The presence of non-hepatic malignancy and its implication in pursuing liver transplantation. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND: Primary extrahepatic malignancy and chronic liver disease co-exist in a considerable number of patients, creating a dilemma both in the aspects of liver transplant candidacy and cancer therapy. In this review, we will explore several aspects and controversies of liver transplantation in patients with non-hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy including risks of cancer recurrence after liver transplantation and the ethical dilemma of the selection of liver transplantation candidates with non-hepatic malignancy. METHODS: We performed a search in several online databases and reviewed published articles and ongoing clinical trials in the topics of transplantation and pre-existing malignancies. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Liver transplantation can be safely performed in selected patients with pre-existing extrahepatic malignancies with low recurrence rate if they have an expected 5-year survival rate of at least 50%. The cancer-free period before transplantation depends on the type, stage, and location of cancer. A shorter or no wait-time may be considered in an early stage cancer or carcinoma in situ. The urgency and benefits of liver transplantation should also be taken into consideration when determining a reasonable wait-time. This is particularly important in patients with decompensated cirrhosis who cannot afford to wait a few years before they can undergo liver transplantation.

publication date

  • July 8, 2021

Research

keywords

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
  • Liver Neoplasms
  • Liver Transplantation

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85109385875

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1111/ctr.14410

PubMed ID

  • 34189778

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 35

issue

  • 10