Teiji Kuzuya

AIM: To investigate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) who achieved a complete response (CR) according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). METHODS: A total of 120 patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0 or 1 and Child-Pugh A at the start of Atz/Bev treatment were included. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C was recorded in 59 patients. RESULTS: The CR rate with Atz/Bev alone was 15.0%. The median time to CR was 3.4 months, and the median duration of CR was 15.6 months. A significant factor associated with achieving CR with Atz/Bev alone was an AFP ratio of 0.34 or less at 3 weeks. Adding transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the six patients who achieved a partial response increased the overall CR rate to 20%. Among the 24 patients who achieved CR, the median progression-free survival was 19.3 months, the median overall survival was not reached, and 14 patients (58.3%) were able to discontinue Atz/Bev and achieve a drug-free status. Twelve of these patients developed progressive disease (PD), but eleven successfully received post-PD treatments and responded well. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving CR by mRECIST using Atz/Bev alone or with additional TACE can be expected to offer an extremely favorable prognosis.

Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide.Gap statement. Monitoring of HCC and predicting its immunotherapy responses are challenging.Aim. This study explored the potential of the gut microbiome for HCC monitoring and predicting HCC immunotherapy responses.Methods. DNA samples were collected from the faeces of 22 patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) and 85 healthy controls. The gut microbiome was analysed using 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR).Results. The microbiomes of patients with HCC demonstrated significant enrichment of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus, notably Streptococcus anginosus. Comparative analysis between Atz/Bev responders (R) and non-responders (NR) revealed a higher abundance of Bacteroides stercoris in the NR group and Bacteroides coprocola in the R group. Using qPCR analysis, we observed elevated levels of S. anginosus and reduced levels of 5α-reductase genes, essential for the synthesis of isoallolithocholic acid, in HCC patients compared to controls. Additionally, the analysis confirmed a significantly lower abundance of B. stercoris in the Atz/Bev R group relative to the NR group.Conclusions. The gut microbiome analysis and specific gene quantification via qPCR could provide a rapid, less invasive, and cost-effective approach for assessing the increased risk of HCC, monitoring patient status, and predicting immunotherapy responses.

The relationship between antitumor response and tumor marker changes was evaluated in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with durvalumab plus tremelimumab (Dur/Tre). Forty patients were enrolled in this retrospective evaluation of treatment outcomes. According to the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors version 1.1 at 8 weeks, the objective response (OR) rate was 25% and the disease control (DC) rate was 57.5%. The median alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ratio at 4 weeks was 0.39 in patients who achieved OR at 8 weeks (8W-OR group), significantly lower than the 1.08 in the non-8W-OR group (p = 0.0068); however, it was 1.22 in patients who did not achieve DC at 8 weeks (non-8W-DC group), significantly higher than the 0.53 in the 8W-DC group (p = 0.0006). Similarly, the median des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) ratio at 4 weeks was 0.15 in the 8W-OR group, significantly lower than the 1.46 in the non-8W-OR group (p < 0.0001); however, it was 1.23 in the non-8W-DC group, significantly higher than the 0.49 in the 8W-DC group (p = 0.0215). Early changes in tumor markers after Dur/Tre initiation were associated with antitumor response. In particular, changes in AFP and DCP at 4 weeks may offer useful biomarkers for early prediction of both response and progressive disease following Dur/Tre.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) has become widely used as a first-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, for post-Atz/Bev therapy, evidence on the outcomes of molecular targeted agents, such as lenvatinib, is limited. The present study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of lenvatinib on advanced HCC in patients who had previously undergone Atz/Bev treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with HCC, who received lenvatinib after Atz/Bev treatment, were enrolled in the study. In particular, we examined the impact of adverse events (AEs), such as anorexia and general fatigue. During the treatment, lenvatinib dosages were adjusted or temporarily discontinued in response to AEs. Treatment outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) for lenvatinib treatment were 25.0% and 95.0%, respectively, according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.0 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 10.5 months. Eleven patients experienced anorexia or fatigue, leading to a reduction in the dose of lenvatinib but not to a significant difference in the time to drug discontinuation. Importantly, there were no significant differences between the 11 anorexia/fatigue-suffering patients and the nine other patients with regard to PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: Lenvatinib can be efficacious and safe for treating advanced HCC patients previously treated with Atz/Bev, and AEs such as anorexia and general fatigue can be effectively managed without losing lenvatinib's therapeutic benefits.

