Yamamoto M, Kobayashi T, Hashimoto M, et al. - The present study was performed to confirm the prognostic significance within the Kinki criteria substages and analyzed the role of liver resection in patients with intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers retrospectively subclassified individuals with intermediate stage HCC (n = 378) according to the Kinki criteria (B1, n = 123; B2, n = 225; and B3, n = 30). The overall survival and treatment methods were examined. The results showed that Kinki criteria clearly stratify patients with intermediate stage HCC by prognosis. Liver resection provides a better prognosis than other treatment modalities for substage B1 HCC patients. An alternative approach is required in patients with substage B2 and B3.