Survival and recurrence rates after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic livers

Hepatocellular carcinoma occurring in noncirrhotic livers is rare. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the outcomes and prognostic factors after hepatectomy in this setting.

Between June 1998 and May 2005, 83 patients underwent liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in noncirrhotic livers at our institution. Preoperative treatment data, intraoperative details, pathologic findings, and information on tumor recurrence, treatment of recurrence, and survival were available for 80 of these patients.

Postresection, the 3- and 5-year-survival rates were 48% and 30%, respectively. After R0 resection (n=66), the calculated 3- and 5-year-survivals were 54% and 39%, compared with 23% and 0%, respectively, after R1/2-resection (p<0.005). After a median followup of 25 months, tumor recurred in 40 of 63 (63%) patients after R0 resection. In univariate analysis, Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) stage, vascular invasion, and tumor grading were identified as important findings for recurrence and poor survival after R0 resection. For tumors without vascular invasion, the 3- and 5-year-survivals were 79% and 65%, respectively, which compared favorably with 21% and 7%, respectively, for tumors with vascular invasion (p<0.0001). Similarly, 3- and 5-year-survival rates (95% each) were considerably better for G1 tumors than the corresponding 36% and 22% rates in G2 and 60% and 30% in G3 tumors, respectively.

The 3- and 5-year survivals of 54% and 39%, respectively, after R0 resections suggest that surgery is an option in hepatocellular carcinoma arising in noncirrhotic livers. Longterm results, however, are hampered by high recurrence rates. Union Internationale Contre le Cancer stage, vascular invasion, and tumor grades are predictors of tumor recurrence and diminished survival, and may help to identify candidates for potential adjuvant therapies.