Conversion therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma to improve treatment strategies for intermediate and advanced stages

Abstract

This manuscript is based on a case reported by Song et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases. Several challenges remain in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) conversion therapy. Consequently, only a limited number of patients with HCC accompanied by portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) and hepatic vein tumor thrombosis (HVTT) are eligible for resection. This clinical case demonstrates that considering the complexity of the disease, a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing HCC accompanied by PVTT and HVTT. However, the outcomes of such surgeries remain controversial. In conclusion, research on HCC conversion therapy is extremely useful for improving treatment strategies for intermediate and advanced HCC, which currently have disappointing clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Portal vein; Inferior vena cava; Tumor thrombus; Conversion surgery

Core Tip: Hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by portal vein tumor thrombus and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus can be converted to surgical resection after multimodality and multidisciplinary treatments.