Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Bone Metastases: Incidence, Prognostic Significance, and Management-Single-Center
Ruchi Bhatia1, Sravanthi Ravulapati2, Alex Befeler1
1Division of Gastrointestinal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3635 Vista Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
Insights
Bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare and aggressive, impacting survival. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research
- Cancer Metastasis
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Bone metastases in HCC confer an extremely poor prognosis.
- Spinal metastases from HCC are particularly associated with dismal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of bone metastases in HCC patients.
- To analyze treatment strategies for HCC with bone metastases.
- To determine survival rates in HCC patients with bone metastases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of HCC patients with bone metastases.
- Data collected from a single tertiary care institution (January 2005 - December 2015).
- Evaluation of patient demographics, treatments, and survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- Bone metastases were identified in 20 out of 1017 HCC patients (1.96%).
- Spinal metastases occurred in 11 patients.
- Median survival was 76 days without therapy, 106 days with sorafenib, and 100 days with radiation therapy.
Conclusions:
- Bone metastases in HCC are infrequent and highly aggressive.
- Optimal treatment strategies remain undefined due to rarity.
- Early detection and timely intervention are vital for improving survival.
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with rising incidence in the USA. Bone metastases with HCC, in particular, have an extremely poor prognosis. We present prevalence, treatment, and survival of patients with bone and more specifically spinal metastases from HCC.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was done at a single tertiary care institution of patients with bone metastases from HCC between January 2005 and December 2015.
Results:
Among 1017 patients with HCC, 20 were found to have bone metastases of which 11 had spinal metastases. Seventeen (85%) were male, with median age of 58 years at time of HCC diagnosis. Systemic chemotherapy and sorafenib were used in 12 (60%) patients, and 12 (60%) received radiation therapy. Among patients who did not receive therapy, median survival was 76 days. Median survival after diagnosis of metastasis in patients on sorafenib and radiation were 106 and 100 days, respectively.
Conclusion:
Bone metastases in HCC are very rare and aggressive. Due to its rarity, optimal treatment strategies are not well defined. Early diagnosis is important for optimal therapy and improved survival.
More Related Videos
06:38An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
07:32Author Spotlight: Investigating Immune Cell Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment — Challenges and Innovations in Cancer Prognosis
Published on: April 12, 2024