|
The early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and opportunity to select appropriate treatment are important benefits of HCC screening.
Professor Sheng-Nan Lu and colleagues from Taiwan investigated the survival rate, prognostic factors and treatment effects in hepatocellular carcinoma patients of community-based screening.
Community-based ultrasound (US) screening for HCC in adults with platelet counts, and/or alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels over 20 ng/mL was conducted in 2002 and 2004.
As per the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, 90 cases of intermediate or earlier stage hepatocellular carcinoma were detected, and 88 cases had sufficient information for analysis.
 |
| The 4-year overall survival rate was 47% |
| Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology |
The tumor diameter was mostly less than 5 cm, and the follow up was continued until 2008.
The research team found that the 4-year overall survival rate was 47%.
Old age, later stage of hepatocellular carcinoma, low platelet count, and refusal of modern treatment were independent poor prognostic factors.
The researchers found that curative treatment increased survival in patients of all ages.
Both curative treatment and transcatheter arterial embolization increased survival in cases of intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma.
However, the researchers observed that treatment benefits were not found for patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma.
Professor Lu's team commented, "Early detection and prompt treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma leads to increased survival."
"For elderly patients this benefit was seen only for early stage cases receiving curative treatment."
"Differences between treatment types for patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma might emerge with a longer follow-up period."
| 
Email this page to a colleague
