Pre-operative predictors of post-hepatectomy recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma: Can we predict earlier?

Backgrounds and purpose To determine the predictors for recurrence in patients receiving curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods From January 2001 to July 2007, all patients having hepatectomy for first occurrence HCC with curative intent were identified from a prospectively collected database. Prognostic factors for recurrence and survival after resection were analyzed. Results A total of 235 patients were included. With a median follow-up of 50.2 (0.07–125.1) months, the recurrence rate was 57.0%. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 83.9%, 66.0%, and 58.1% respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that multi-focal lesions (HR: 2.93, P P = 0.002) and history of tumor rupture (HR: 2.84, P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for recurrence of HCC after hepatectomy. Conclusions Predictors for HCC recurrence can be identified before operation. These important parameters should be considered before and after contemplating curative resection for HCC patients and for risk stratification in future clinical trials for neoadjuvant or post-resection adjuvant therapy. The possible use of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment to improve survival should be addressed by further trials.