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes for cabozantinib in clinical practice in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev), with a focus on whether patients met criteria of Child-Pugh Class A and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) score 0/1 at baseline. (2) Methods: Eleven patients (57.9%) met the criteria of both Child-Pugh class A and ECOG-PS score 0/1 (CP-A+PS-0/1 group) and eight patients (42.1%) did not (Non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group); efficacy and safety were retrospectively evaluated. (3) Results: Disease control rate was significantly higher in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (81.1%) than in the non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (12.5%). Median progression-free survival, overall survival and duration of cabozantinib treatment were significantly longer in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (3.9 months, 13.4 months, and 8.3 months, respectively) than in the Non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (1.2 months, 1.7 months, and 0.8 months, respectively). Median daily dose of cabozantinib was significantly higher in the CP-A+PS-0/1 group (22.9 mg/day) than in the non-CP-A+PS-0/1 group (16.9 mg/day). (4) Conclusions: Cabozantinib in patients previously treated with Atz/Bev has potential therapeutic efficacy and safety if patients have good liver function (Child-Pugh A) and are in good general condition (ECOG-PS 0/1).

The combination therapy of atezolizumab, an anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 antibody, plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) is widely used to treat patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The development of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for patients with HCC has not been reported to date. Two patients who developed PMR during Atz/Bev therapy for advanced HCC are reported. Both patients developed fever, bilateral symmetrical shoulder pain, morning stiffness, and an elevated C-reactive protein level. Their symptoms improved rapidly with prednisolone (PSL) 15-20 mg/d, and their C-reactive protein levels decreased. In PMR, long-term low-dose PSL should be administered. In the present patients who developed PMR as immune-related adverse events, starting with a small dose of PSL resulted in rapid improvement of symptoms.

AIM: The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab (RAM) in clinical practice as post-treatment, following atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels of ≥400 ng/ml. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 77 patients treated with Atz/Bev at our institution, 13 patients for whom RAM was introduced as post-treatment following Atz/Bev were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were 9 patients (69.2%) with Child-Pugh A and 11 patients (84.6%) for whom RAM was initiated as 3rd- or later-line therapy. The median AFP level was 2259 ng/ml. RESULTS: The objective response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours at 6 weeks was 15.4%, and the disease control rate was 69.2%. The median time to progression was 3.0 months; AFP level decreased at 2 weeks in 11 patients (84.6%) and at 6 weeks in seven patients (53.8%). The most common adverse events (AEs) within 6 weeks were ascites, peripheral oedema, and proteinuria, while grade 3 AEs occurred in six patients (46.2%). Albumin-bilirubin scores at both 4 and 6 weeks were significantly worse than those at baseline. CONCLUSION: In HCC patients with AFP levels of ≥400 ng/mL, RAM after Atz/Bev is expected to be an effective treatment option. Careful attention should be paid to the development of AEs and deterioration of liver function, especially when RAM is used as 3rd- or later-line therapy. Additional studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of RAM as 2nd-line treatment after Atz/Bev in Child-Pugh A patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the early changes in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and to evaluate the relationship between changes in these tumor markers and treatment efficacy. METHODS: Of 58 consecutive patients who started atezolizumab plus bevacizumab at our institution, 50 patients with information on antitumor response obtained at 6 weeks after therapy were enrolled in this study and their treatment outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors at 6 weeks, the objective response (OR) rate was 22.0% and the disease control (DC) rate was 78.0%. In patients who achieved OR at 6 weeks, median AFP and DCP ratios at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 6 were significantly lower than those in patients who did not achieve OR. AFP ratios in patients who did not achieve DC at 6 weeks (Non-6W-DC group) were significantly higher than in those who achieved DC at week 6 (6W-DC group). Median overall survival in the Non-6W-DC group was significantly shorter than in the 6W-DC group (156 days vs. not reached, p = 0.0008). An AFP ratio of 1.4 or higher at 3 weeks had a specificity of 88.0% and a sensitivity of 88.9% for predicting Non-6W-DC. Median progression-free survival was significantly shorter in patients with an AFP ratio of 1.4 or higher at 3 weeks than in those with an AFP ratio of <1.4 (42 days vs. 210 days, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Early changes in AFP might be useful for predicting the antitumor efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in patients with advanced HCC. An AFP ratio of 1.4 or higher at 3 weeks might be an early predictor of refractoriness to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy.

