ABSTRACT
Gadoxetate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in clinical practice for liver imaging. For optimal use, we must understand both its advantages and limitations. This article is the outcome of an online advisory board meeting and subsequent discussions by a multidisciplinary group of experts on liver diseases across the Asia-Pacific region, first held on September 28, 2020. Here, we review the technical considerations for the use of gadoxetate, its current role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its relevance in consensus guidelines for HCC imaging diagnosis. In the latter part of this review, we examine recent evidence evaluating the impact of gadoxetate on clinical outcomes on a continuum from diagnosis to treatment decision-making and follow-up. In conclusion, we outline the potential future roles of gadoxetate MRI based on an evolving understanding of the clinical utility of this contrast agent in the management of patients at risk of, or with, HCC.
ABSTRACT
Currently, the definition, classification and Chinese nomenclature of intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are controversial. Whether ICC belongs to liver cancer or carcinoma of bile duct is debatable, and the two terms"intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma"and"cholangiocellular carcinoma"are simultaneously used without distinction, bringing great confusions to clinical practice. Based on authoritative literatures at home and abroad, the authors give suggestions on the definition, classification and Chinese nomenclature of ICC, as well as the classification of carcinoma of bile duct, which recommend that the Chinese translation of "cholangiocarcinoma" should be "epithelial carcinoma of bile duct (cholangiocellular carcinoma)", the mass-forming type ICC should be classified as primary liver cancer, naming as"intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma"and the periductal-infiltrating type and intraductal-growing type ICCs still be classified as carcinoma of bile duct, naming as"perihilar cholangiocarcinoma". The authors recommend to classify carcinoma of bile duct into: perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and distal cholangiocarcinoma.
ABSTRACT
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 75%-85% of primary liver cancer cases and is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Immunotherapy is currently considered to be the most promising treatment to prevent the progression and postoperative recurrence of HCC. At present, the treatment strategies of immunotherapy for HCC are classified as active immunotherapy and passive immunotherapy, including tumor vaccine therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and adoptive cell therapy. Here we review the current clinical progression and discuss the future perspective on immune therapy for HCC.