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Keywords = albumin–bilirubin grade

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10 pages, 966 KB  
Article
Recognizing ALBI Grade in Child-Pugh A Patients at a Glance: Mathematical Simulation and Large-Scale Clinical Validation
by Po-Heng Chuang, Yuan-Jie Ding, Chih-Yun Lin and Sheng-Nan Lu
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030370 - 23 Jan 2026
Viewed by 68
Abstract
Background: The albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade provides an objective assessment of hepatic reserve, but the need for calculation by means of a formula has hampered its use at the bedside. This study aimed to develop simple cut-off values for ALBI grade and validate its [...] Read more.
Background: The albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade provides an objective assessment of hepatic reserve, but the need for calculation by means of a formula has hampered its use at the bedside. This study aimed to develop simple cut-off values for ALBI grade and validate its performance in a large multi-center real-world cohort. Methods: A mathematical simulation evaluated every possible ALBI pair that falls within the Child–Pugh classification (CP) A range, discretized to 0.1 increments. Cut points for patient stratification without equation-based calculation were derived. Validation was conducted with the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD), which contains data from 10 hospitals in Taiwan. Patients with same-day albumin and bilirubin measurements in 2024 were included. Results: Mathematical modeling identified clinically applicable cutoffs—albumin ≥ 4.4 g/dL or ≤3.5 g/dL and bilirubin ≥ 2.4 mg/dL—with further refinement at albumin 4.0 g/dL and bilirubin ≥ 1.0 mg/dL. Among 7583 CP-A patients, 82% were directly classifiable without computation, with consistent applicability across chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) subgroups. Equation dependence increased only slightly in the HCC group, confirming robustness across disease severities. Conclusions: Simplified cutoff rules derived from mathematical modeling and validated in a multi-center cohort enable rapid recognition of ALBI grade in most CP-A patients. This approach enhances the clinical usability of ALBI and supports its integration into patient care, clinical trials, and treatment allocation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Liver Diseases)
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18 pages, 357 KB  
Review
Role of Liver Function in the Multiparametric Assessment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Fabio Melandro, Leonardo Centonze, Ciro Celsa, Simone Famularo, Davide Ghinolfi, Silvia Nardelli, Maria Pallozzi, Ludovico Abenavoli, Fabrizio Romano, Francesca Romana Ponziani, Francesco Paolo Russo and Quirino Lai
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010138 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Liver function plays a pivotal role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Consequently, managing HCC requires a dual focus on both tumour staging and liver function assessment to guide therapeutic decisions. Comprehensive liver function evaluation involves clinical tools such as the Child–Pugh [...] Read more.
Liver function plays a pivotal role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Consequently, managing HCC requires a dual focus on both tumour staging and liver function assessment to guide therapeutic decisions. Comprehensive liver function evaluation involves clinical tools such as the Child–Pugh classification and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. This is supplemented by newer metrics, including the MELD-Na score, the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade and liver stiffness measurements. These assessments are integral to tailoring treatments, ranging from curative approaches such as surgical resection and liver transplantation to locoregional options (percutaneous ablation, transarterial chemoembolisation and radioembolisation), and systemic therapies. This review explores strategies for balancing the aggressiveness of cancer therapy with the need to preserve hepatic function, particularly in patients with advanced liver dysfunction. A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating expertise from hepatology, oncology, radiology and surgery, is essential for optimising outcomes. Advanced imaging techniques and biochemical markers also improve decision-making and ensure individualised care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatology)
21 pages, 552 KB  
Article
Durvalumab-Based First-Line Chemoimmunotherapy in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: Real-World Outcomes and Prognostic Factors—A Turkish Oncology Group Study
