Predictors for Recurrence in Hepatoblastoma: Single-center Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Hepatobiliary Surgery

Background:

• Hepatoblastoma is the most common pediatric liver cancer.
• Multimodal therapy has improved survival, but recurrence remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors for hepatoblastoma recurrence after hepatic resection.
• To evaluate the association of various factors with tumor recurrence and survival.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 25 children undergoing hepatic resection for hepatoblastoma.
• Analysis of eight potential risk factors including vascular involvement and liver transplantation.
• Follow-up included AFP levels and imaging; statistical analysis used Fisher's exact test.

Main Results:

• Tumor recurrence observed in 20% of patients, primarily as distant metastases.
• Vascular involvement (P=0.038) and need for liver transplantation (P=0.016) were significantly associated with recurrence.
• Overall survival was 88%, but significantly lower (40%) in patients with recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Vascular involvement and liver transplantation are significant predictors of hepatoblastoma recurrence.
• Factors like age, AFP, PRETEXT stage, histology, surgical margin, and SIOPEL high-risk category were not associated with recurrence.
• Recurrence is linked to increased mortality, necessitating further research for risk-stratified management.