Efficacy of liver transplantation for hepatic andhilar cholangiocarcinoma

Objective To explore the clinical features and risk factors associated with intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinoma after liver transplantation. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed for 20 hospitalized patients with intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinoma from June 25, 2014 to October 31, 2018. Treatments and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. The survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the survival curve plotted. Cox regression model was employed for analyzing the prognostic factors. Results The cumulative recurrence rate of patients with AJCC stage Ⅰ /Ⅱ was significantly lower than that in AJCC stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ. And the cumulative recurrence rate of stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ Patients was 0 and that of stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ 76% (P=0.042). Cox regression model showed that CA19-9 was the only prognostic factor. An elevated level of CA19-9 was associated with high recurrence post-transplantation (HR=1.001; 95% CI: 1.000~1.001; P=0.035). Conclusions During progressive stage, the recurrence rate is higher with a worse prognosis. And an elevation of CA19-9 is an independent poor prognostic factor after intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinoma transplantation. Key words: Liver transplantation; Cholangiocarcinoma; Relapse; Clinical staging