Analysis of factors influencing recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy

Abstract

Objective To identify the risk factors of early post-surgical recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within 2 years. Methods This retrospective study included 178 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent curative resection between January 2009 to December 2012 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. There were 151 males and 27 females, with a mean age of (58±11) years. The CT features including rim enhancement, satellite nodule, two-trait predictor of venous invasion (TTPVI), and non-smooth tumor margins were reviewed. After hospital discharge, the patients were followed-up regularly for at least 2 years to detect tumor recurrence. The primary end point was recurrence of HCC. Results On univariate analyses AFP≥200 μg/L, rim enhancement, TTPVI, non-smooth tumor margins and largest diameter >5 cm were correlated with early post-surgical recurrence of HCC. On multivariate analyses, AFP≥200 μg/L (HR=2.144, 95%CI: 1.350~3.406), rim enhancement (HR=2.196, 95%CI: 1.345~3.587), TTPVI (HR=1.735, 95%CI: 1.086~2.772), and non-smooth tumor margins (HR=2.065, 95%CI: 1.242~3.432) were independent risk factors of early post-surgical recurrence of HCC. Conclusion AFP≥200 μg/L, rim enhancement, TTPVI, and non-smooth tumor margins were independent risk factors of early post-surgical recurrence of HCC. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Recurrence; Computed tomography