Hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic liver: Treatment and survival differences in a nationwide cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Numerous studies have reported superior outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in non-cirrhotic compared to cirrhotic livers. This cohort study aims to describe the clinical presentation, disease course, treatment approaches, and survival differences in a population-based setting.

METHODS

Data on patients diagnosed with HCC in Sweden between 2008 and 2018 were identified and extracted from the Swedish Liver registry (SweLiv). Descriptive and survival statistics were applied.

RESULTS

Among the 4259 identified patients, 34% had HCC in a non-cirrhotic liver. Cirrhotic patients presented at a younger age (median = 64 vs 74 years, p < 0.001) and with a poorer performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) = 0-1: 64% vs 69%, p = 0.024). Underlying liver disease was more prevalent among cirrhotic patients (81% vs 19%, p < 0.001). Tumors in non-cirrhotic livers were diagnosed at a more advanced stage (T3-T4: 46% vs 31%) and more frequently with metastatic disease at diagnosis (22% vs 10%, p < 0.001). Tumors were significantly larger in non-cirrhotic livers (median size of largest tumor 7.5 cm) compared to cirrhotic livers (3.5 cm) (p < 0.001). Curative interventions were more commonly intended (45% vs 37%, p < 0.001) and performed (40% vs 31%, p < 0.001) in the cirrhotic vs non-cirrhotic patients. Median survival was 19 months (95% confidence interval (CI) = 18-21 months), in patients with cirrhosis as compared to 13 months in non-cirrhotic patients (95% CI = 11-15) (p < 0.001). In the multivariable Cox regression model, cirrhosis was not an independent predictor of survival, neither among curatively nor palliatively treated patients.

CONCLUSION

These population-based data show that patients with HCC in a cirrhotic liver receive curative treatment to a greater extent and benefit from superior survival compared to those with HCC in a non-cirrhotic liver. The differences in survival are more attributable to patient and tumor characteristics rather than the cirrhotic status itself.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

not applicable. Patient confidentially: not applicable.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.