Late Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient 10 Years after Liver Transplantation Unrelated to Transplanted Organ

Abstract

Liver transplantation (LTx) is an accepted method of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment in cirrhotic patients; however, it has many limitations, and there is a substantial risk of recurrence. Most relapses occur within the first 2 posttransplant years. We aimed to present a late extrahepatic recurrence of HCC 10 years after LTx, and we discuss the possible risk factors and ways to improve transplantation results. A 68-year-old patient with liver cirrhosis and HCC on the background of chronic HCV and past HBV infection was transplanted urgently due to the rapid decompensation. Anti-HCV treatment before surgery was unsuccessful. Pretransplant computed tomography showed 1 focal 4.5 cm lesion consistent with HCC. Histopathology of the explanted organ showed 2 nodules outside the Milan criteria. Angioinvasion was not found. The patient achieved a sustained viral response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin 2 years post-LTx. Eight years were uneventful. CT of the abdomen performed occasionally was normal. Ten years after LTx, the patient unexpectedly presented with shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. Two metastatic nodules of HCC in the lungs and pelvis were found. Although late HCC recurrence post-LTx is rare, it should be always considered, especially when risk factors such as viral infections and underestimation of tumor advancement were identified. We advocate that oncological surveillance of HCC relapse has to be continued during the whole posttransplant period. High AFP levels, the unfavorable neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and better estimation of primary tumor size seem to be useful in the identification of good candidates for transplantation.