Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Emmer, H.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Changes in the epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma at Klinikum Klagenfurt 2012-2023
Studium für die Gleichwertigkeit; Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2023. pp. 68
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Stauber Rudolf
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and remains a major burden on health-care systems worldwide. The incidence of HCC continues to rise globally, despite preventative efforts being made. Aims: This study aimed to investigate epidemiological changes observed in the aetiology and outcomes of HCC patients at Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee between 2012 and 2023. Methods: This was a single-centre cohort observational study. Data was collected retrospectively from the hospitals’ electronic patient database. Two time-periods (2012-2017 and 2018-2023) were created to enable comparison between the two intervals. Results: More patients were diagnosed with HCC during the second time-period, proving that the incidence of HCC is rising. The incidence rate of HCC remained similar in males and females over time, with males having a 5 times higher risk to develop HCC. The median age of diagnosis was 72.5 years. Patients were on average 2 years younger in the second time-period compared to the first. Alcohol remained the leading underlying cause of HCC and no statistically significant change was seen over time, although a rise in the number of NASH cases was observed. The survival time for HCC patients remained similar, despite changes in management strategies and the availability of new systemic treatments. Nearly half of the patient population did not have a raised AFP at the time of diagnosis. Overall, an increasing number of HCC patients without liver cirrhosis were identified during recent years. NASH was the most common underlying aetiology in HCC patients without liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Hepatocellular carcinoma continues to be an important health concern in our society. The number of patients with HCC and no liver cirrhosis is steadily increasing. In patients without liver cirrhosis, NASH due to underlying life-style diseases, played an important aetiological role. Continued efforts should be made to prevent HCC and to screen at-risk population groups.