Hepatobiliary-phase (HBP) gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethyl
enetriaminepentaacetic acid MRI (Gd-EOB-DTPA) for pretreatment prediction of efficacy-to-standard-therapies based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer algorithm: an up-todate review

This review paper1 featured the potential of the HBP in predicting the outcomes of treatment options for HCC. This paper explained that Gd-EOB-DTPA reflects the expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporters which could guide treatment selection for HCC. Wnt/β-catenin activation associated with OATP expression is involved in the tumor immune microenvironment and chemo-responsiveness. Microscopic portal vein invasion by a tumor might result in decreased uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA. This could correlate with the effectiveness of cancer therapies utilizing OATPmediated drug uptake, thus predicting prognosis and treatment outcomes. Hyperintense HBP signals suggest favorable outcomes following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion, while peritumoral hypointensity may indicate poorer outcomes following radiofrequency ablation, liver resection, and liver transplant. Table 1 presents the treatment options for HCC, their corresponding pretreatment findings in the HBP phase, and prognosis.