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Shaltiel T, Sarpel U, Branch AD. The adverse characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in the non-cirrhotic liver disproportionately disadvantage Black patients. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6654. [PMID: 38230878 PMCID: PMC10905547 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black patients have higher hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-related mortality than White patients and more often develop HCC in non-cirrhotic liver. HCC surveillance is primarily directed toward cirrhotic patients. We aimed to characterize HCC in non-cirrhotic patients and to identify factors associated with HCC beyond Milan criteria. METHODS Demographic, imaging, laboratory, and pathology data of HCC patients at our institution, 2003-2018, were reviewed, retrospectively. Race/ethnicity were self-reported. Cirrhosis was defined as a Fibrosis-4 score ≥3.25. RESULTS Compared to 1146 cirrhotic patients, 411 non-cirrhotic patients had larger tumors (median 4.7 cm vs. 3.1 cm, p < 0.01) and were less likely to be within Milan criteria (42.6% vs. 57.7%, p < 0.01). Among non-cirrhotic patients, Black patients had larger tumors (4.9 cm vs. 4.3 cm, p < 0.01) and a higher percentage of poorly differentiated tumors (39.4% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.02). Among cirrhotic patients, Black patients had larger tumors (3.3 cm vs. 3.0 cm, p = 0.03) and were less likely to be within Milan criteria (52.3% vs. 83.2%, p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, lack of commercial insurance (OR 1.45 [CI 95% 1.19-1.83], p < 0.01), male sex (OR 1.34 [CI 95% 1.05-1.70], p < 0.01), absence of cirrhosis (OR 1.58 [CI 95% 1.27-1.98], p < 0.01) and Black race/ethnicity (OR 1.34 [CI 95% 1.09-1.66], p = 0.01) were associated with HCC beyond Milan criteria. Black patients had lower survival rates than other patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Non-cirrhotic patients had more advanced HCC than cirrhotic patients. Black patients (with or without cirrhosis) had more advanced HCC than comparable non-Black patients and higher mortality rates. Improved access to healthcare (commercial insurance) may increase early diagnosis (within Milan criteria) and reduce disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Shaltiel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of SurgeryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Umut Sarpel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of SurgeryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Andrea D. Branch
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Black race is independently associated with underutilization of transplantation for clinical T1 hepatocellular carcinoma. HPB (Oxford) 2022; 24:925-932. [PMID: 34872866 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality. Operative management of early disease includes ablation, resection, and transplantation. We compared the operative management of early-stage HCC in patients stratified by race. METHODS We identified patients with cT1 HCC and Charlson-Deyo score 0-1 in the National Cancer Database (2004-2016). We compared operative/non-operative management by race, adjusting for clinicodemographic variables. We performed marginal standardization of logistic regression to ascertain adjusted probabilities of resection or transplantation in patients under 70 years of age with insurance. RESULTS A total of 25,029 patients were included (White = 20,410; Black = 4619). After adjusting for clinico demographic variables, Black race was associated with a lower likelihood of undergoing operative intervention (OR 0.89,p = 0.009). Black patients were more likely to undergo resection (OR 1.23,p < 0.001) and less likely to undergo transplantation (OR 0.60,p < 0.001). Marginal standardization models demonstrated Black race was associated with increased probability of resection in patients >50yrs, with private insurance/Medicare, and lower probability of transplantation regardless of age or insurance payor. CONCLUSION Black race is associated with lower rates of hepatic transplantation and higher rates of hepatic resection for early HCC regardless of age or insurance payor. The etiology of these disparities is multifactorial and correcting the root causes represents a critical area for improvement.