by Safa Can Efil, Fatih Kus, Bahadir Koylu, Bekir Mert Durukan, Selami Bayram, Halil Goksel Guzel, Banu Ozturk, Harun Muglu, Ahmet Bilici, Fatih Kose, Ozkan Alan, Eda Karapelit Agitoglu, Gurkan Guner, Ali Ayberk Besen, Kaan Helvaci, Murat Araz, Turgut Kacan, Cagatay Arslan, Ahmet Unal, Emine Bihter Eniseler, Sedat Biter, Ferhat Ekinci, Ferit Aslan, Ilkay Tugba Unek, Semra Tas, Omer Acar, Ozturk Ates, Teoman Sakalar, Sinem Akbas, Hilal Karakas, Muhammed Bulent Akinci, Bulent Yalcin, Suayip Yalcin and Mehmet Ali Nahit Senduradd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2026, 18(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010101 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Background: Durvalumab combined with gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) has become the standard first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) following the TOPAZ-1 trial. However, real-world effectiveness, safety, and prognostic determinants, particularly in underrepresented populations, remain insufficiently defined. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Background: Durvalumab combined with gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) has become the standard first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) following the TOPAZ-1 trial. However, real-world effectiveness, safety, and prognostic determinants, particularly in underrepresented populations, remain insufficiently defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-world outcomes of first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy and identify independent prognostic factors in patients with advanced BTC. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with unresectable or metastatic BTC treated with first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy across 21 tertiary oncology centers in Türkiye. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, biomarker data, and treatment details were collected. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), while secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety. Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: A total of 78 patients were analyzed; 53.8% were male, and the median age was 62 years. Primary tumor sites were intrahepatic (55.1%), extrahepatic (30.8%), and gallbladder (14.1%). After a median follow-up of 12.58 months, median OS was 11.59 months and median PFS was 6.80 months. The ORR was 50.6%, including complete and partial responses in 2.7% and 47.9% of patients, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 97.4% of patients, with grade 3–4 events in 37.2%. Immune-related adverse events were observed in 19.2%, including one case of grade 3 pneumonitis. No patient permanently discontinued durvalumab due to toxicity, and no durvalumab-related mortality occurred. In multivariable analysis, ECOG performance status 2 (HR 3.43; 95% CI 1.33–8.80) and ALBI grade 2–3 (HR 2.54; 95% CI 1.24–5.19) independently predicted worse OS, while ECOG performance status 2 also predicted shorter PFS (HR 5.91; 95% CI 2.30–15.17). Conclusions: In this multicenter real-world Turkish cohort, first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy showed effectiveness and tolerability comparable to clinical trial data. Baseline ECOG performance status and ALBI grade were independent prognostic factors, supporting their use for risk stratification in advanced biliary tract cancer. Full article
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12 pages, 342 KB  
Article
Prognostic Value of CONUT and ALBI in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Pınar Peker, Aslı Geçgel, Serdar Yılmaz, Cafer Cırık, Seher Selvi, Berna Bozkurt Duman and Timuçin Çil
Diagnostics 2025, 15(24), 3161; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15243161 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Background: Metastatic pancreatic cancer carries a poor prognosis, and reliable prognostic markers are needed to guide treatment decisions. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grade are simple measures of inflammatory, nutritional, and hepatic status, but their prognostic value in metastatic [...] Read more.
Background: Metastatic pancreatic cancer carries a poor prognosis, and reliable prognostic markers are needed to guide treatment decisions. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) grade are simple measures of inflammatory, nutritional, and hepatic status, but their prognostic value in metastatic pancreatic cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of CONUT and ALBI scores in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included 192 patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated at Adana City Education and Research Hospital between 1 May 2019, and 1 February 2025. Baseline CONUT scores and ALBI grades were calculated. All laboratory parameters, including those used for CONUT and ALBI calculation, were obtained prior to the initiation of any systemic therapy. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the independent prognostic value of both indices. Results: The median OS of the cohort was 14.0 months. Patients with high CONUT scores had significantly shorter OS compared to those with low–moderate scores (7.8 vs. 14.0 months, p < 0.001). Similarly, ALBI Grade 2 was associated with worse survival than ALBI Grade 1 (13.0 vs. 14.0 months, p = 0.049). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high CONUT score (HR = 5.01, 95% CI: 2.27–10.98, p < 0.001) and ALBI Grade 2 (HR = 17.86, 95% CI: 9.63–31.04, p < 0.001) remained independent predictors of poor OS. Conclusions: The CONUT and ALBI scores are independent and clinically meaningful prognostic markers in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Their routine use may support risk-adapted, personalized treatment. These readily accessible biomarkers offer a simple and accessible tool to guide clinical decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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23 pages, 329 KB  
Article
Clinical Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Cirrhosis: Associations with Child–Pugh Class and Hepatic Encephalopathy
