Stiffness on shear wave elastography as a potential microenvironment biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

ConclusionsStiffness measured by 2D-SWE could be a tumor microenvironment and tumor invasiveness biomarker. Peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness showed important values in predicting tumor recurrence after curative resection in HBV-related HCC.Clinical relevance statementTumor and liver stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, reflecting biological behavior and tumor microenvironment.Key points• Stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography is a useful biomarker of tumor microenvironment and invasiveness.• Higher stiffness indicated more aggressive behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma.• The study showed the prognostic value of peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness for recurrence-free survival.• The nomogram integrating peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, tumor size, and microvascular invasion showed a C-index of 0.77.Graphical Abstract
Source: Insights into Imaging - Category: Radiology Source Type: research