Introduction: Biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may help with selecting appropriate chemotherapy with inconclusive imaging; concern about potential seeding may limit its use.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted to assess the risk of tumor seeding with biopsy of HCC excluding nonliver cancers or seeding after interventions.
Results: A total of 2,339 unique abstracts were identified; 37 studies were included in the final analysis. The rate of tumor seeding was 0.62% (range 0%-7.77%) in 13,959 biopsies performed. The average reported median lengths of follow-up was 35.8 months (range 10.5-60 months).
Discussion: Overall, the risk of tumor seeding with biopsy of HCC is low.
Copyright © 2024 by The American College of Gastroenterology.