In transplantation medicine, the Milan criteria are set of criteria applied in consideration of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for liver transplantation with intent to cure their disease.
Their significance derives from a landmark 1996 study in 48 patients by Mazzaferro et al which showed that selecting cases for transplantation according to specific strict criteria led to improved overall and disease-free survival at a four-year time point.
[2] Depending on the treatment algorithm, additional factors such as advanced liver disease (as classified by Child-Pugh score) or evidence of portal hypertension may also affect suitability for transplantation.
[citation needed] Given the limitations of the original Mazzaferro study, including the small number of patients and limited inclusion criteria, there is ongoing discussion and controversy regarding the appropriate criteria for transplant.
[3] Some have advocated for the use of expanded guidelines for liver transplantation in the setting of HCC.