[Association between ultrasound screening frequency and mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health challenge.
• Early detection of HCC is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Ultrasound screening is a primary method for detecting HCC in high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the frequency of ultrasound screening and overall mortality in patients who develop HCC.
• To determine the optimal ultrasound screening interval for individuals at high risk of HCC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 615 liver cirrhosis patients who developed HCC between 2010 and 2015.
• Patients were categorized into five groups based on pre-diagnosis ultrasound screening frequency (0-6, 7-12, 13-24, 25-36 months, and never screened).
• Analysis included the likelihood of receiving curative therapy, 5-year cumulative mortality, and independent predictors of mortality.

Main Results:

• Higher screening frequencies correlated with increased chances of receiving curative therapy (38.2% for 0-6 months vs. 19.7% for never screened).
• 5-year mortality rates were lowest in the most frequently screened group (76.4% for 0-6 months vs. 84.6% for never screened).
• Ultrasound screening frequency, curative treatment, and Child-Pugh class were significant factors influencing long-term survival in HCC patients.

Conclusions:

• Screening HCC high-risk groups with ultrasound every 6 months is optimal.
• Frequent ultrasound screening enhances opportunities for curative treatment, lowers overall mortality, and improves survival for HCC patients.