Objective To summarize the complete response (CR, which referred to the imaging level) achieved by conversion therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the current researches, and explore the further therapy strategies and outcomes for patients acquired CR. Method The domestic and foreign literature on the research of CR achieved by conversion therapy for HCC was reviewed and summarized. Results With the great progress of conversion therapy such as local therapy, systemic therapy, and local therapy in combination with systemic therapy for HCC, the proportion of the CR was increasing after conversion therapy. For the patients who achieved CR after conversion therapy, the surgical resection, liver transplantation, follow-up observation, etc. could be selected and showed a survival benefit. Conclusions  From the opinion summarized in this review, with the development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as the new anti-tumor drugs, a growing number of conversion therapeutic schedules could be provided, CR rate was increasing. At present, for patients who have achieved CR after conversion therapy, surgical or non-surgical treatment can be chosen. However, there is no authoritative conclusion on which therapy method can benefit patients more. The current strategy is to perform personalized treatment plan based on the individual situation of patient, in order to achieve better survival benefit for patient.

Citation： LU Shuaihang, WANG Haiqing. Progress of complete response status after conversion therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. CHINESE JOURNAL OF BASES AND CLINICS IN GENERAL SURGERY, 2023, 30(9): 1138-1145. doi: 10.7507/1007-9424.202304036 Copy