Depth of radiographic response as an independent prognostic factor for patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma receiving hepatectomy following targeted therapy plus immunotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical resection following systemic therapy is feasible in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, postoperative tumor recurrence is common after surgery, and the factors affecting this recurrence remain unclear. This study aimed to assess factors influencing postoperative outcomes in patients with initially unresectable HCC undergoing hepatectomy after systemic therapy. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled patients with initially unresectable HCC who underwent hepatectomy after targeted therapy plus immunotherapy (with or without locoregional therapy). Multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify the independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Machine learning was used to determine the RFS rates at different intervals for different radiographic responses. Results: Eighty-one patients who underwent R0 hepatectomy after systemic therapy were included. With a median follow-up of 17.4 (interquartile range: 7.2–22.3) months, median RFS and OS were not reached. Preoperative tumor downstaging and achieving pathological complete response were associated with improved RFS and OS. Multivariate Cox analyses identified radiographic response as an independent prognostic factor for RFS and OS. Furthermore, a radiographic response >40% (assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1) or >50% (assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) was associated with a longer RFS (P = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Radiographic response depth was an independent prognostic factor in patients with initially unresectable HCC who underwent hepatectomy following targeted therapy plus immunotherapy, and the response to systemic therapy may be the determining factor for patient prognosis after surgery.