by Vlad Pădureanu, Virginia Maria Rădulescu, Cristiana Gianina Moise, Marius Cristian Marinaș, Rodica Pădureanu, Denisa Marilena Săbiescu, Denisa Floriana Vasilica Pîrșcoveanu, Dragoș Forțofoiu and Lidia Boldeanu
Diagnostics 2025, 15(22), 2853; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15222853 - 11 Nov 2025
Viewed by 699
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of cirrhosis, but its value as a clinical biomarker remains uncertain. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 90 patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) were measured at admission. Biomarker levels were [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of cirrhosis, but its value as a clinical biomarker remains uncertain. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 90 patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) were measured at admission. Biomarker levels were compared between Child–Pugh classes B and C, across hepatic encephalopathy grades, and ascites severity, using Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests. Results: Median MDA did not differ significantly between Child–Pugh classes B and C (2.67 [2.10–3.20] vs. 2.45 [1.98–3.05] μmol/L; p = 0.331), nor across ascites categories (p = 0.453). Similarly, 8-iso-PGF2α values did not vary between Child–Pugh classes (255.8 [220.0–310.0] vs. 250.1 [210.0–295.0] pg/mL; p = 0.784) or ascites groups (p = 0.828). Spearman analysis showed no significant correlations with albumin, INR, bilirubin, creatinine, or age, except for a non-significant trend with bilirubin (ρ = −0.18, p = 0.09). Importantly, MDA levels increased significantly across encephalopathy grades (p = 0.021), suggesting a link between systemic oxidative stress and neuropsychiatric impairment. Conclusions: In this clinical cohort, oxidative stress biomarkers did not provide discriminatory value for staging by Child–Pugh or ascites, but MDA was associated with encephalopathy severity. These findings highlight both the limitations and potential clinical relevance of oxidative stress markers in cirrhosis management. Full article
12 pages, 362 KB  
Article
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Use in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Real-World Analysis of Efficacy and Toxicity
by Fode Tounkara, Deepak Sherpally, Khalid Mumtaz, Mina S. Makary, Russell F. Palm and Ashish Manne
Cancers 2025, 17(18), 3034; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17183034 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1347
Abstract
Background: While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have redefined systemic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pivotal trials have not yet included patients with advanced liver disease. Real-world data are needed to assess treatment outcomes in advanced liver disease populations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective [...] Read more.
Background: While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have redefined systemic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pivotal trials have not yet included patients with advanced liver disease. Real-world data are needed to assess treatment outcomes in advanced liver disease populations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 53 HCC patients treated with ICIs at a large single center between January 2017 and June 2023. Clinical characteristics, liver function scores [Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) and albumin–bilirubin (ALBI)], treatment history, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Primary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), survival from ICI initiation (OS-ICI), and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included incidence and predictors of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Results: Among 53 HCC patients treated with ICIs, the median OS, OS-ICI, and PFS were 18.7 months (m), 7.4 m, and 4.6 m, respectively. On multivariable analysis, a higher ALBI grade and history of alcohol use were independently associated with worse PFS and OS-ICI, while prior locoregional therapy (LRT) significantly improved OS (HR: 0.43; p: 0.012). The ALBI grade outperformed the CTP score in predicting outcomes, highlighting its utility as a more objective liver function marker. Patients receiving atezolizumab–bevacizumab showed improved OS-ICI compared to other regimens (HR: 0.37; p = 0.021). irAEs occurred in 19% of patients, most commonly in those with CTP-A, and were generally manageable. Conclusions: These real-world insights into the efficacy and safety of ICI-based therapies across a more diverse HCC population are usually not represented in clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Research of Cancer)
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17 pages, 2154 KB  
Article
Impact of Serum Albumin Levels on Prognosis and Recurrence in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Naoko Hayata, Atsushi Hosui, Tomohide Kurahashi, Shigeki Suemura, Akane Namiki, Akino Okamoto, Takafumi Tanimoto, Hiroki Murai, Kohsaku Ohnishi, Motohiro Hirao, Takuya Yamada and Naoki Hiramatsu
Cancers 2025, 17(18), 2971; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17182971 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 2281
Abstract
Background: Liver function is a critical factor, both in the selection of treatment and in the prediction of prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ALBI grade, introduced as a more objective method of assessing liver function, utilizes serum albumin (Alb) [...] Read more.
