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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Diagnostic Model for Proliferative HCC Using LI-RADS: Assessing Therapeutic Outcomes in Hepatectomy and TKI-ICI
Mengtian Lu1,2, Zuyi Yan1,2, Qi Qu1,2
1Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
Background:
Proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aggressive with poor prognosis, and lacks reliable MRI diagnosis.
Purpose:
To develop a diagnostic model for proliferative HCC using liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) and assess its prognostic value.
Study Type:
Retrospective.
Population:
241 HCC patients underwent hepatectomy (90 proliferative HCCs: 151 nonproliferative HCCs), divided into the training (N = 167) and validation (N = 74) sets. 57 HCC patients received combination therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Field Strength/Sequence:
3.0 T, T1- and T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, in- and out-phase, T1 high resolution isotropic volume excitation and dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced imaging.
Assessment:
LI-RADS v2018 and other MRI features (intratumoral artery, substantial hypoenhancing component, hepatobiliary phase peritumoral hypointensity, and irregular tumor margin) were assessed. A diagnostic model for proliferative HCC was established, stratifying patients into high- and low-risk groups. Follow-up occurred every 3-6 months, and recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in different groups were compared.
Statistical Tests:
Fisher's test or chi-square test, t-test or Mann-Whitney test, logistic regression, Harrell's concordance index (C-index), Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards. Significance level: P < 0.05.
Results:
The diagnostic model, incorporating corona enhancement, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, infiltrative appearance, intratumoral artery, and substantial hypoenhancing component, achieved a C-index of 0.823 (training set) and 0.804 (validation set). Median follow-up was 32.5 months (interquartile range [IQR], 25.1 months) for postsurgery patients, and 16.8 months (IQR: 13.2 months) for combination-treated patients. 99 patients experienced recurrence, and 30 demonstrated tumor nonresponse. Differences were significant in RFS and OS rates between high-risk and low-risk groups post-surgery (40.3% vs. 65.8%, 62.3% vs. 90.1%, at 5 years). In combination-treated patients, PFS rates differed significantly (80.6% vs. 7.7% at 2 years).
Data Conclusion:
The MR-based model could pre-treatment identify proliferative HCC and assist in prognosis evaluation.
Technical Efficacy:
Stage 2.