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Stefanini B, Tonnini M, Serio I, Renzulli M, Tovoli F. Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and future perspectives for improvement. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:371-381. [PMID: 35263211 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2052276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a globally relevant medical problem. Fortunately, risk factors for this tumor have been identified, and surveillance protocols developed. Patients with liver cirrhosis have the highest risk of developing HCC and have historically been included in surveillance programs. Special categories have also emerged in recent years, especially patients with eradicated HCV infection or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Novel serum biomarkers and magnetic resonance imaging protocols are currently being proposed to refine existing surveillance protocols. AREAS COVERED We discuss the rationale of surveillance programs for HCC and report the most recent recommendations from international guidelines about this topic. Gray areas, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the role of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma, are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Surveillance is recognized as a tool to favor early diagnosis of HCC, access to curative treatment, and increase survival, even if the supporting evidence is mainly based on observational studies. As new randomized clinical trials are difficult to propose, future challenges will include optimizing implementation in the primary care setting and a more personalized approach, balancing the opportunities and risks of overdiagnosis of novel techniques and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Stefanini
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Tonnini
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Serio
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Winters AC, Shaltiel T, Sarpel U, Branch AD. Liver Cancer Has a Distinctive Profile in Black Patients: Current Screening Guidelines May Be Inadequate. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:8-11. [PMID: 34558225 PMCID: PMC8710783 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Winters
- Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tali Shaltiel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Umut Sarpel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea D Branch
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Shaltiel T, Zheng S, Siderides C, Gleeson EM, Carr J, Pletcher ER, Cohen NA, Golas BJ, Magge DR, Labow DM, Branch AD, Sarpel U. Hepatitis C-positive Black patients develop hepatocellular carcinoma at earlier stages of liver disease and present with a more aggressive phenotype. Cancer 2021; 127:1395-1406. [PMID: 33629759 PMCID: PMC8084866 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, mortality after a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is higher in patients who are Black than in patients of other racial groups. The objective of this study was to clarify factors contributing to this disparity by analyzing liver and tumor characteristics in patients with HCC who have a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS Records of patients with HCV and HCC at the authors' institution from 2003 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Race and ethnicity were self-identified. Imaging, laboratory, and pathologic features were compared between Black and non-Black cohorts. RESULTS Among 1195 individuals with HCC, 390 identified as Black. At the time of HCC diagnosis, Black patients had better liver function, as measured by Child-Pugh score, Model of End-Stage Liver Disease score, histology of nontumor tissue, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score (all P < .05). FIB-4 scores were <3.25 in 31% of Black patients. In addition, Black patients had less early stage HCC (20.2% vs 32.3%; P < .05), larger tumors (median [interquartile range]: 3.5 cm [2.2-6.2 cm] vs 3.1 cm [2.1-5.1 cm]; P < .01), more multiple tumors (median, [interquartile range]: 1 tumor [1-3 tumors] vs 1 tumor [1-2 tumors]; P = .03), more poorly differentiated tumors (30.3% vs 20.5%; P < .05), and more microvascular invasion (67.2% vs 56.5%; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Black patients with HCV exposure develop HCC at earlier stages of liver disease than members of other racial groups. Nearly one-third would not qualify for HCC screening using the common FIB-4 cirrhosis threshold. Practice guidelines that stress HCC surveillance for cirrhotic patients with HCV may need to be revised to be more inclusive for Black patients. In addition, tumors in Black patients carry worse prognostic features, and molecular studies are needed to characterize their biologic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Shaltiel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York, NY
| | - Serena Zheng
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Jacquelyn Carr
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York, NY
| | - Eric R. Pletcher
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York, NY
| | - Noah A. Cohen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York, NY
| | | | - Deepa R. Magge
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York, NY
| | - Daniel M. Labow
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York, NY
| | - Andrea D. Branch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, New York, NY
| | - Umut Sarpel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York, NY
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Rutledge B, Jan J, Benjaram S, Sahni N, Naylor P, Philip P, Ehrinpreis M, Mutchnick M. Racial Diversity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Predominately African-American Population at an Urban Medical Center. J Gastrointest Cancer 2019; 51:972-979. [PMID: 31792736 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-019-00342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surveillance, treatment, and outcomes for African-American (AA) populations with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain under evaluated. This study evaluated demographics, surveillance, therapy, and outcomes for a predominately AA population. METHODS The electronic medical records of a large health-care provider were used to identify 274 patients with visits for HCC between 2010 and 2017. Tumor size at diagnosis was defined by imaging with ≤ 5 cm being defined as "small." Surveillance for HCC was defined based on ultrasound (US) assessments. RESULTS Patients were primarily AA (78%) and male (76%) with an average age at diagnosis of 62 years. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was more likely to be a risk factor for the development of HCC in AA as compared to non-AA (92% vs 67%; p < 0.005). Surveillance rates were low (16% for AA vs 7% for non-AA). An aspartate aminotransferase platelet ratio index (APRI) value > 0.7 within 2 years of tumor diagnosis was a strong predictor for the risk of the development of HCC (86% AA vs 79 % non-AA). In this study, race was not a factor in treatment or outcomes, and most patients received tumor ablative treatment. CONCLUSION Given the low surveillance rates and the demonstrated increased survival for patients with small tumors, ways to increase surveillance must be initiated. The results of this study demonstrate the need for physician/patient education on the importance of surveillance US. Further, this study supports routine assessment of APRI in AA patients in an effort to identify patients in whom intensive surveillance will significantly improve earlier detection of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Rutledge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R St 6 Hudson Room 6938, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Jenny Jan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R St 6 Hudson Room 6938, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Sindhuri Benjaram
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R St 6 Hudson Room 6938, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Neha Sahni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R St 6 Hudson Room 6938, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Paul Naylor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R St 6 Hudson Room 6938, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Philip Philip
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute/Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Murray Ehrinpreis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R St 6 Hudson Room 6938, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Milton Mutchnick
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R St 6 Hudson Room 6938, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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