Background: Liver function is a critical factor, both in the selection of treatment and in the prediction of prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ALBI grade, introduced as a more objective method of assessing liver function, utilizes serum albumin (Alb) and total bilirubin (Bil) levels. Although albumin is widely recognized for its role in maintaining colloid osmotic pressure and regulating plasma volume, recent studies have implicated it in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of serum albumin levels on overall survival (OS) and tumor invasion/metastasis in HCC patients with the same liver function (ALBI grade) at the time of diagnosis. Methods: In this study, 285 patients diagnosed with primary HCC at our institution from 2015 to 2019 were classified by ALBI grade and analyzed. Among them, 78 patients with ALBI grade 2 status were selected to evaluate the impact of albumin level. To further isolate the effect of albumin rather than bilirubin, patients in the ALBI grade 2 cohort were divided into two groups based on mean values of Alb (3.5 g/dL) and Bil (1.0 mg/dL). Alb normal group (Group A): Alb ≥ 3.5 g/dL, Bil ≥ 1.0 mg/dL (n = 42). Bil normal group (Group T): Alb < 3.5 g/dL, Bil < 1.0 mg/dL (n = 36). Liver function was almost the same in these two groups based on the ALBI grade. OS, progression-free survival (PFS), types of recurrence, and pathological findings were compared between the two groups. OS was analyzed by the log-rank test, and comparisons between the two groups were performed by the t-test and chi-square test, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: OS was significantly worse in Group T than in Group A before and after propensity score matching based on age, performance status, and HCC stage (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011). Among the 44 patients who received curative treatment (surgery or radiofrequency ablation), OS was also significantly worse in Group T (p < 0.001). An analysis of the recurrence patterns of 44 curatively treated patients revealed that Group T had significantly shorter PFS (p < 0.001), and all recurrence patterns were multiple (p = 0.002). Pathological analysis in 28 surgical patients showed that serosal invasion was present in significantly more patients in Group T (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Low serum albumin levels in patients with HCC indicate both liver dysfunction and increased tumor invasion and metastasis. Nutritional support and albumin supplementation may help reduce intrahepatic metastases and improve prognosis. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Full article
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18 pages, 8113 KB  
Article
An Interpretable Machine Learning Model Based on Inflammatory–Nutritional Biomarkers for Predicting Metachronous Liver Metastases After Colorectal Cancer Surgery
by Hao Zhu, Danyang Shen, Xiaojie Gan and Ding Sun
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071706 - 12 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1546
Abstract
Objective: Tumor progression is regulated by systemic immune status, nutritional metabolism, and the inflammatory microenvironment. This study aims to investigate inflammatory–nutritional biomarkers associated with metachronous liver metastasis (MLM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and develop a machine learning model for accurate prediction. Methods [...] Read more.
Objective: Tumor progression is regulated by systemic immune status, nutritional metabolism, and the inflammatory microenvironment. This study aims to investigate inflammatory–nutritional biomarkers associated with metachronous liver metastasis (MLM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and develop a machine learning model for accurate prediction. Methods: This study enrolled 680 patients with CRC who underwent curative resection, randomly allocated into a training set (n = 477) and a validation set (n = 203) in a 7:3 ratio. Feature selection was performed using Boruta and Lasso algorithms, identifying nine core prognostic factors through variable intersection. Seven machine learning (ML) models were constructed using the training set, with the optimal predictive model selected based on comprehensive evaluation metrics. An interactive visualization tool was developed to interpret the dynamic impact of key features on individual predictions. The partial dependence plots (PDPs) revealed a potential dose–response relationship between inflammatory–nutritional markers and MLM risk. Results: Among 680 patients with CRC, the cumulative incidence of MLM at 6 months postoperatively was 39.1%. Multimodal feature selection identified nine key predictors, including the N stage, vascular invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), systemic immune–inflammation index (SII), albumin–bilirubin index (ALBI), differentiation grade, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), fatty liver, and T stage. The gradient boosting machine (GBM) demonstrated the best overall performance (AUROC: 0.916, sensitivity: 0.772, specificity: 0.871). The generalized additive model (GAM)-fitted SHAP analysis established, for the first time, risk thresholds for four continuous variables (CEA > 8.14 μg/L, PNI < 44.46, SII > 856.36, ALBI > −2.67), confirming their significant association with MLM development. Conclusions: This study developed a GBM model incorporating inflammatory-nutritional biomarkers and clinical features to accurately predict MLM in colorectal cancer. Integrated with dynamic visualization tools, the model enables real-time risk stratification via a freely accessible web calculator, guiding individualized surveillance planning and optimizing clinical decision-making for precision postoperative care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hepatology)
