Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), Where do we stand? Current situation
Muhammad Hafeez1, Muhammad Nadeem2, Mahmood Ahmed3
1Dr. Muhammad Hafeez, FCPS (Med), FCPS (Gastroenterology). Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Multan, Pakistan.
Insights
Most Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients present with advanced disease, often diagnosed late due to lack of prior treatment. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause, limiting treatment options at presentation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern.
- Early detection and staging are crucial for effective HCC management.
- Understanding the etiological factors and patient presentation is key to improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the stage of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) at the time of patient presentation.
- To analyze the etiological factors and previous treatment history of HCC patients.
- To correlate clinical and etiological factors with HCC staging.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 135 HCC patients.
- Diagnosis confirmed using alpha fetoprotein, ultrasound, and CECT scans.
- Staging performed using Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) and Melan's criteria, with performance status assessed by ECOG and cirrhosis severity by CTP and MELD scores.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (55.2%) presented at BCLC stage B, with ECOG grade 1 (39.3%).
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the predominant etiology (80%), followed by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (11%).
- A significant proportion (73.8%) had no prior treatment for hepatitis, and 62.3% were diagnosed with HCC during their index admission.
Conclusions:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, particularly in patients with a history of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- Lack of prior treatment for underlying hepatitis contributes to late presentation and limited therapeutic choices.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving survival rates in HCC patients.
Objective:
To identify the stage of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) at the time of presentation.
Methods:
This cross sectional observational prospective study was carried out at Gastro Department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Multan from August 2017 to December 2018. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of alpha fetoprotein, abdominal ultrasound, triphasic contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT). They were evaluated for etiology including Hepatitis B, C and non B & C. The patients were inquired about the previous treatment and when they came to know about the HCC. Staging of the tumor was done on the basis BCLC (Barcelona cancer liver clinic) and Melan's criteria. Performance status (PS) of the patient was checked by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) criteria. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed by CTP (Child Turcotte Pugh) and Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score. The data was analyzed in IBM SPSS version 22.
Results:
Out of 135 patients 78% were males and 22% females. Age Mean SD was 58.81± 9.366. Frequency of hepatitis C, B, combined B, C and non-B non-C was 80%, 11%, 2.8% and 6.2% respectively. 96(73.8%) never got the treatment before for Hepatitis. 81(62.3%) came to know first time on this index admission. Maximum numbers of patients were in BCLC stage B i.e. 82(55.2%) with ECOG grade of one i.e.57 (39.3%), at the time of presentation. Mean MELD and CTP score were 12.24, 7.34 (class B) respectively.
Conclusion:
HCV was the most common in HCC, never treated before, presented for the first time in advance stage of the disease where very limited treatment options left behind.
More Related Videos
06:38An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Published on: September 12, 2019
10:35Generation of Subcutaneous and Intrahepatic Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: September 25, 2013
