The ART score is not effective to select patients for transarterial chemoembolization retreatment in an Italian series.

Background: The ART score (a point score for the assessment of retreatment with transarterial chemoembolization, TACE) has been recently developed in Austria to differentiate patients who may benefit from multiple sessions of TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. The primary aim of the study was to test the validity of the ART score in an Italian study cohort. The secondary aims were to evaluate overall survival (OS) and clinical determinants of improved survival in patients treated with multiple TACE sessions.

Use of VEGFR-2 targeted ultrasound contrast agent for the early evaluation of response to sorafenib in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the early response to sorafenib using ultrasound molecular imaging in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Procedures: A xenograft model of HCC was established. Then, mice were divided in two groups and received treatment (sorafenib) or placebo for 14 days.

Evaluation of the impact of transient interruption of antiangiogenic treatment using ultrasound-based techniques in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Development of escape pathways from antiangiogenic treatments was reported to be associated with enhanced tumor aggressiveness and rebound effect was suggested after treatment stop. Aim of the study was to evaluate tumor response simulating different conditions of administration of antiangiogenic treatment (transient or definitive treatment stop) in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Subcutaneous tumors were created by inoculating 5 × 10(6) Huh7 cells into the right flank of 14 nude mice.

Adherence to AASLD guidelines for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in clinical practice: experience of the Bologna Liver Oncology Group.

Background: Few data exist on real-life adherence to international guidelines for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. We analysed the rate of adherence to American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines, to identify reasons for discrepancy with treatments performed in our centre.

Methods: 227 consecutive cirrhotics with a first hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis (2005-2010) were retrospectively evaluated and stratified based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system: 126 early, 50 intermediate, 40 advanced, and 11 end stage.