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Cancer research

Older Age but Not Comorbidity Is Associated with Worse Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has shed light on the factors that impact the prognosis and treatment outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The research, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that older age is a significant predictor of worse survival, including among patients with early-stage HCC. However, the study also revealed that comorbidity burden, or the presence of multiple chronic health conditions, is not associated with worse survival.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 2,002 patients with HCC diagnosed between January 2010 and February 2023.
  • In adjusted analyses, curative treatment receipt was associated with higher comorbidity but not older age.
  • Overall survival was significantly associated with older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.47) but not high comorbidity (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.09).
  • Median survival for younger versus older individuals was 20 versus 14 months overall, 65 versus 49 months for patients with early-stage HCC, and 113 versus 60 months for those with curative treatment.
  • The study concluded that further studies are needed to define the role of comorbidity in HCC prognostication.
  • The research was supported by the NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) and was conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Statistics:

  • 2,002 patients with HCC were analyzed in the study.
  • Median age of patients was 61 years (range, 15-90 years).
  • 76% of patients were male.
  • 21% had early-stage HCC.
  • Median survival was 15.7 months.
  • Hazard ratio for overall survival associated with older age was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.06-1.47).
  • Hazard ratio for overall survival associated with high comorbidity was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.77-1.09).
  • Median survival for younger versus older individuals was 20 versus 14 months overall.
  • Median survival for patients with early-stage HCC was 65 versus 49 months for older and younger individuals, respectively.
  • Median survival for those with curative treatment was 113 versus 60 months for older and younger individuals, respectively.

Sources:

  • Singal AG, et al. Older Age but Not Comorbidity Is Associated With Worse Survival In Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2025;23(8).
  • NewsRx. Study Findings on Liver Cancer Are Outlined in Reports from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Older Age but Not Comorbidity Is Associated With Worse Survival In Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma). Health & Medicine Week. August 1, 2025; p 5079.

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