Factors that Affect Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Effects of Surveillance

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Article in Press

Ju Dong Yang, William S. Harmsen, Seth W. Slettedahl, Roongruedee Chaiteerakij, Felicity T. Enders, Terry M. Therneau, Lucinda Orsini, W. Ray Kim, Lewis R. Roberts

Received 9 December 2010; received in revised form 25 February 2011; accepted 21 March 2011. published online 04 April 2011.
Accepted Manuscript

Abstract

Background & Aims
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States is increasing. Surveillance might affect the stage at diagnosis and consequently the treatment options available for HCC. We evaluated risk factors for HCC, the proportion of cases detected via surveillance, tumor characteristics, treatment approaches, and overall patient survival in a referral center cohort.

Methods
The study included all patients diagnosed with HCC at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from 2007 to 2009 (n=460). Clinical information was retrospectively abstracted from the medical record.

Results
Hepatitis C virus (HCV, 36%), alcohol use (29%), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, 13%) were the most common risk factors for HCC. HCV was present in 56% of patients younger than 60. NAFLD was present in 19% of patients older than 60. HCC was detected during surveillance in 31% of patients. Patients with worse liver function were more likely to be on surveillance. Transarterial chemoembolization, surgical resection, and liver transplantation were the most common treatment approaches for HCC. Patients diagnosed with HCC during surveillance had less-advanced disease, were more likely to be eligible for potentially curative treatments, and had increased survival times ( P <0.001).

Conclusion
At a major US referral center, the predominant HCC etiologies were HCV, alcohol use, and NAFLD. HCCs were detected during surveillance in the minority of patients. HCCs detected during surveillance were of less-advanced stage and patients were more likely to receive treatment that prolonged their survival.

Keywords: Etiology, surveillance, treatment, survival

Source