Live Donor Liver Transplantation for Oncologic Indications

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary surgery
• Transplant oncology
• Surgical oncology

Background:

• The incidence of primary and secondary liver malignancies is increasing.
• Transplant oncology is evolving, offering new therapeutic avenues for liver cancer.
• Ethical considerations are paramount in organ transplantation for oncologic cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting liver transplantation for oncologic indications.
• To explore outcomes of deceased and living donor liver transplants in cancer patients.
• To summarize the current landscape of transplant oncology and living donor liver transplantation considerations.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on liver transplantation for oncologic indications.
• Analysis of outcomes data for hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and liver metastases.
• Examination of both deceased donor and living donor liver transplant scenarios.

Main Results:

• Transplantation is increasingly considered for specific primary and secondary liver cancers.
• Outcomes vary depending on the type of malignancy and transplant approach (deceased vs. living donor).
• Promising results are emerging for select patient groups within transplant oncology.

Conclusions:

• Living donor liver transplantation is a feasible option for carefully selected patients with liver cancer.
• Further research and ethical frameworks are needed to optimize outcomes in transplant oncology.
• This review highlights the growing role and considerations for living donor liver transplantation in managing advanced liver malignancies.