Histological Heterogeneity of Primary Liver Cancers: Clinical Relevance, Diagnostic Pitfalls and the Pathologist’s Role

Primary liver cancers (PLCs) mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), and cHCC-CCA. Combined HCC-CCA and small duct type iCCA show similar clinical presentations, and their histological features are more complex than seen in HCC. Therefore, while their treatment strategy differs, it is difficult to properly diagnose these tumors. Currently, HCC is the only tumor that can be treated by liver transplantation. In addition, small duct type iCCA harbors IDH1/2 mutations and FGFR2 fusions, which can be used for targeted therapy. Thus, improving diagnostic accuracy is crucial. A further point to note is that PLCs often present as multiple liver tumors, and they can be a combination of different types of PLCs or HCCs. In the case of HCCs, two different scenarios are possible, namely intrahepatic metastasis, or multicentric occurrence. Therefore, it is essential to characterize the type of multiple liver tumors. This review aims to clarify the pathological features of HCC, iCCA and cHCC-CCA, including their diagnostic pitfalls and clinical relevance. It is designed to be of use to clinicians who are dealing with PLCs, to provide a better understanding of the pathology of these tumors, and to enable a more accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment choice.

Outcome of Oligonodular Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatectomy

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer and is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Frequent recurrence of HCC after resection is a major surgical limitation. Early recurrence is the most disappointing outcome after surgery for multinodular HCC. Several studies found good results after hepatectomy for oligonodular (2 or 3 nodules) HCC. Objectives: To observe the recurrence rate three months after hepatectomy for oligonodular HCC and study the possible risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 102 patients with oligonodular HCC and received hepatectomy in Combined Military Hospital (CMH) between July 2011 and July 2017 according to the following criteria: (1) numbers of tumour nodules determined by preoperative imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) and intraoperative exploration; (2) diagnosis of HCC confirmed by postoperative histopathology; (3) incision margins negative; (4) complete clinicopathologic data; (5) adjuvant chemotherapy advised one month after operation. Multicentric occurrence (MO) and intrahepatic metastasis (IM) were determined in each patient according to the histopathologic examination. Results: Among 102 patients, 43(42.2%) had small tumor stain three months after surgery, 22(21.6%) and 21(20.6%) were definded as single and multiple recurrence respectively. The recurrence rate of patients with microvascular involvement was higher (64.3%) than those without (33.8%), (p<0.05). IM or MO, complete tumor capsule or not, number of tumors (2 versus 3), liver condition (cirrhosis versus chronic hepatitis) showed no significant difference. Conclusion: There was a high rate of very early recurrence for patients with oligonodular HCC three months ater hepatectomy, and the hepatic resection seems no-account for these patients regardless of very early recurrence or not a curative resection. Microvascular involvement was a risk factor while IM or MO is not. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.15 (1) 2019: 55-57

Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death since most patients are diagnosed at advanced stage and the current systemic treatment options using molecular-targeted drugs remain unsatisfactory. However, the recent success of cancer immunotherapies has revolutionized the landscape of cancer therapy. Since HCC is characterized by metachronous multicentric occurrence, immunotherapies that induce systemic and durable responses could be an appealing treatment option. Despite the suppressive milieu of the liver and tumor immunosurveillance escape mechanisms, clinical studies of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced HCC have yielded promising results. Here, we provide an update on recent advances in HCC immunotherapies. First, we describe the unique tolerogenic properties of hepatic immunity and its interaction with HCC and then review the status of already or nearly available immune checkpoint blockade-based therapies as well as other immunotherapy strategies at the preclinical or clinical trial stage.