A predictive model identifies patients at risk for futile liver resection.

A new predictive model effectively identifies patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at risk of undergoing futile upfront liver resection (LR). Among 1,633 patients analyzed, 16.2% experienced futility—defined as death or recurrence within six months. Key risk factors included tumor burden score, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and albumin-bilirubin grade. The model, which categorizes patients into risk groups, is available online and assists clinicians in making informed preoperative decisions that enhance long-term outcomes.