Popis: |
Aims The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have decreased over time in South Korea, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) in endemic. This study investigated the changes in the characteristics and clinical outcomes of HCC patients in Korea. Methods Patients initially diagnosed with HCC and treated at the National Cancer Center, Korea between 2000 and 2015 (n = 4,291) were followed up until February 2017. Differences in patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between chronological cohorts: cohort A (2000–2004, n = 1,157) vs. B (2005–2009, n = 1,678) vs. C (2010–2015, n = 1,456). Results The median age of the patient cohort was 57 years (range, 13–98 years), and male predominance was noted (81.6%). HBV infection was the most common etiology (74.8%). The proportion of patients diagnosed with good liver function and small tumors (ppvs. 20.4 vs. 64.5 months, p Conclusions The survival of patients with HCC, especially HBV-related HCC, has improved significantly over time in Korea. |