Pulmonary resection for metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: factors influencing prognosis

Although the lung is the most common site of extrahepatic spread from hepatocellular carcinoma, outcomes after pulmonary resection and prognostic factors have not been well described. We analyzed a single-center experience with 25 patients undergoing pulmonary resection of metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma to examine the clinical factors and outcomes.

Patients were candidates for resection if they had controlled intrahepatic disease with no evidence of extrathoracic lesions and if all gross tumors could be removed with preservation of respiratory function. Twenty-five patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative hepatectomy were suitable for the pulmonary resection criteria between 1990 and 2005. Clinical features and outcomes were analyzed.

The mean actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year survivals after pulmonary resection were 80%, 61%, and 36%, respectively. Tumor number (solitary or multiple) and location (unilateral or bilateral lung) did not significantly affect cancer-specific survival. Mean 5-year survival was 25% for patients with disease-free interval of 1 to 11 months and 62% for those with disease-free interval of 12 months or more. Mean survival was 15.9 months for patients with alpha-fetoprotein of 500 ng/mL or more, and 39.2 months for those with alpha-fetoprotein less than 500 ng/mL. Five-year survival was 21% for patients with short disease-free interval or high alpha-fetoprotein level and 74% for those with long disease-free interval and low alpha-fetoprotein level (P = .015).

Pulmonary resection for metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma may prolong survival in selected patients. Disease-free interval greater than 12 months and alpha-fetoprotein less than 500 ng/mL are important prognostic factors.