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17 pages, 587 KB  
Article
Real-World Experiences Using Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study
by Maen Abdelrahim, Abdullah Esmail, Richard D. Kim, Sukeshi Patel Arora, Junaid Arshad, Ioannis A. Kournoutas, Conor D. O’Donnell, Todor I. Totev, Amie Tan, Fan Mu, Shravanthi M. Seshasayee, Sairy Hernandez and Nguyen H. Tran
Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111814 - 29 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4759
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics, clinical outcomes, and resource use of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) treated with first-line (1L) atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A+B) at five United States (US) institutions: the Mayo Clinic, Houston Methodist, Moffitt Cancer Center, [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics, clinical outcomes, and resource use of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) treated with first-line (1L) atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A+B) at five United States (US) institutions: the Mayo Clinic, Houston Methodist, Moffitt Cancer Center, Mays Cancer Center, and University of Arizona. Methods: Treating oncologists extracted data from medical charts of patients with uHCC who were treated with A+B after 1 January 2019. Real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method for the overall cohort and for a “trial-like” subgroup with characteristics similar to those in the IMbrave150 trial (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status [ECOG PS] 0–1, Child–Pugh [CP] class A, albumin–bilirubin grade 1–2). Results: Of the 300 patients in the overall cohort (median age of 68 years; 12% ECOG PS ≥ 2; 73% CP A; 26% CP B; median follow-up of 8.7 months), the median rwPFS was 6.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.8, 8.4) months, and the median OS was 14.4 (95% CI: 12.3, 18.2) months. In the trial-like subgroup (n = 194), the median rwPFS was 8.8 (95% CI: 7.6, 12.1) months and the median OS was 19.5 (95% CI: 14.6, 24.7) months. A significantly lower proportion of patients with CP A compared with CP B (39.7% vs. 73.4%) experienced hospitalization within one year of A+B initiation, whereas hospitalizations due to treatment-related adverse events were similar. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the real-world effectiveness of 1L A+B in a diverse US patient cohort, with results from trial-like patients supporting the reproducible efficacy of A+B in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
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14 pages, 4538 KB  
Article
Clinical Comparison Between Curative and Non-Curative Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Hepatic Vein Invasion: A Nationwide Cohort Study
by Sehyeon Yu, Hye-Sung Jo, Young-Dong Yu, Yoo-Jin Choi, Su-Min Jeon and Dong-Sik Kim
Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1794; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111794 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 996
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hepatic vein invasion (HVI) is classified as advanced stage and palliative management is the primary treatment option. This study compared the long-term outcomes of curative and non-curative treatments in patients of HCC with HVI. Methods: Data were obtained [...] Read more.
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hepatic vein invasion (HVI) is classified as advanced stage and palliative management is the primary treatment option. This study compared the long-term outcomes of curative and non-curative treatments in patients of HCC with HVI. Methods: Data were obtained from a retrospective multicenter cohort of the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry. We reviewed 18,315 patients newly diagnosed with HCC between 2008 and 2019. After propensity score matching based on the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score; tumor number, and tumor size, clinical outcomes were compared between the curative group (n = 42, 29.0%) undergoing surgical resection or local ablation and the non-curative group (n = 103, 71.0%) receiving other treatments. Results: Tumor burdens such as tumor number, maximum tumor size, levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and protein induced by absence of vitamin K or antagonist-II did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.672, p = 0.143, p = 0.153 and p = 0.651, respectively). In long-term outcomes, the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were significantly better in the curative group compared to the non-curative group (p < 0.001, both). Multivariate analysis indicated that non-curative treatment, ALBI grade ≥ 2, and AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL were common risk factors for OS and CSS. Conclusions: Curative-intent treatment has the potential to significantly enhance long-term outcomes in selected patients of HCC with HVI who preserved liver function and performance status. Full article
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15 pages, 8140 KB  
Article
Exposure to Acute Concentration of Malathion Induced Behavioral, Hematological, and Biochemical Toxicities in the Brain of Labeo rohita
by Sana Ullah, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Kashif Ashraf, Muhammad Bilal, Tariq Iqbal and Mahmoud M. Azzam
Life 2025, 15(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020158 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1971
Abstract
A surge has been observed in the use of pesticides to boost agricultural yield in order to feed the continuously increasing human population. Different types and classes of broad-spectrum insecticides are in use, and the number is constantly increasing with the introduction of [...] Read more.