ABSTRACT: Real-world clinical cases of molecularly targeted agent (MTA) administration to patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ≥50% liver occupation have been reported, but treatment outcomes have rarely been described. We have encountered several cases in which albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores deteriorated markedly and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels elevated in the early post-dose period. The present study therefore investigated early clinical changes in ALBI score and CRP levels after initiating MTA in advanced HCC patients with ≥50% liver occupation, focusing on antitumor response at 6 weeks.This retrospective study included 46 HCC patients with liver occupation ≥50% and 191 patients with <50%, Child-Pugh score ≤7, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status scores of 0 or 1, who were treated with sorafenib or lenvatinib as first-line systemic therapy at our hospital between June 2011 and January 2020. We analyzed their medical records up to March 2020 and investigated the outcomes and changes in CRP and ALBI scores classified according to antitumor response at 6 weeks.Overall survival was significantly longer in patients with partial response (PR) + stable disease (SD) (13.7 months) than in patients with progressive disease (PD) (1.7 months, P < .001) in the ≥50% group. Patients with antitumor response of PR + SD at 6 weeks in the ≥50% group showed more marked deterioration of ALBI score at 2 weeks than those in the <50% group. These significant differences between groups had again disappeared at 4 and 6 weeks. Focusing on patients with PD at 6 weeks, ALBI score deteriorated over time in both groups. Regarding CRP, on 6-week PR + SD patients, a significant increase in CRP levels at 1 and 2 weeks was evident in the >50% group compared to the <50% group. These significant differences between groups had again disappeared at 4 and 6 weeks. In PD patients, no difference between groups in CRP elevation occurred at 1 and 2 weeks.In MTA treatment for patients with ≥50% liver occupation, to obtain an antitumor response of PR + SD, adequate management might be important considering transient deteriorated ALBI scores and elevated CRP levels.

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including those with disease refractory to lenvatinib, in clinical practice. Patients and Methods: Of 34 patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, a total of 23, including 16 with lenvatinib failure, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The adverse events, changes in liver function and antitumor responses at 6 weeks after starting therapy were evaluated. Results: The incidence of grade 3 adverse events was low, at 13.0%. Albumin–bilirubin scores did not worsen at 3 and 6 weeks compared to baseline. The objective response rate and disease control rate at 6 weeks were 17.4% and 78.3% according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), and 30.4% and 78.3% according to modified RECIST, respectively. Conclusion: Our results suggest that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab might have potential therapeutic safety and efficacy in patients with advanced HCC, including those with disease refractory to lenvatinib. Further studies are needed to confirm the outcomes of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab after lenvatinib failure.

