#HCCResearch Archives

Dr. Masatoshi Kudo: “T+A” Shows Significant Clinical Benefits in Intermediate-Stage HCC Patients Unsuitable for TACE Treatment

By Mourabit Halima 2024.02.01

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor posing a significant threat to human health with considerable heterogeneity. Specifically, intermediate-stage HCC spans a range from liver function reserve ChHepatology Digest-Pugh A grade (5 points) to B grade (9 points), tumor sizes from 5 cm to >10 cm, and the number of nodules from 4 to >10. There is an urgent need for refined clinical treatments. Significant advancements in systemic treatments have recently improved the survival of advanced-stage HCC patients. Systemic treatments for intermediate-stage HCC have become a major focal point in the field. At the recently concluded 17th International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) Annual Meeting, Dr. Masatoshi Kudo from Kindai University, Japan, presented an oral report on a clinical study (REPLACEMENT study, Abstract No. O-15) of atezolizumab combined with bevacizumab (referred to as “T+A”) for patients with intermediate-stage HCC unsuitable for TACE treatment. We had the privilege to interview Dr. Kudo for insights into this research and its findings.

ILCA 2023 | VETC Evaluation Predicts Clinical Benefit of Anti-Angiogenic Treatment in Advanced HCC Patients

By Mourabit Halima 2024.02.01

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor, and one of its main characteristics is its rich vascular supply. Therefore, anti-angiogenic drugs have become one of the most important choices in the systematic treatment of HCC. In recent years, as research on HCC has deepened, researchers have discovered a unique vascular pattern in HCC tissue. Identified through CD34 immunohistochemical staining, this pattern differs from the classical capillary pattern. In this new pattern, blood vessels encapsulate the tumor in clusters and are termed "Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters" (VETC). Increasing research suggests that the presence of VETC is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. From September 7-9, 2023, the 17th International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) Annual Meeting (ILCA 2023) was grandly held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. At this conference, Dr. Camilla De Carlo from the Human Research Hospital IRCCS in Rosano, Italy, presented a study (Abstract No: P-15) that found that pathological tissue section evaluation of VETC could predict the clinical benefit of anti-angiogenic treatment in patients with advanced HCC. This research provides guidance for the systematic treatment of patients with advanced HCC and was honored with the ILCA 2023 Excellent Poster Award.

ILCA 2023 | Dynamic Changes in Circulating Tumor DNA Assist in Guiding and Evaluating Clinical Treatment of Liver Cancer

By Mourabit Halima 2024.01.31

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) refers to free tumor DNA fragments located in peripheral circulation. These free nucleic acids not only provide a comprehensive view of tumor genetics but also indirectly reflect tumor progression, heterogeneity, and invasive ability. They represent a promising non-invasive biomarker in cancer treatment. Dr. Claudia Campani from the University of Paris delivered an oral presentation at the 17th International Liver Cancer Association Annual Meeting (ILCA 2023) (Abstract No.: O-04). The study aimed to assess the dynamic changes in ctDNA levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients across different tumor stages and during anti-cancer treatments. The findings highlighted the significant clinical relevance of monitoring ctDNA levels for HCC patients. Dr. Claudia Campani was honored with the "Young Investigator" award by the ILCA conference.