Multivariate and univariate analysis of prognostic factors following resection in HCC: the Birmingham experience.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to look into our experience of resection for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in a tertiary Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Unit in the UK.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of our prospective database was carried out.


RESULTS
715 cases of HCC were seen. 100 (13.9%) underwent hepatic resection and 159 (22.2%) orthotopic liver transplant. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival following resection was 75.3, 37.0 and 21.5% respectively. Factors affecting long-term survival included resection margin (p < 0.001), recurrence (p < 0.007), alpha-fetoprotein >50 (p < 0.001) and serum albumin (p < 0.03). On multivariate analysis, recurrence (p < 0.001) and histological grade (p < 0.044) were significant. The 1- and 3-year recurrence rates were 27.3 and 72.5% respectively. Histological grade (p < 0.007), alpha-fetoprotein >50 (p < 0.033), female gender (p < 0.016) and portal vein involvement (p < 0.016) were significant in recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Resection data from the East may not be comparable to the West owing to the higher transplant activity in the latter. Liver function tests and imaging would be sufficient to assess liver function prior to hepatic resection. HCC with cirrhosis should be assessed by a transplant unit prior to any treatment. The MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score would be a valuable preoperative tool in the assessment of cirrhotics.
John
Abraham R
AR
Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Khan
Saboor
S
Mirza
Darius F
DF
Mayer
A David
AD
Buckels
John A C
JA
Bramhall
Simon R
SR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate