Algorithm enhances decision-making on intermediate-stage liver cancer surgery, treatment

Editor's Note

An algorithm developed by researchers at Duke University Medical Centre is designed to assist patients diagnosed with intermediate-stage liver cancer in making decisions about surgery, according to an October 9 report in News Medical Life Sciences. Known as the Modified Metroticket, this tool predicts overall survival and recurrence-free survival for patients after partial liver resection, offering greater clarity in cases where treatment options have been unclear.

According to the article, liver cancer is the seventh most common and fourth deadliest cancer globally. It is particularly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia. Early-stage liver cancer treatments are well-defined, but intermediate-stage cases pose challenges due to the disease’s variability. Dr. Hoang's algorithm adapts the existing Metroticket calculator, originally used for liver transplant prognosis, to provide specific insights for surgical resection in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Validated with local and international datasets, the tool factors in tumor characteristics, liver function, and patient age, the outlet reports. Available as an online calculator, this algorithm empowers doctors and patients with evidence-based predictions, potentially influencing clinical practice.

Researchers published detailed finings on Metroticket September 6 in the International Journal of Surgery.