Evolving epidemiology of HCC in Spain

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Europe is dynamic.
• An updated description of liver cancer epidemiology in Spain is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated epidemiological description of primary liver cancer in Spain.
• To analyze trends in HCC etiology and patient characteristics over time.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter prospective study collected demographic and clinical data from October 2022 to January 2023.
• Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using data from 2008 and 2014.

Main Results:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 91% of primary liver cancers. Key etiologies include alcohol (55% combined), liver disease related to metabolic syndrome (LDrMS, 23%), and hepatitis C (17.3%).
• Significant increases in LDrMS (4.9% to 24%) and HCC in non-cirrhotic livers (4.2% to 7.9%) were observed, while hepatitis C-related HCC decreased (43% to 17.5%).
• Alcohol-related HCC remained stable. Screening identified HCC in over 80% of cirrhotic patients, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol remains the primary etiology for HCC, but LDrMS is increasing, alongside HCC in non-cirrhotic patients.
• Hepatitis C-related HCC has significantly declined.
• Enhanced screening and prevention strategies targeting alcohol abuse and LDrMS are essential for improved HCC management.