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Treatment of HCC: Resection, Local-Regional Therapy, Systemic Therapy, and Liver Transplantation

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Primary Liver Cancer

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

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Abstract

The burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide has escalated to the sixth most common cancer worldwide [1]. Furthermore, it is now recognized as the third leading cause of cancer related mortality [1]. While orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) offers the best chance for long-term survival, organ shortage limits its availability to all those in need, and the priority for OLT is dependent upon meeting the current selection criteria, Milan criteria [2]. There is a growing need for efficacious therapies for HCC. Treatment for HCC is dependent upon the degree of underlying liver dysfunction and tumor burden as the majority of such tumors occur in the background of cirrhosis. Therefore, any therapy for HCC should be performed in a manner to minimize the risk of mortality related to decompensated liver disease with appropriate patient selection. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging classification (BCLC) takes into account tumor characteristics, liver function, and the patient’s performance status and pairs each BCLC stage with a recommended treatment modality [3] (Fig. 10.1). However, in clinical practice, adherence to the BCLC is not always absolute. This chapter will focus on the therapeutic options for HCC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Nate Susnow MD

  2. Department of Transplantation Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Talia B. Baker MD & Laura Kulik MD

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  1. Nate Susnow MD
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  2. Talia B. Baker MD
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  3. Laura Kulik MD
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Correspondence to Laura Kulik MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Center, Center for Liver Disease, The University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave. MC 7120, Chicago, 60637, Illinois, USA

    Nancy Reau

  2. , Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas, 621 Camden St, #202, San Antonio, 78215, Texas, USA

    Fred Poordad

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Susnow, N., Baker, T.B., Kulik, L. (2012). Treatment of HCC: Resection, Local-Regional Therapy, Systemic Therapy, and Liver Transplantation. In: Reau, N., Poordad, F. (eds) Primary Liver Cancer. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-863-4_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-863-4_10

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