Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025
Application of the En Bloc Concept Combined with Anatomic Resection in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy
Published on: March 10, 2023
Optimal treatment for small HCC (<3 cm): Resection, liver transplantation, or locoregional therapy?
Xiao Wu1, Ryan Peter Lokken1, Neil Mehta2
1Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most common form of liver cancer, accounting for 90% of all primary liver cancers. Up to 30% of HCC cases could be small (2-3 cm in diameter) at the time of diagnosis with advances in imaging techniques and surveillance programmes. Treating patients with early-stage HCC can be complex and often requires interdisciplinary care, owing to the wide and increasing variety of treatment options, which include liver resection, liver transplantation, and various locoregional therapies offered by interventional radiology and radiation oncology. Decisions regarding the optimal management strategy for a patient involve many considerations, including patient- and tumour-specific characteristics, as well as socioeconomic factors. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarise the commonly used therapies for single, small HCC (<3 cm), with a focus on the impact of tumour size (<2 cm vs. 2-3 cm), as well as a brief discussion on the cost-effectiveness of the different treatment options.
Insights
This review summarizes treatments for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common liver cancer. It focuses on therapies for tumors under 3cm, considering tumor size and cost-effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Oncology
- Interdisciplinary Cancer Care
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer, comprising 90% of cases.
- Early-stage HCC, often diagnosed as small tumors (2-3 cm), presents complex treatment challenges.
- Advancements in imaging and surveillance increase the detection rate of small HCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize common therapies for single, small HCC (<3 cm).
- To analyze the impact of tumor size (
- To briefly discuss the cost-effectiveness of various treatment modalities for small HCC.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of established treatment options for small HCC.
- Analysis of treatment efficacy based on tumor size stratification.
- Inclusion of socioeconomic factors and cost-effectiveness considerations.
Main Results:
- Multiple treatment options exist for small HCC, including liver resection, transplantation, and locoregional therapies.
- Treatment decisions are influenced by patient-specific factors, tumor characteristics (size), and cost.
- The review highlights the nuances in managing small HCC based on precise tumor dimensions.
Conclusions:
- Optimal management of small HCC requires an interdisciplinary approach considering diverse treatment modalities.
- Tumor size is a critical factor in selecting the most effective therapy for early-stage HCC.
- Cost-effectiveness analysis is essential for informed decision-making in HCC treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
08:15A Hepatocellular Cancer Patient-Derived Organoid Xenograft Model to Investigate Impact of Liver Regeneration on Tumor Growth
Published on: February 2, 2024
08:54Treatment of Liver Metastases Using an Internal Target Volume Method for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Published on: May 8, 2018