Impact of Hepatectomy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Major Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus

Background Optimal treatment strategies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) remain controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact and predictive factors of hepatectomy for HCC with macroscopic PVTT. Methods This study included 100 patients who presented with intraoperatively confirmed PVTT extending to the first portal branch (Vp3), main portal trunk, or opposite-side portal branch (Vp4) between June 2000 and December 2019. Their postoperative outcomes and predictive factors for survival were evaluated. Results Of the 100 patients, 37 (37%) and 63 (63%) had Vp3 and Vp4 PVTTs, respectively. Moreover, 42 (42%) and 58 (58%) patients underwent R0/1 and R2 hepatectomies, respectively. The median survival time (MST) of all patients with Vp3/4 PVTT was 14.5 months; the 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 59.6 and 16.8%, respectively. The MSTs of patients with Vp3 and Vp4 PVTTs were 16.1 and 14.3 months, respectively (P = 0.7098). The MSTs of patients who underwent R0/1 and R2 hepatectomies were 14.3 and 14.9 months, respectively (P = 0.3831). All assessed tumor factors (including the Vp status [Vp3 or Vp4], type of resection [R0/1 or R2], intrahepatic maximal tumor size, intrahepatic tumor number, and the existence of extrahepatic metastasis) did not influence the overall survival significantly. Conclusions Tumor factors, such as the presence of a Vp3/4 PVTT, have a strong impact on survival; however, other multiple tumor factors have a limited impact. Hepatectomy can be an effective treatment option for HCC with Vp3/4 PVTT, and its indications should be considered.