Few reports have described dose re-escalation after long-term low-dose sorafenib leading to good outcomes. Here, we report the case of an 80-year-old woman with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who achieved complete response from sorafenib dose re-escalation after the failure of long-term low-dose sorafenib treatment combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Sorafenib therapy was initiated at 400 mg once daily due to old age and low platelet count. 5 months later, this dose was reduced to 200 mg once daily because of adverse events. Best radiological antitumor response by sorafenib treatment alone was judged as stable disease according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. 1 year later, she showed progressive disease owing to the progression of intrahepatic lesions. She received combination therapy with low-dose sorafenib (200 mg every other day) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, which proved relatively effective for three and a half years. Antitumor response by the fourth transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and subsequent low-dose sorafenib was clearly progressive disease. At that time, sorafenib-related adverse events were well-controlled. Sorafenib dose was re-escalated to 200 mg once daily. After this re-escalation, tumor markers declined rapidly, and adverse events remained tolerable. 4 months later, complete response was achieved.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The outcomes of ramucirumab after lenvatinib failure for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels of ≥400 ng/ml are unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 12 patients treated with ramucirumab after lenvatinib failure, 10 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. RESULTS: The disease control rate of 80% at 6 weeks and the median time to progression of 3.1 months were the same by both the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and the modified RECIST. AFP reduction was seen in 5 patients at 2 weeks and in 3 patients at 6 weeks. The incidence of grade 3 adverse events was low at 10%. The albumin-bilirubin scores within 6 weeks did not worsen. CONCLUSION: Ramucirumab might have potential therapeutic efficacy and safety in advanced HCC patients after lenvatinib failure. Further studies are needed to confirm the outcomes of ramucirumab after lenvatinib failure.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to compare the outcomes between sorafenib and lenvatinib as first-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with major portal vein tumor thrombosis (Vp3/4). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 41 HCC patients with Vp3/4 and Child-Pugh A. RESULTS: The outcomes in the lenvatinib group (n=13) were significantly better than those in the sorafenib group (n=28) [best objective response rate according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors: 53.8% vs. 14.3%; p=0.0193, best disease control rate: 92.3% vs. 35.7%; p=0.0008, median overall survival (OS): not reached vs. 187 days; p=0.0040, respectively]. Lenvatinib treatment was the only significant predictor of better OS and time to tumor progression. No patient needed to discontinue lenvatinib treatment due to drug-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Compared with sorafenib, lenvatinib treatment for advanced HCC with Vp3/4 may lead to more favorable outcomes.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the radiological antitumor response at 2 weeks after starting lenvatinib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in real-world practice. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 40 patients who received lenvatinib. Radiological antitumor response was evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. RESULTS: The objective response rate at 2 weeks and best overall response on confirmation of complete response, partial response (PR), and stable disease required (confirmed response) were 57.5% and 32.5%, respectively. Based on confirmed response, the overall survival rate was significantly longer in patients with an objective response rate than in those with stable disease or progressive disease after 12 months (73.2% and 54.2%, P = 0.0358). All 13 patients with an objective response rate on confirmed response were evaluated as PR at 2 weeks. The alpha-fetoprotein ratio at 2 weeks was a significant factor associated with PR of response rate at 2 weeks. The median relative dose intensity from 2 to 6 weeks was significantly lower than that from 0 to 2 weeks (69.6% vs. 100%, P < 0.0001). Stratified by the antitumor response at 6 weeks considering the image evaluation at 2 weeks, the median relative dose intensity from 2 to 6 weeks was significantly lower in patients with progressive disease than in those with PR or stable disease (45.2% vs. 72.6%, P = 0.0482). CONCLUSIONS: The radiological antitumor response at 2 weeks was favorable. Information on a favorable visible therapeutic response very early after lenvatinib initiation can help patients maintain their motivation for treatment, and allow physicians to continue treatment effectively and safely.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sorafenib results in several adverse events, the mechanism and predictors of which are unknown. Recently, it was reported that metabolism by microbiome changes the structure and effects of drugs. The blood levels of sorafenib may be affected by enterohepatic recycling of sorafenib due to microbial enzymes in the gut. We evaluated the relationship between adverse events caused by sorafenib treatment and microbiome in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients were classified into two groups based on the presence of hand-foot syndrome (HFS) or diarrhea within 12 weeks post-sorafenib treatment. Before sorafenib treatment, the fecal samples were analyzed targeting the V3-V4 region of 16s ribosomal RNA. Microbiome and predicted functional gene were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The non-HFS group had a richer abundance of Veillonella, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, Dialister, and Anaerostipes than the HFS group at genus level. Carotenoid biosynthesis and bacterial invasion of epithelial cells were enriched in the HFS group. The former three bacteria are classified as oral-origin bacteria, and the two predicted functions are associated with dysbiosis. The non-diarrhea group had a higher abundance of Butyricimonas and a lower abundance of Citrobacter, Peptostreptococcus, and Staphylococcaceae than the diarrhea group. Eight categories of predicted functional genes were detected with differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The non-HFS group had a higher relative abundance of oral-origin bacteria, which likely led to more robust dysbiosis in the gut. This dysbiosis may affect enterohepatic recycling. Additionally, the metabolism of these short-chain fatty acids in the gut may be different between the diarrhea and non-diarrhea groups.

INTRODUCTION: Because the frequency of bile duct invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is very rare, there is limited clinical evidence to demonstrate the outcomes of systemic therapy in HCC with bile duct invasion. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to clarify the efficacy and safety of sorafenib treatment in patients with unresectable advanced HCC with bile duct invasion. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five patients with advanced HCC were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of sorafenib between patients without bile duct invasion [B (-) group, n = 165] and those with bile duct invasion [B (+) group, n = 10]. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the confirmed objective response rate (ORR) and the confirmed disease control (DC) rate between the B (-) and the B (+) groups (13.9 vs. 20.0%, p = 0.637 for ORR; 47.2 vs. 70.0%, p = 0.202 for DC rate, respectively). There were no significant differences in median overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP) between the B (-) group and the B (+) group (14.8 vs. 14.1 months, p = 0.780 for OS; 3.4 vs. 5.7 months, p = 0.277 for TTP, respectively). Post-treatment factors associated with good OS were changes in albumin-bilirubin score (0-6 weeks) of <0.25, and antitumor response at 6 weeks of DC. Though 5 of 10 patients (50%) in the B (+) group had bile duct complications, such as obstructive jaundice and biliary bleeding, these 5 patients were able to recover from biliary troubles by careful and vigorous management with biliary endoscopic intervention, and were able to continue sorafenib therapy safely. CONCLUSIONS: Our present results suggest that sorafenib might have potential therapeutic efficacy and safety in advanced HCC patients with bile duct invasion. In case of biliary tract troubles before and during sorafenib treatment, early biliary management may be important to continue sorafenib therapy safely. Further studies are needed to confirm the outcomes of sorafenib in advanced HCC patients with bile duct invasion.

Sorafenib and regorafenib are tyrosine kinase inhibitors that are used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and which have similar chemical structures and toxicity profiles. We herein report a case in which regorafenib treatment could be continued for 10 months and stable disease could be maintained for a long period despite the discontinuation of sorafenib due to grade 4 liver injury and grade 3 fever. The severe adverse events could be attributed to drug hypersensitivity, since a drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST) indicated sensitivity to sorafenib. A DLST for regorafenib was negative. This is the first report showing that regorafenib could be safely administered after the discontinuation of sorafenib due to hypersensitivity.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of candidates for second-line therapy, including regorafenib and ramucirumab, for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sorafenib treatment. METHODS: Of 122 patients, 103 were radiologically confirmed as progressive disease (PD) (sorafenib-refractory group), and 19 discontinued sorafenib therapy due to adverse events prior to radiologic PD (sorafenib-intolerant group). Patients in the sorafenib-refractory group were divided into two subgroups each, according to their eligibility for second-line treatment (second-line-in and -out group), regorafenib (RESORCE-in and -out group), or ramucirumab (REACH-2-in and -out group). RESULTS: Patients included in the non-candidate group were those with α-fetoprotein level <400 ng/mL (n = 51, 49.5%), daily sorafenib dose <400 mg (n = 44, 42.7%), Child-Pugh B or C (n = 40, 38.8%), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score ≥2 (n = 24, 23.3%). The percentages of candidates were 57.3% for second-line, 35.0% for regorafenib, and 23.3% for ramucirumab. The median post-progression survival (PPS) was significantly longer for the second-line-in and the RESORCE-in groups than in the non-candidate groups (12.6 and 11.0 months vs. 3.0 and 6.1 months, respectively). The PPS was not significantly different between the REACH-2-in and -out groups. A significant predictor of candidates for second-line treatment at sorafenib initiation was a Child-Pugh score of 5 (A5). CONCLUSIONS: Not all patients refractory to sorafenib were candidates for second-line therapy. A Child-Pugh score of A5 at sorafenib initiation was an important and favorable factor related to eligibility for second-line therapy and good outcomes.

