Original HKLC-9 (2014): a stage-only interpreter
The Original HKLC-9 calculator reproduces the nine-category decision tree published by Yau and colleagues in 2014. It does not implement HKLC-II/2.0, and it does not recommend treatment.
Exact inputs
- ECOG performance status from 0 through 4
- Child-Pugh class A, B, or C
- Intrahepatic venous invasion (IVI): first-order or smaller portal branches or hepatic veins
- Extrahepatic vascular invasion or metastasis (EVM): main portal trunk or inferior vena cava invasion, or extrahepatic metastasis
- Raw tumor count and raw largest diameter, without rounding
- An explicit diffuse-tumor state
- Confirmed HCC, initial/pretreatment timing, and complete vascular assessment
For diffuse tumor, count and diameter are intentionally left blank. For non-diffuse tumor, both are required. Exactly 5 cm remains in the <=5 cm branch and exactly three tumors remains in the <=3 branch.
What the result means
The output is the original HKLC-9 stage: I, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, Va, or Vb, plus its major-stage grouping. It is a historical source classification, not an individualized prognosis, treatment selection, transplant decision, or eligibility rule.
Later HKLC revisions and current treatment systems are separate sources. Western cohorts have also raised transportability concerns, so a stage should be interpreted in its clinical and population context.
Sources
- Yau T, Tang VY, Yao TJ, et al. Gastroenterology. 2014;146(7):1691-1700.e3. PubMed
- Public reproduction of the original tumor/stage figure
- HKLC vascular definitions
- Western validation caution
The linked validation dossier documents source-to-code implementation verification. It is not independent clinical validation.