Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between comorbidity, anti-cancer treatment, and overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with extrahepatic metastases.
METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively analyzed data from 57 patients diagnosed as having treatment-naïve stage IV HCC with extrahepatic metastases between 2007 and 2010. Comorbidity was assessed using two scoring systems, the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the Kaplan-Feinstein index. Associations between comorbidity, demographic variables, treatment modality, and overall survival were analyzed.
RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that a CCI of ≥ 2 (P = 0.017), an Okuda score of II/III (P = 0.026), and the use of anti-cancer therapy (P = 0.039) was associated with overall survival. Fewer patients with a CCI of ≥ 2 received treatment (P < 0.001), and anti-cancer treatment of any modality did not show a survival benefit in these patients (P = 0.174). The multivariate analysis showed that a CCI of ≥ 2 was the only independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.043).
CONCLUSIONS: The pre-treatment comorbidity status played an important role in overall survival because of its association with the administration of anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, comprehensive evaluation of comorbidities before treatment is recommended for HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1011-1015 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Hepato-Gastroenterology |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue number | 140 |
| State | Published - 01 06 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
