Multi-center prospective survey of hepatocellular carcinoma in Kerala: More than 1,200 cases

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered uncommon in India. The aim of this study was to document the demographic characteristics and clinical aspects of HCC in Kerala, India.

A survey of HCC in Kerala was performed. All gastroenterologists in the region were invited. From May 2018 to April 2020, data was collected in a standardized questionnaire.

Forty-three doctors from 15 centers contributed the data. Total 1217 patients were analyzed. This is the largest state-wide survey of HCC in India. HCC was more common in men (90%) than in women (p < 0.01). The etiology of liver disease was hepatitis B virus (7%), hepatitis C virus (4%) and alcohol (40%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 64%, hypercholesterolemia in 17% and hypertension in 38%. Obesity was present in 33% and 15% were overweight. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with or without metabolic syndrome was present in 44%. Serum alpha-fetoprotein was > 400 ng/mL in 24%, total tumor diameter was > 5 cm in 59%, portal vein invasion was seen in 35% and distant metastasis was seen in 15%. Specific therapy was given to 52%. Treatments given included liver transplantation (n = 24), liver resection (n = 39) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n = 184). Although the study was not designed to compare survival, patients who had liver transplantation had longer survival (median 69 months) compared to matched patients given only TACE (median 18 months) (p = 0.03).

HCC is common in Kerala, India. NAFLD has a predominant association with HCC in Kerala. Most of the patients report late when curative treatment is not possible.