There have been reports that a vitamin K2 (VK2) analog is beneficial for the prevention of recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative therapy. However, the VK2 analogs in current use do not appear to show dramatic antitumor effects when given alone. Here, we report the case of a 67-year-old male patient with sorafenib-failure advanced HCC who achieved complete response (CR) after VK2 analog monotherapy. At the time of sorafenib failure confirmation, the patient had multiple intrahepatic tumors, multiple lung metastases, and Vp3 portal vein tumor thrombosis. He had poor liver function (Child-Pugh score of 9, Child-Pugh class B) and poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2). Both serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels were elevated (558 900 ng/mL and 917 300 mAU/mL, respectively). Treatment with VK2 analog was initiated at 45 mg/day. Five months later, both tumor markers had decreased to normal levels (AFP 8 ng/mL and DCP 10 mAU/mL). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that all intrahepatic tumors had shrunk, there was no enhancement of tumor staining in the arterial phase, and all lung metastases and portal vein tumor thromboses had disappeared. We considered that CR was achieved according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Eighteen months after the start of VK2 analog administration, the patient continues to receive treatment and has remained in CR without adverse events. Here, we report a rare case of sorafenib-failure advanced HCC in which sustained CR was achieved by VK2 analog monotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors associated with postprogression survival (PPS) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with sorafenib, who were not eligible for second-line treatment with regorafenib. METHODS: A total of 103 patients with radiological confirmation of progressive disease (PD) were enrolled. RESULTS: The median PPS (n = 67) was 6.1 months. Significant and independent prognostic factors at initial radiological PD associated with good PPS were an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) score of 0, the absence of macrovascular invasion (MVI), and time to progression (TTP) ≥4 months. Upon scoring these three variables as good PPS factors, the median PPS in the good PPS score of 3 or 2 group (n = 38) was significantly longer than that in the good PPS score of 1 or 0 group (n = 29) (16.6 vs. 2.9 months; p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: An ECOG-PS score of 0, the absence of MVI, and TTP ≥4 months at first radiological confirmation of PD may be useful for predicting good PPS in patients with advanced HCC who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the RESORCE trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fever within 2 weeks after the start of sorafenib therapy and treatment efficacy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: One hundred and two patients with advanced HCC were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively compared patients with fever (more than 38°C) within 2 weeks after the start of sorafenib therapy (fever group, n = 34) and patients without fever (non-fever group, n = 68) in terms of survival, best antitumor response, and change in intratumor blood on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) after 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy. RESULTS: Fever was the only significant and independent predictor of better outcomes (hazard ratio, 0.517; 95% confidence interval, 0.319-0.838; p = 0.0071). In the fever group, the partial response rate, the disease control rate, and the rate of disappearance of arterial tumor enhancement on CE-CT after 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy were significantly higher than those in the non-fever group (38.2 vs. 5.9%, respectively, p = 0.0001; 85.3 vs. 60.3%, respectively, p = 0.0103; 76.5 vs. 35.3%, respectively, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Fever within 2 weeks after the start of sorafenib therapy may be a useful predictor of a favorable treatment response in patients with advanced HCC.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We evaluated the relationship between the early clinical response after 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy and the outcomes and anti-tumor response in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who had intrahepatic hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma and Child-Pugh (CP) class A disease at baseline were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional study. As an early clinical response after 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy, changes in intra-tumor blood flow on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and remnant liver function were investigated. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy, there were 26 patients (45.6%) without disappearance of arterial tumor enhancement on CE-CT, 15 patients (26.3%) with an AFP ratio of >1.2, and seven patients (12.3%) with two or more increments in the CP score. Multivariate analysis showed that the absence of disappearance of arterial tumor enhancement on CE-CT, AFP ratio of >1.2, and two or more increments in the CP score after 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy were significant and independent predictors of worse survival. Upon scoring these three variables as "poor prognostic factors", patients with poor prognostic score 4, 3 or 2 (n = 17) had significantly worse outcomes and a significantly higher progressive disease (PD) rate based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors at 6 weeks after sorafenib therapy than those with poor prognostic score 1 or 0 (n = 40) (median overall survival: 194 days vs. 378 days; p = 0.0010, PD rate: 70.6% vs. 20.0%; p = 0.0003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in intra-tumor blood flow on CE-CT, AFP levels, and remnant liver function after 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy may be useful for predicting the outcomes and anti-tumor response to sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between early changes in the tumor markers α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), and antitumor response in the early period following administration of sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Forty-eight advanced HCC patients were evaluated. AFP and DCP were measured at baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks, and the antitumor responses were evaluated according to the RECIST criteria 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy. The ratios of each tumor marker were compared by stratifying the patients into the partial response (PR) + stable disease (SD) group or the progressive disease (PD) group. RESULTS: Both 2 and 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy, the AFP ratio in the PR + SD group (n = 32) was significantly lower than in the PD group (n = 16; p = 0.002, p = 0.002). DCP was elevated in both the PR + SD group and the PD group 2 weeks and 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of AFP ratios 2 and 4 weeks after starting sorafenib therapy may be useful for predicting antitumor response. On the other hand, early elevation of DCP does not necessarily suggest treatment failure by sorafenib, as DCP elevation can occur despite therapeutic efficacy.

The branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex is the most important regulatory enzyme in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism. We examined the regulation of hepatic BCKDH complex activity in spontaneous type 2 diabetes Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Hepatic BCKDH complex activity in these rats was significantly lower than in corresponding control rats. The amount of BCKDH complex in OLETF rats corresponded to the total activity of the complex. Activity and abundance of the bound form of BCKDH kinase, which is responsible for inactivation of the complex, showed an inverse correlation to BCKDH complex activity in OLETF rats. Dietary supplementation of 5% BCAAs for 10 weeks markedly increased BCKDH complex activity, and decreased the activity and bound form of BCKDH kinase in the rats. These results suggest that BCAA catabolism in type 2 diabetes is downregulated and enhanced by BCAA supplementation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether antiviral therapy with lamivudine is beneficial in patients after initial treatment for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients with HBV-related HCC completely treated by hepatic resection or radiofrequency ablation were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Comparison was made between 16 patients who received lamivudine therapy at a dose of 100 mg/day after treatment for HCC (lamivudine group) and 33 patients who did not (control group) in terms of changes in remnant liver function, HCC recurrence and survival. RESULTS: Cumulative recurrence rates of HCC did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.622). However, median Child-Pugh score at the time of HCC recurrence was significantly different; 5 (range 5-6) in the lamivudine group versus 7 (range 5-12) in the control group (P = 0.005). All patients in the lamivudine group were able to receive curative treatment for recurrent HCC. In contrast, 10 of 15 patients in the control group were unable to receive curative optimal therapy for recurrent HCC due to deterioration of remnant liver function. The cumulative survival rates of patients in the lamivudine group tended to be higher than those of patients in the control group (P = 0.063). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that lamivudine therapy is beneficial for patients after initial treatment for HBV-related HCC because it contributes to improving remnant liver function, thus decreasing the risk of liver failure and increasing the chances of receiving available treatment modalities for recurrent HCC.