Baseline characteristics associated with survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and most lethal cancers worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between basal parameters and survival characteristics in patients with HCC. Materials and Methods: The records of 1447 HCC patients of a tertiary center during the period 2000-2017 were screened retrospectively. The demographic details; basal clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics; treatments; and survival time were recorded and prognostic scores were calculated. Results: A total of 788 patients with HCC (male/female: 623/165; mean age: 60.5 +/- 10.9 years) were included in the study. The median length of survival was 26.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.3-30.4 months). The 5-year survival rate was 28.1%. The number and diameter of the tumors; platelet count; platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio; level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase; portal and hepatic vein involvement; and an alpha-fetoprotein level of <9.6 ng/mL were found to be independently related to survival. Conclusion: The positive predictive value of the prognostic index derived from independent survival-related parameters for 5- and 10-year survival or overall survival was approximately 86%. Integration of this prognostic index to the criteria used in making treatment decisions for patients with HCC should be considered.

Automated summary

This study investigated the relationship between basal parameters and survival characteristics in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results showed that the number and diameter of tumors, platelet count, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, portal and hepatic vein involvement, and alpha-fetoprotein level were independently related to survival. The findings of this study may have important implications for treatment decisions in patients with HCC.