Conversion resection of initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma associated with steatohepatitis through hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy-transarterial chemoembolization and systemic therapy: a case report

Abstract

Background

For advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), effective treatment options remain scarce. The risks of surgery and the likelihood of tumor residue restrict the use of liver resection. However, the combination of systemic therapy with locoregional treatments has recently demonstrated promising anti-tumor efficacy, offering new avenues for advanced HCC.

Case Description

We detail the case of a 61-year-old male who is free of viral hepatitis and alcohol consumption, but overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.2 kg/m ². A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and blood tests were conducted, leading to a diagnosis of HCC associated with steatohepatitis, along with a combined portal vein tumor thrombus. Following four rounds of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy combined with transarterial chemoembolization (HAIC-TACE), 7 cycles of sintilimab treatment, and lenvatinib, there was marked tumor reduction and thrombus retraction to a peripheral branch. The patient subsequently underwent curative liver resection. Pathology revealed extensive necrosis within the tumor region and chronic hepatitis with steatosis in the adjacent liver tissue. No viable tumor tissue was identified. Now about 6 months after the operation, the patient is still in a tumor-free state.

Conclusions

In this instance, we detail the effective transition of an HCC patient, with underlying steatohepatitis, to a treatment regimen that included HAIC-TACE along with sintilimab and lenvatinib. This approach yielded potent antitumor activity and was notably devoid of severe side effects. The outcome of this case expands the therapeutic horizon for managing HCC in the context of steatohepatitis.