Hepatocellular carcinoma in Pacific Islanders: comparison of Pacific Island-born vs. US-born

To describe demographic, clinical, and outcome differences in Pacific Island-born (PI-born) compared to US-born hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients of Pacific Island ancestry within a clinical cohort in Hawaii.

A prospectively collected database of 1608 patients diagnosed with HCC over a 30-year period (1993-2022) identified 252 patients of Pacific Islander ethnicity. Data collected: demographics, medical history, laboratory data, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival. Patients were divided into two groups: PI-born and US-born. Categorical variables were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square analysis. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Overall survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

PI-born patients were younger (57.3 vs. 61.8 years, P = 0.002) and more likely to have hepatitis B (OR 14.10, 7.50-26.50) and underlying cirrhosis (OR 2.28, 1.17-4.45). In comparison, US-born patients had a significantly higher likelihood of Hepatitis C, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis/nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, history of non-HCC cancer, and positive smoking history compared to PI-born patients. PI-born patients were more likely to forego treatment (OR 3.22, 1.77-5.87) and be lost to follow-up (OR 9.21, 1.97-43.03). Both groups were equally likely to have the opportunity for curative surgical treatment (liver resection or transplant). US-born status was associated with higher mortality risk, while transplantation was associated with lower mortality risk. The PI-born cohort demonstrated higher overall survival at 3 and 5 years compared to US-born.

HBV remains the primary risk factor for HCC in PI-born patients, whereas HCC in US-born patients is more associated with the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle.