Liver Resection Criteria for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Multiple Tumors Based on Total Tumor Volume

Background In many Asian hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) guidelines, resection is an option for multiple HCCs. It is difficult to compare small but multiple tumors vs. fewer large tumors in terms of the traditional tumor burden definition. We aimed to evaluate the role of liver resection for multiple HCCs and determine factors associated with survival benefits. Methods We reviewed 160 patients with multiple HCCs who underwent liver resection between July 2003 and December 2018. The risk factors for tumor recurrence were assessed using Cox proportional hazards modeling, and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results In all 160 patients, 133 (83.1%) exceeded the Milan criteria. Total tumor volume (TTV) > 275 cm(3) and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level > 20 ng/mL were associated with disease-free survival. Patients beyond the Milan criteria were grouped into three risk categories: no risk (TTV <= 275 cm(3) and AFP <= 20 ng/mL, n = 39), one risk (either TTV > 275 cm(3) or AFP > 20 ng/mL, n = 76), and two risks (TTV > 275 cm(3) and AFP > 20 ng/mL, n = 18). No-risk group had comparable disease-free survival (p = 0.269) and overall survival (p = 0.215) to patients who met the Milan criteria. Conclusion Patients with TTV <= 275 cm(3) and AFP <= 20 ng/mL can have good outcomes even exceed the Milan criteria.