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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
12:24
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Population-based risk factors and resource utilization for HCC: US perspective.
A Sanyal1, A Poklepovic, E Moyneur
1Virginia Commonwealth University Healthcare System, Richmond, VA 23298-0341, USA. asanyal@mcvh-vcu.edu
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|July 30, 2010
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is 0.4 per 1000 lives, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes as key risk factors. Real-world data reveal gaps in HCC screening and treatment, highlighting a need for improved provider education.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Oncology
- Public Health and Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health challenge with limited therapeutic interventions.
- Understanding real-world risk factors, provider patterns, and treatment utilization is crucial for improving HCC outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze risk factors, healthcare provider referral patterns, and treatment strategies for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a US real-world clinical setting.
- To identify disparities between current clinical guidelines and actual practice in HCC management.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the MarketScan health care claims database (2002-2008) covering 18 million lives annually across all US census regions.
- Identified 4406 HCC cases to extract data on patient demographics, underlying etiologies, provider management, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Identified an HCC incidence of 0.4 per 1000 covered lives, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) as the predominant risk factor (59%).
- Primary care physicians managed most cases (55%), with limited uptake of targeted therapies like sorafenib (6%) despite its approval.
- Screening for HCC in patients with cirrhosis was suboptimal, with only 22% receiving recommended surveillance prior to diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hepatitis C virus infection are major risk factors for HCC.
- Significant gaps exist between established screening and treatment guidelines and current clinical practice patterns for HCC.
- Enhanced healthcare provider awareness and education are essential to bridge the identified gaps in HCC care and improve patient outcomes.
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