Survival rates after liver transplantation were superior to liver resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, according to results of a recently published systematic review and meta-analysis. However, overall morbidity and mortality rates and survival rate among patients with early HCC were similar.

“In practical terms, patients for whom liver resection is an option should undergo the procedure and then be evaluated for transplant in the event of a recurrence,” Markus B. Schoenberg, MD, from the University Hospital of Munich, and colleagues wrote. “However, in order for all patients to receive the appropriate treatment in line with their disease stage, each individual case must be discussed and re-evaluated on a multidisciplinary basis. This could eventually make it possible for donor livers to be used for the greatest possible benefit to all patients.”