Sirolimus-based immunosuppression following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Citations Over TimeTop 1% of 2008 papers

Abstract

Experience with sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppression following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is rapidly accumulating. In combination with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), SRL may reduce the incidence of acute rejection and lower overall required drug levels. This study sought to quantify long-term outcome following OLT in patients with cirrhosis and concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were treated with an SRL-based regimen as a primary therapy. From January 2000 to June 2007, 97 patients underwent OLT for end-stage liver disease and HCC at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Of those, 45 patients received SRL, in addition to CNIs, as a component of their primary immunosuppression regimen post-OLT. Conversely, 52 patients received the standard immunosuppression regimen including CNIs, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. The 2 treatment groups were compared with respect to the following variables: age, gender, tumor stage by explant, grade, size, presence of vascular invasion, focality, Child's class, baseline creatinine, and warm and cold ischemic times. The 2 groups were comparable by all factors save for cold ischemic time, which was significantly longer in the CNI-treated group. Overall survival at 1 and 5 years post-OLT for patients treated with SRL was 95.5% and 78.8%, respectively. Conversely, survival in patients treated with CNIs exclusively at the same time intervals was 83% and 62%. Although there was no difference in the incidence of major complications, the SRL group experienced a modest improvement in renal function. Cumulatively, these data suggest a potential survival benefit with SRL-based therapy in patients undergoing OLT for end-stage liver disease and concomitant malignancy.

Related Papers

• → Sirolimus‐based immunosuppression is associated with increased survival after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma†(2009)333 cited
• → Reduced exposure to calcineurin inhibitors early after liver transplantation prevents recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(2013)251 cited
• → Recovery of Renal Function in Heart Transplantation Patients After Conversion From a Calcineurin Inhibitor-Based Therapy to Sirolimus(2010)6 cited
• → Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: Is immunosuppression a factor?(2005)19 cited
• → What Is the Impact of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation(2022)1 cited