Compliance and problems with the surveillance program for HCC diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health challenge.
• Understanding the diverse etiologies and diagnostic pathways for HCC is crucial for effective management.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and non-B non-C (NBNC) etiologies represent distinct patient populations with varying risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the background and diagnostic opportunities for patients with primary HCC.
• To identify the etiologies, patient characteristics, and diagnostic methods employed in HCC cases.
• To assess compliance with surveillance programs and identify barriers to early HCC detection.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter retrospective study was conducted.
• Data from 651 patients with primary HCC were analyzed.
• Etiologies, patient demographics, diagnostic imaging (ultrasonography, dynamic CT, conventional CT), and surveillance program compliance were reviewed.

Main Results:

• The study included 651 HCC patients with etiologies of HBV (20.0%), HCV (36.3%), and NBNC (43.5%).
• NBNC HCC patients often presented with fewer cirrhotic livers but higher rates of lifestyle-related diseases.
• Diagnostic compliance with surveillance programs was suboptimal, with key barriers including undiagnosed carriers and physician non-compliance.

Conclusions:

• Improving the diagnosis and follow-up of HBV and HCV carriers is essential for early HCC detection.
• Enhanced physician education and identification of NBNC HCC risk factors are critical.
• Addressing barriers in surveillance programs can significantly improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes.