Updates on incidence, mortality and survival of liver cancer using Korea central cancer registry database: 1999-2022

Liver cancer (LC) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality globally. This study seeks to provide updated insights into the epidemiological trends of LC in South Korea by examining changes in incidence, mortality, and survival rates between 1999 and 2022, with the goal of guiding public health interventions and informing clinical decision-making.

This retrospective cohort study utilized data from Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) for primary LC cases, classified as code C22 according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth version (ICD-10), diagnosed from 1999 to 2022. Crude rates and age-standardized rates (ASRs) were determined. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted separately for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, C22.0) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC, C22.1).

Between 1999 and 2022, both the incidence and mortality rates of HCC showed marked decreases. The annual percent change of ASR for incidence and mortality was -2.99% and -4.89%, respectively. There was a notable rise in 5-year survival rates for HCC, especially among patients with localized-stage disease. Conversely, IHCC incidence stabilized and mortality rates showed minimal change. Although patients with localized IHCC achieved significantly higher survival rates following surgical resection, only a small proportion of IHCC cases were diagnosed at a localized stage (22.4%).

Analysis of LC trends in Korea reveals a persistent reduction in incidence and significant improvements in early detection and survival rates for HCC. Despite these gains, IHCC continues to pose clinical difficulties, underscoring the need for further studies to enhance early diagnosis.