ASO Author Reflections: AFP Levels at the Time of Recurrence Predict Post-recurrence Outcomes Irrespective of Modality Used to Treat Recurrence

Abstract

Although liver resection provides a chance for potential long-term ‘cure’ among patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), more than half of patients will recur within 5 years following resection. Management of HCC recurrence is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians from different specialties. Although multiple reports have been published on predictors of outcomes prior to primary HCC resection, data on predictors of post-recurrence outcomes have been less available. In particular, despite the wellestablished role of a-fetoprotein (AFP) in screening highrisk populations and predicting outcomes following primary HCC treatment, whether AFP levels at the time of recurrence (rAFP) may help in post-recurrence risk stratification and management has not been clearly defined. By utilizing a multi-institutional database, we sought to characterize the role of rAFP relative to timing, type, and treatment of recurrent HCC. PRESENT