ASO Author Reflections: Understanding How to Improve Surveillance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Excerpt

Routine screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently recommended among high-risk patients, including those with cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Prior studies have demonstrated that although adherence to screening guidelines is associated with earlier stage of diagnosis, receipt of curative treatment and improved survival, fewer than 25% of eligible patients undergo appropriate surveillance.^1,2 This is thought to be in large part due to insurance status and access to healthcare resources, particularly as patients with risk factors for HCC are often of a more vulnerable cohort.³ More so, as the median age of diagnosis is 62 years in the US, it can be hypothesized that these low screening rates are more pronounced among older patients. This study evaluated surveillance patterns and the association with stage at diagnosis and overall survival in the older, insured population represented by SEER-Medicare.⁴ …