A surge has been observed in the use of pesticides to boost agricultural yield in order to feed the continuously increasing human population. Different types and classes of broad-spectrum insecticides are in use, and the number is constantly increasing with the introduction of new ones. Keeping in view the broad-spectrum effects of organophosphate pesticides including Malathion (MLN), their use is continuously increasing without appraising their toxic impacts on non-target organisms. The continuous rise in the use of MLN has led to its presence, persistence, and transport to water bodies globally, subsequently affecting commercially valuable aquatic organisms. The current study was conducted to assess MLN-induced hematological and biochemical toxicities in the brain of a commercially valuable indigenous major carp, rohu, Labeo rohita. The fish was exposed to an acute concentration of commercial-grade MLN. The LC50 of MLN (5 µg/L) led to behavioral inconsistencies and subtle impacts on the hematology (an increase in white blood cells and a reduction in red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume level, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) and biochemistry (an increase in reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase) but a reduction in total protein content and activity of Na+/K+ ATPases) in the brain tissues. MLN also inhibited the activity of Acetylcholinesterase, while it led to an increase in Acetylcholine. Significant changes were observed in the serum biochemical profile; for example, glucose, cholesterol, potassium, urea, and total bilirubin increased, whereas total protein, sodium, chloride, albumin, and inorganic phosphate decreased after exposure. The current study clearly classified MLN as highly toxic to rohu. Therefore, the extra-judicious use of MLN should be strictly supervised. Studies concerning the real-world concentration of pesticides should be carried out on regular basis to mitigate the echoing issue of pesticide-based pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Science)
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14 pages, 1196 KB  
Article
Integrating Muscle Depletion with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging to Predict Overall Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Tzu-Rong Peng, Chao-Chuan Wu, Jong-Kai Hsiao, Yi-Chun Chou, Yuan-Ling Liao, Yen-Chih Chen, Pei-Jung Shao, Ta-Wei Wu and Ching-Sheng Hsu
Cancers 2025, 17(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010024 - 25 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1535
Abstract
Background: Muscle depletion (MD) is a critical factor that influences clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its role in cancer prognosis is recognized, its integration into widely used prognostic systems remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact [...] Read more.
Background: Muscle depletion (MD) is a critical factor that influences clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its role in cancer prognosis is recognized, its integration into widely used prognostic systems remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of MD on overall survival (OS) in HCC patients and to improve existing noninvasive prognostic models by incorporating MD-related metrics. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1072 HCC patients treated at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital between January 2006 and December 2016. All patients had follow-up data and computed tomography (CT) scans at vertebral level L3 for MD evaluation. Independent prognostic factors for OS were identified using Cox proportional hazards models, and the predictive performance of various prognostic models was assessed through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: The key independent predictors of OS in HCC patients included hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MD-related metrics (psoas muscle-to-spine ratio, psoas muscle-to-vertebral ratio, and myosteatosis). Among existing models, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) class, and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade demonstrated robust predictive performance for OS. However, incorporating MD significantly improved the predictive accuracy of these models, with the MD–BCLC model showing the highest AUROC (0.804, 95% CI: 0.777–0.832, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MD is an independent and significant prognostic predictor for patients with HCC. Integrating MD metrics into established systems, particularly the BCLC staging system, markedly improves OS prediction, providing a more comprehensive tool for clinical decision-making in the management of HCC. Full article
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13 pages, 648 KB  
Article
Albumin–Bilirubin Grade as a Valuable Predictor of Recurrence and Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Radiofrequency Ablation
by Chang Hun Lee, Ga Ram You, Hoon Gil Jo, Chung Hwan Jun, Eun Young Cho, In Hee Kim, Sung Kyu Choi and Jae Hyun Yoon
Cancers 2024, 16(24), 4167; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16244167 - 13 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1662
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an important local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of tumor recurrence after RFA and analyze predictors of tumor recurrence and survival in patients with HCC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an important local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of tumor recurrence after RFA and analyze predictors of tumor recurrence and survival in patients with HCC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from treatment-naïve patients with HCC who underwent RFA for HCC treatment between 2008 and 2017 at four tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Results: A total of 636 patients with HCC treated with RFA were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 66.3 ± 10.4 years, with 75.0% of patients being male. Most patients (96.7%) had underlying liver cirrhosis, and viral hepatitis (types B and C) accounted for most cases. The average maximum tumor size was 2.2 ± 0.9 cm, with 84.3% of tumors being single lesions. During the follow-up period, 331 patients experienced recurrence, with 95.5% of cases being intrahepatic and one-fifth occurring at the RFA site. Most patients underwent RFA or transarterial chemoembolization as subsequent therapy for recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade, and Child–Pugh class B status were independent factors associated with tumor recurrence. Only the ALBI grade was significantly associated with mortality. Additionally, the ALBI grade differentiated between recurrence-free survival and overall survival in the Kaplan–Meier survival curve. Conclusions: The ALBI grade was independently associated with tumor recurrence and prognosis in patients with HCC following RFA. This grading system can help clinicians identify high-risk patients, optimize treatment strategies, and enhance patient care. Full article
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11 pages, 1063 KB  
Article
Predictive Value of GINI and ALBI Grades in Esophageal Cancer Receiving Chemoradiotherapy
by Timur Koca, Busra Hasdemir, Rahmi Atıl Aksoy and Aylin Fidan Korcum
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(11), 6829-6839; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31110504 - 2 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1803
Abstract
Objectives: The principal objective of this study was to assess the predictive efficacy of the global immune–nutrition–inflammation index (GINI) and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score among patients receiving chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 46 patients who received definitive [...] Read more.
