Trends in incidence, diagnosis, treatment and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma in a low-incidence country: Data from the Netherlands in the period 2009–2016. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reinders, Margot T.M.; van Meer, Suzanne; Burgmans, Mark C.; de Jong, Koert P.; Klümpen, Heinz-Josef; de Man, Robert A.; Ramsoekh, D. (Sandjai); Sprengers, Dave; Tjwa, Eric T.T.L.; de Vos-Geelen, Judith; van Erpecum, Karel J.; van der Geest, Lydia G.M.
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer. Volume 137(2020)
• Page Start: 214
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Hepatocellular carcinoma -- Liver cancer -- Cancer diagnostics -- Cancer treatment -- Survival; EAPC Estimated Annual Percent Change -- EoD Extent of Disease -- ESR European Standard Rate -- HCC Hepatocellular carcinoma -- IKNL Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation -- NCR Netherlands Cancer Registry -- NOTR Dutch Organ Transplant Registry -- PALGA Nationwide network and registry of histo- and cytopathology in the Netherlands -- RESR Revised European Standard Rate -- SIRT Selective internal radiation therapy -- SONCOS Foundation of oncological collaboration -- TACE Transarterial chemoembolisation -- TNM Tumour-node-metastasis; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Cancer; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.07.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8049

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Evaluation of the trends in incidence, diagnostics, treatment and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Netherlands. Method: Data regarding incidence, diagnostics, primary treatment and survival of patients with HCC in the period 2009–2016 were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Trends in incidence, diagnostics, various treatment modalities (except liver transplantation, due to inaccurate data) and regional treatment preferences were analysed. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression modelling. Results: In the period of 2009–2016, 3838 patients were diagnosed with HCC. A distinct decrease in the percentage of patients who underwent tumour biopsy was observed (from 51% in 2009–2010 to 42% in 2015–2016). Percentage of patients who underwent cancer treatment increased markedly (from 49% in 2009–2010 to 57% in 2015–2016), mainly because of an increasing use of resection and ablation. The number of hospitals where resections were performed or sorafenib treatment prescribed decreased slightly. The number of hospitals sporadically (<1 ablation per year) performing ablations increased. There were significant differences between regions in the application of resection, ablation and transarterial chemoembolisation /radioembolisation (p < 0.05 after 'case mix'-correction). One-, 3- and 5-year survival of patients with HCC significantly improved in the studied period. Receiving cancer treatment was associated with increased survival, whereas increasing age and an advanced tumour stage were both associated with decreased survival. Conclusion: From 2009 to 2016, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma more often received cancer treatment and their survival improved. There were significant differences in types of treatment between various regions. Highlights: The diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was increasingly based on imaging. More patients received liver resection or thermal ablation. Survival of patients with HCC increased significantly over time. Regions in the Netherlands used different types of treatment for their patients.