disease features after elimination of damaging agents (virus, alcohol, etc.), and determine the final clinical outcome including the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). New concepts create new responsibilities and opportunities for the pathologist to contribute to the understanding of liver pathology and communicate this with clinical colleagues and researchers.

Increased hepatic expression of miRNA-122 in patients infected with HCV genotype 3.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 3 % of the world population. HCV targets hepatic tissue, and most infected patients develop a chronic infection. Currently, studies have demonstrated an association between HCV-RNA replication and miR-122, the most abundant microRNA in the liver. Our aim was to evaluate liver and serum expression of miR-122 in patients infected with HCV genotypes 1 and 3, and to identify possible associations between miR-122 expression and lipid profiles, HCV viral load, apolipoproteins and liver enzymes. MicroRNAs were isolated from blood and liver tissue, and miR-122 expression was quantified by real-time PCR. HCV viral load was quantified by real-time PCR and HCV genotype, and serum biomarkers were obtained from medical report. The levels of miR-122 were higher in liver than those in blood from individuals infected with HCV genotypes 1 and 3 (p < 0.0001). The tissue levels of miR-122 were higher in subjects infected with HCV genotype 3 (6.22-fold, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the blood and hepatic levels of miR-122 in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 (r = 0.302, p = 0.026); in these patients, an inverse correlation was observed between serum apolipoprotein A-II (ApoA-II) levels and the blood (r = -0.330; p = 0.014) and hepatic (r = -0.311; p = 0.020) levels of miR-122. In patients infected with HCV genotype 3, there was a positive correlation between the hepatic miR-122 and the high-density lipoprotein-HDL (r = 0.412, p = 0.036) and insulin (r = 0.478, p = 0.044). Lipid metabolism proteins and miR-122 expression levels have different relations in HCV-3- and HCV-1-infected patients.

Expression of LIN28 and its regulatory microRNAs in adult adrenocortical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: LIN28 control cells reprogramming and pluripotency mainly through miRNA regulation and has been overexpressed in many advanced cancers. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic role of LIN28 and its regulatory miRNAs in a large cohort of adrenocortical tumours (ACTs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: LIN28 protein expression was assessed in 266 adults ACTs (78 adenomas and 188 carcinomas) from Brazil and Germany. LIN28A and LIN28B gene expression was analysed in 59 ACTs (31 adenomas and 28 carcinomas) and copy number variation in 39 ACTs. In addition, we determined the expression of let-7 family, mir-9, mir-30 and mir-125 in 28 carcinomas. RESULTS: LIN28A gene was overexpressed in aggressive ACCs when compared with adenomas and nonaggressive ACCs, but no LIN28A copy number variation was found in ACTs. Unexpectedly, weak LIN28 protein expression was significantly associated with reduced disease-free survival in ACC patients (P = 0·01), but for overall survival only a trend was detectable (P = 0·117). In the multivariate analysis, only Ki67 index ≥10% (HR 4·6, P = 0·000) and weak LIN28 protein expression (HR 2·0, P = 0·03) were independent predictors of recurrence in ACC patients. Interestingly, mir-9 expression, a negative LIN28A/B regulator, was significantly higher in aggressive than in nonaggressive ACCs [2076 (from 36 to 9307) vs 133·4 (from 2·4 to 5193); P = 0·011] and was highly associated with reduced overall (P = 0·01) and disease-free survival (P = 0·01). However, mir-9 prognostic role should be further evaluated in a larger cohort. CONCLUSION: Weak LIN28 protein expression was associated with recurrence in ACCs. Additionally, overexpression of mir-9, a negative LIN28A regulator, was associated with poor outcome.

A phase II trial with anti-Lewis-Y monoclonal antibody (hu3S193) for the treatment of platinum resistant/refractory ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of hu3S193, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the Lewis-Y antigen, in patients with platinum resistant/refractory ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinoma. Secondary objectives were safety and pharmacokinetics. In addition, we sought to determine the potential interaction of clinical benefit and patient characteristics. METHODS: This two-stage, multicenter, single arm, phase II trial enrolled eligible patients to receive hu3S193 weekly at a dose of 20mg/m(2) intravenously for 8 weeks (1 cycle) to a maximum of 3 cycles. Efficacy was measured as clinical benefit rate (objective response or stable disease for at least 24 weeks). RESULTS: 26 of 31 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. No complete/partial responses were observed. Six patients had stable disease for 24+weeks [clinical benefit rate 23% (95% CI=9.77%-46.71%)]. Median PFS was 8.4 weeks (95% CI=6.0 to 16.1). Median PFS differed between patients with no ascites and no visceral disease and patients with ascites and/or visceral disease [16.1 vs. 8.1 weeks (p=0.0058)]. The most commonly reported treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (19.3%) and nausea (16.2%). Allergic reactions occurred in 6 patients (5 with Grade 1/2; 1 with Grade 3). CONCLUSIONS: Hu3S193 lacked sufficient activity in the first stage of the study to open enrollment to the second stage. However, based on the longer PFS in patients with no ascites and no visceral disease, consolidation strategies in platinum sensitive disease are currently being tested.

m-RECIST at 1 month and Child A are survival predictors after percutaneous ethanol injection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is a well-established therapeutic option in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The modified-Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (m-RECIST) are an important tool for the assessment of HCC response to therapy. The aim was to evaluate whether HCC response according to the m-RECIST criteria could be an effective predictor of long-term survival in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 and A HCC patients undergoing PEI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 79 patients were followed-up for median time of 26.8 months. HCC diagnosis was based on the current guidelines of the American Association for Study of the Liver Diseases (AASLD) and European Association for Study of the Liver (EASL). Patient survival was calculated from the first PEI session to the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 79, 48 and 37%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) (p = 0.022) and the response to m-RECIST criteria (p = 0.016) were associated with patient survival. CPT A patients who achieved Complete Response (CR) 1 month after PEI presented a 5-year survival rate of 55%. By contrast, the worst scenario, the group with CPT B but without CR had a 5-year survival rate of 9%, while the group with either CPT A or CR as a survival predictor had a 5-year survival rate of 31%. In conclusion, in BCLC stage 0 and A HCC-patients, m-RECIST at 1 month and Child A may predict survival rates after PEI.

Epidemiology of HCC in Brazil: incidence and risk factors in a ten-year cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The lack of information about hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Brazil weakens health policy in preventing deaths from the illness. The aim of this study was to establish the cumulative incidence and the risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma development in patients under a surveillance program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 884 patients with compensated cirrhosis were prospectively followed up for at least five years, from August 1998 until August 2008, with at least one annual ultrasonography liver examination and serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) measurement. RESULTS: Among 884 patients, 72 (8.1%) developed a tumor with a median follow up of 21.4 months. In the hepatocellular carcinoma group, hepatitis C virus infection was the major etiological factor (65.3%), 56.9% (41/72) were male and the mean average age was 57 ± 10 years. The annual incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 2.9%. 79.2% (57/72) of HCCs were detected within Milan Criteria, and the mean survival time was 52.3 months, significantly higher than for those outside Milan, with a mean time of 40.6 months (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: The annual incidence of HCC among this large series of Brazilian cirrhotic patients was around 2.9% with a detection rate of 8.1%, or a cumulative incidence rate over five years of 14.3%. The three variables related to HCC risk were low serum albumin [HR: 0.518 (0.46-0.78)], high AFP > 20 ng/mL [HR: 3.16 (1.86-5.38)], and ethnicity (Brazilian-East Asian descendants vs. other mixed Brazilian ethnicities) [HR: 2.86 (1.48-5.53)].