Objectives: The principal objective of this study was to assess the predictive efficacy of the global immune–nutrition–inflammation index (GINI) and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score among patients receiving chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 46 patients who received definitive or neoadjuvant radiotherapy for esophageal cancer at our institution. Blood samples were collected from these patients prior to the initiation of radiotherapy to measure the biomarkers, including the C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR), the global immune–nutrition–inflammation index (GINI), and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade. The predictive significance of these biomarkers for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: The median follow-up time for this study was 19.5 months (range: 2.6–166.3 months). Univariate analysis revealed that the platelet count (p = 0.003) and monocyte count (p = 0.04) were significant predictors of PFS. In the multivariate analysis, only the platelet count (p = 0.005) remained an independent predictor of PFS. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the neutrophil count (p = 0.04), lymphocyte count (p = 0.01), NLR (p = 0.005), PLR (p = 0.004), CRP (p = 0.02), ALBI grade (p = 0.01), and GINI (p = 0.005) were significant predictors of OS. Multivariate analysis identified the GINI as a predictor of OS, approaching statistical significance (p = 0.08). Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that the pretreatment GINI and ALBI grades are significantly and independently associated with the OS rates in patients with esophageal cancer who are undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Full article
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15 pages, 2006 KB  
Article
Prognostic Value of Myosteatosis and Albumin–Bilirubin Grade for Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post Chemoembolization
by Kittipitch Bannangkoon, Keerati Hongsakul, Teeravut Tubtawee and Natee Ina
Cancers 2024, 16(20), 3503; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16203503 - 17 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2064
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of preoperative myosteatosis and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and develop a robust prognostic score based on these factors. Methods: Patients with HCC who underwent [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of preoperative myosteatosis and the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and develop a robust prognostic score based on these factors. Methods: Patients with HCC who underwent TACE between January 2009 and December 2020 were included. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified prognostic factors. CT-based body composition parameters were acquired from baseline abdominal CT images at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. A prognostic score (Myo-ALBI) was developed based on the presence of preoperative myosteatosis and the ALBI grade, and its prognostic value was evaluated. Results: Of 446 patients, 63% were male, and the mean age was 62.4 years. Preoperative myosteatosis was present in 41.5% of patients. The BCLC stages were mostly B (67.9%). Multivariate analysis shows that preoperative myosteatosis, ALBI grade 2, and ALBI grade 3 were independent prognostic factors. The Myo-ALBI grade was incorporated into a prognostic model, including alpha-fetoprotein and up-to-seven criteria, to generate a nomogram. The C-index of the nomogram based on the Myo-ALBI grade (0.743) was significantly higher than the non-Myo-ALBI nomogram (0.677), the up-to-seven criteria (0.653), the ALBI grade (0.616), and the Child–Pugh class (0.573) (all p < 0.05). The t-ROC curve for the nomogram was consistently superior to the other models throughout the observation period in all patients and the BCLC-B subgroup. Conclusions: The combination of preoperative CT-derived myosteatosis and ALBI grade enhances prognostication for patients with unresectable HCC undergoing TACE. The Myo-ALBI nomogram constructed in this study could support individualized prognosis prediction, assisting in treatment decision-making for HCC patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Therapy)
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