Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/a-2179-3157
Liver Transplantation meets Cancer
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/zfg/202401/lookinside/thumbnails/zfg-21793157_10-1055-a-2179-3157-1.jpg)
The landscape of liver transplantation has evolved dramatically, extending its reach beyond traditional indications to encompass an array of primary and secondary liver tumors. Limited hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and neuroendocrine tumors are accepted indications for liver transplantation. In recent years, a growing number of studies demonstrated that patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic tumors like colorectal liver metastases are within the realms of acceptable indications for liver transplantation under defined circumstances. The outcome and success of these emerging indications depend on more precisely identifying suitable candidates for liver transplantation and adherence to strict selection criteria. This transformative shift has been propelled by deeper insights into tumor biology and the revision of waiting list policies in some countries. The combination of pretreatment strategies to control tumor growth and limiting immunosuppressive treatments has been crucial to gaining such impressive improvements in the long-term outcomes of these patients. Additionally, new systemic therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and other neoadjuvant treatments, are being explored in numerous studies to push the limits of transplant oncology further.
Publication History
Article published online:
09 January 2024
© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
-
References
- 1 Sapisochin G. et al. The extended Toronto criteria for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective validation study. Hepatology 2016; 64: 2077-2088
- 2 Shavelle RM, Kwak JH, Saur R. et al. Life Expectancy after Liver Transplantation for Non-Cirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Prog. Transplant 2021; 31: 117-125
- 3 Breuer E. et al. Liver Transplantation as a New Standard of Care in Patients With Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma? Results From an International Benchmark Study. Ann. Surg 2022; 276: 846-853
- 4 Schmelzle M. et al. Feasibility and Efficacy of Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Gemcitabine After Liver Transplantation for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma – A Multi-Center, Randomized, Controlled Trial (pro-duct001). Front. Oncol 2022; 12: 910871
- 5 Tan EK. et al. Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Outcomes and Complications. J. Am. Coll. Surg 2020; 231: 98-110
- 6 McMillan RR. et al. Survival following liver transplantation for locally advanced, unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Am. J. Transplant 2022; 22: 823-832
- 7 Hagness M. et al. Liver transplantation for nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Ann. Surg 2013; 257: 800-806
- 8 Dueland S. et al. Survival Following Liver Transplantation for Patients With Nonresectable Liver-only Colorectal Metastases. Ann. Surg 2020; 271: 212-218
- 9 Dueland S. et al. Chemotherapy or liver transplantation for nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer?. Ann. Surg 2015; 261: 956-960