Advances in Liver Cancer Management: Hong Kong Perspective

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong have made significant progress in the management of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major public health burden in Hong Kong. The study, published in Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, showcases the local guidelines and real-life practice on HCC management in Hong Kong. The research highlights the importance of regular updates to these guidelines to keep pace with the rapidly evolving paradigm of HCC management.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that HCC is a major public health burden in Hong Kong, with chronic hepatitis B being the most common etiology.
  • The research stated that local guidelines recommend using the Hong Kong Liver Cancer Staging for pre-treatment staging, but in practice, other widely-adopted systems such as the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Staging and the Tumor-Node-Metastasis Staging are also used.
  • The study highlighted that real-life treatment choices for HCC are largely in line with the guidelines, although treatment protocols are individualized and availability of specific therapies can vary between centers.
  • The research concluded that regular updates of local guidelines are warranted to account for the rapidly evolving paradigm of HCC management.
  • The study was funded by several pharmaceutical companies including Abbvie, Arbutus Biopharma, and Gilead Sciences.
  • The researchers cited the importance of using liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein for periodic screening in viral hepatitis or cirrhotic patients.
  • The study found that HCC diagnosis is usually achieved by cross-sectional imaging without the need for histology.

Statistics:

  • 29% of HCC cases in Hong Kong are attributed to chronic hepatitis B (Source: University of Hong Kong).
  • The study reported that 85% of HCC patients in Hong Kong undergo surveillance with liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein (Source: University of Hong Kong).

Sources:

  • Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, 2023,29(2):217-229. (Clinical and Molecular Hepatology - http://www.e-cmh.org)
  • University of Hong Kong Researchers Advance Knowledge in Liver Cancer (Clinical practice guidelines and real-life practice on hepatocellular carcinoma: the Hong Kong perspective). Immunotherapy Weekly. May 3, 2023; p 6228.