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When Explant Surprises: Management and Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Beyond Milan Criteria Discovered Post‐Transplant‐ A Narrative Review of Literature
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

When Explant Surprises: Management and Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Beyond Milan Criteria Discovered Post‐Transplant‐ A Narrative Review of Literature

Serkan Sucu, Brian Longbottom and Hassan Aziz
Journal of surgical oncology
08/30/2026
DOI: 10.1002/jso.70380
PMID: 42670079
Appears in  UI Libraries Support Open Access
url
https://doi.org/10.1002/jso.70380View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Liver transplantation (LT) is the definitive treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on established criteria. Pre‐transplant imaging occasionally underestimates the tumor burden or biological aggressiveness, leading to explant pathology that exceeds the projection criteria, such as Milan. This paper aims to review the incidence, prognostic implications, post‐transplant management, and outcomes of explant pathology in patients with HCC beyond Milan. We conducted a narrative review of the literature focusing on imaging–pathology discrepancies, recurrence risk stratification, immunosuppression strategies, surveillance, and adjuvant therapeutic considerations. A significant proportion of LT recipients had explant findings that exceeded the predicted criteria. These patients are at higher risk of recurrence, particularly those with microvascular invasion and poor differentiation. Currently, no standard adjuvant therapy exists; however, individualized surveillance and immunosuppression optimization, including sirolimus‐based regimens, are reasonable strategies. Prospective studies are needed to define the optimal post‐transplant pathways. Explant‐beyond‐criteria HCC represents a distinct high‐risk population that requires individualized post‐transplant management. While no validated adjuvant therapy exists, risk stratification using tools such as the RETREAT score, immunosuppression optimization with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, and intensified surveillance may improve outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to define the optimal management strategies for this challenging population.
 explant pathology hepatocellular carcinoma liver transplantation microvascular invasion Milan criteria recurrence UIOWA OA Agreement

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