Outcome after liver transplantation in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered an optimal indication for liver transplantation (LT) because it may eliminate both the tumor and the underlying liver disease. The present study sought to compare cumulative survival, rate of HCC recurrence, and causes of death among patients with cirrhosis and HCC before and after the adoption of more restrictive criteria (Milan selection criteria) at the time of patient listing. Among 226 adult patients who received an elective liver transplantation between 1999 and 2005, 58 (27%) had a diagnosis of HCC at the time. The 38 patients who underwent transplantation for HCC in the period 1989 to 1998 were considered the "historical group." After LT (mean follow-up, 34 + 28 months), the cumulative survival rate was better among HCC versus non-HCC recipients (93% vs 71% at I year and 81% vs 67% at 3 years, respectively; P < .046), although the difference tended to attenuate after 5 years (66% vs 67%, respectively). Tumor recurrence (evaluated in patients surviving at least 3 months after LT) was observed in 10/31 in the historical group versus 4/53 among those who underwent transplantation after 1999. Among the causes of death, recurrence represented 50% in the old series and 23% in patients who underwent transplantation after 1999. Cumulative survival significantly improved among HCC patients who underwent transplantation after 1999 (93% vs 66% at I year and 81% vs 50% at 3 years; P < .00001). The 58 patients who underwent transplantation with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and concomitant HCC after 1999 showed even better survival than patients who underwent transplantation for end-stage liver disease without malignancy.