What pre-transplant patient factors impact surveillance intervals and methods after liver transplant for HCC?

Both pre-transplant and explant characteristics help to predict the risk of recurrence of HCC post liver transplant. The AFP at the time of liver transplant is a well-known risk factor for tumor recurrence. So much so that an AFP > 1000 ng/ml is a disqualification for a HCC MELD upgrade in UNOS at the time of listing, and a level > 500 ng/ml while listed requires a review by the national review board to determine if the HCC MELD upgrade can remain active. Recognized high-risk factors on explant ...