Diffalha, Sameer Al

Abstract Objectives Fibronodular hepatocellular carcinoma (FN-HCC) is a newly described variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with only 29 cases reported. Histologically, it is divided into multiple smaller, well-defined tumor nodules by extensive fibrosis. Its differential diagnosis includes other HCC variants characterized by fibrous stroma, such as fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma and scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibronodular hyperplasia may also be considered in the differential diagnosis. We are reporting 7 cases to help better understand this entity. Methods We retrospectively identified 7 cases of FN-HCC and analyzed the clinical and histologic features of each tumor, as well as disease progression and patient prognosis. Results The FN-HCC cases were diagnosed at a median age of 58 years (range, 40-75 years), with a male predilection (n = 6, 86%). Most patients were White (n = 6, 86%), and 1 was African American (n = 1, 14%). Tumors had a mean size of 3.15 cm (range, 1-9 cm) and were mainly located in the right lobe (n = 5, 71%). Background liver was cirrhotic in 6 cases (86%). Five patients were hepatitis C positive (71%). All tumors were surgically removed, with a free resection margin. Among 3 patients with evident vascular invasion, 1 had a positive lymph node. This patient had tumor metastasis 6 years later; otherwise, all patients were disease free on follow-up. Conclusions Our cohort was concordant with published data showing a male predilection, hepatitis C association, and good prognosis when the disease is discovered before metastasis and is surgically excised with negative margins. However, it contradicts the published literature that associates FN-HCC with the absence of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis.

Abstract Globally, gastric adenocarcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality and a major cancer disparity in the United States. Chemoprevention strategies are lacking for high-risk individuals with gastric premalignant conditions (GPMC). Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid in turmeric, exerts immunomodulatory effects in the epithelium and against Helicobacter pylori, and studies suggest chemoprevention potential. We conducted a double-blind, phase IIa randomized controlled trial in high-risk populations in Puerto Rico and Honduras. We investigated the utility of a bioavailable formulation of curcumin (Meriva) among individuals with H. pylori–negative GPMC, specifically, multifocal atrophic gastritis (MAG) or gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). Patients were 1:1 randomized to 1,000 mg Meriva daily or placebo for a 6-month intervention with endoscopy at baseline and 6 months. Outcomes included assessment of epithelial cytokine and chemokine levels, histology, and DNA damage as assessed by γ-H2AX phosphorylation IHC. Of the 110 subjects screened, 50 participants were randomized, and 48 completed the trial. A significant reduction in gastric mucosal IL1β levels from baseline in the gastric body, the primary endpoint, was observed in the Meriva group (P = 0.032). Changes in epithelial IL8, TNFα, and inducible protein 10 levels and gastric mucosal histology and DNA damage (secondary endpoints) were similar between arms. Curcumin (Meriva) was safe, well-tolerated, and showed potential as a curcuminoid chemoprevention agent in H. pylori–negative patients with GPMC. A potential reduction in gastric inflammation as measured by gastric mucosal IL1β levels was observed. Further studies are warranted, including studies in H. pylori–positive individuals, based upon the curcuminoid direct effects on H. pylori. Prevention Relevance: Gastric adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Chemoprevention candidates for GPMCs are limited. This randomized phase IIa trial evaluated a bioavailable curcumin formulation in high-risk individuals with MAG and GIM. The results support further study of curcuminoids for gastric cancer risk reduction. See related Spotlight, p. 387 See related article by Morgan et al., p. 391