Comprehensive Analysis of Radiologic Cancer-Free Status through Various Treatment Approaches in Advanced-Stage...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research
• Cancer Imaging and Diagnostics

Background:

• The goal in oncology is achieving a cancer-free state, even for advanced diseases like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Understanding cancer-free status in advanced HCC, particularly after treatment, remains under-researched.
• Radiologic assessment is crucial for determining cancer-free status in advanced HCC patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the implications of achieving radiologic cancer-free (rCF) status in advanced HCC.
• To determine the frequency of rCF status achievement in advanced HCC patients.
• To identify factors influencing the achievement of rCF status and its prognostic impact.

Main Methods:

• A database of HCC patients (2003-2022) was analyzed, identifying initial macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic spread.
• Radiologic cancer-free (rCF) was defined as no recurrence for at least 2 months post-curative treatment or complete response to systemic therapy.
• Frequency of rCF status was assessed, categorized by patient background and tumor characteristics.

Main Results:

• Out of 795 advanced HCC patients, 8.7% achieved rCF status.
• Achieving rCF status was associated with significantly better prognoses (p < 0.001).
• A high number of tumors (≥8) was the strongest negative predictor for achieving rCF status.

Conclusions:

• Despite a low achievement rate, rCF status in advanced HCC has a significant positive prognostic impact.
• Specific tumor characteristics enhance the likelihood of achieving rCF status.
• Varying progression patterns and background characteristics influence rCF rates in advanced HCC.