Josep Llovet

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), clinical research

The clinical research in liver cancer was carried out in the Liver Unit of the Hospital Cli­nic of Barcelona (1995-2003). We have published articles on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), surgical treatment, living donor and cadaveric donor liver transplantation, percutaneous treatments, and systemic treatments in the setting of phase II-III-IV studies, meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. The most relevant aspects of the research are:

Liver cancer classification and treatment strategy, with the acronym BCLC (Barcelona-Cli­nic Liver Cancer) Group, [Llovet et al Semin Liv Dis 1999, Bruix et al Hepatology 2002; Llovet et al Lancet 2003], which has been postulated as an optimal treatment approach to this neoplasm. Chemoembolization improves survival of patients with advanced HCC. Evidence-based statement through randomized controlled trials [Llovet et al, Lancet 2002] and meta-analysis [Llovet et al, Hepatology 2003] of survival advantages of chemoembolization in patients with unresectable HCC. This treatment is now considered the standard of care.

Hepatocellular carcinoma, genomic research

As Director of HCC Research of the Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, I'm currently involved in several research projects along with other investigators from the Division of Liver Diseases, the Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, the Center of Genomic Medicine, and the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology (Department of Medicine). We have permanent international partners in the University of Barcelona (BCLC Group, Hospital Clinic) and the Instituto di Tumori in Milano. The main aim of the group is to assess the molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and the genes and pathways involved in the initiation and progression of the disease. In addition, we are investigating the molecular markers of early diagnosis and biomarkers of prognosis. The results will provide a molecular classification of HCC, and will allow us to identify targets for chemoprevention and treatment.

Sarasin FP, Majno PE, Llovet J, Bruix J, Mentha G, Hadengue A. Living donor liver transplantation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: A life-expectancy and cost-effectiveness perspective. Hepatology 2001 May; 33(5): 1073-1079.

Llovet J, Vilana R, Bru C, Bianchi LI, Salmeron JM, Sala M, Ayuso C, Pages M, Boix L, Ganau S, Sole M, Rodes J, Bruix J. Increased risk of tumor seeding after radiofrequency thermal ablation for single hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2001; 33: 1124-1129.