Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: past, present and future

ABSTRACT

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] represents one of the most common neoplasms worldwide. Liver trasnplantation [LT] is the treatment of choice for selected group of patients with HCC. LT is actually a consolidated therapeutic option for HCC because it cures both tumor and underlying cirrhosis. In 1996, the publication of a pivotal prospective study on less than 50 patients, transplanted for HCC under predefined criteria [single HCC < 5 cm or 3 HCC < 3 cm each], the so called [Milan criteria], showed a 4-year survival of 75%. However, the indication of LT for HCC treatment has evolved over recent years. The possibility of an extension of Milan criteria as indication for LT is already a debated issue. Living donor LT [LDLT] is an alternative option if waiting list is long and of fers the possibility of a LT after a short time. In this review, the current indications and results of liver transplantion for HCC have been dsicusssed