Risk factors and management of post-liver transplant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation (LT). With expanding criteria and increasing number of transplants, post-transplant recurrence of HCC remains an important cause for concern and portends a poor survival in these patients. Traditionally, HCC recurrence post-LT has been notoriously difficult to manage and their outcomes dismal. A better understanding of the tumour biology and its interplay with the immune system, combined with newer oncological interventions has allowed for improved survivals in these patients. A useful classification of HCC recurrence is where it is divided into oligo-recurrence and disseminated recurrence. This system helps strategize their multi-disciplinary management algorithm and prognosticate outcomes. We provide an overview of the factors which may predict recurrence and summarise the current evidence on the management of post-LT HCC recurrence.