Enlarged selection criteria for hepatocellular cancer: is the upper limit needed?

Abstract

Liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is strategically challenging because the very good mid-term outcomes of this treatment jar with the risk of cancer recurrence. Although Milan criteria (MC) tap the balance on the safe side, they tend to be considered too restrictive and new, enlarged criteria have been conceived in order to enlarge the pool of potential recipients. Some extended criteria are more audacious then others, but they seem to be well tailored on the local reality they are applied to. Being HCC epidemiology and organs availability very variable between regions, a universally valid 'upper limit' is yet to be determinable.

Recent innovations in the management of hepatocellular cancer in the setting of liver transplantation: preface

“…Dr. Oldani (Switzerland) analyzed the "enlarged selection criteria for hepatocellular cancer: is the upper limit needed?" (4). Another important analyzed aspect was the role biomarkers as prognostic factors for selecting HCC patients waiting for LT.…”