Applying quality indicators and multidisciplinary team care to improve long-term survival in early-stage...

Early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is potentially curable; however, long-term survival depends on timely treatment and effective surveillance. In Taiwan, national quality indicators and multidisciplinary team (MDT) care have been promoted to improve cancer outcomes. This study aimed to examine the association between two quality indicators-curative treatment and post-treatment imaging-and MDT care among long-term survivors of early-stage HCC.

We retrospectively reviewed 79 patients with early-stage HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0 or A) diagnosed between 2010 and 2020 who survived for more than 10 years. Data collected included treatment type, disease progression, MDT involvement, and surveillance frequency.

Tumor-free survival was achieved in 75.9% of patients after up to three treatment sessions. Patients who received curative treatment demonstrated better tumor control (49.0% vs. 26.2%). Among those with persistent disease, 89.5% received MDT care. Only 27.3% of patients with stage progression underwent the recommended imaging, compared with 87.1% of those without progression (P ​< ​0.001).

Adherence to quality indicators and engagement in MDT care contribute to improved long-term survival among patients with early-stage HCC. Early detection of recurrence and timely initiation of treatment or retreatment are key to sustaining survival. Oncology nurse case managers play a vital role in coordinating care and ensuring adherence to surveillance protocols.