Survival Rate in Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Surgery and Its Association with Clinicopathological Factors: a Single-Center Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Survival rate is a key health indicator that aids in assessing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the survival rate of patients with HCC and identify clinicopathological factors influencing survival in Iran, where data are limited.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional retrospective study examined the medical records of 45 patients with HCC who underwent surgery at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, from 2013 to 2019. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data were collected, and survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox regression to identify independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS:

The mean age of patients was 48.6 ± 18.56 years, with 62.2% being male. The average follow-up period was 34.28 months, with a maximum of 102 months. The median overall survival was 26 months, with 1-year and 3-year survival rates of 66.7% and 46.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified older age, tumor size >5 cm, presence of steatosis, history of recurrence, and non-transplantation treatment as independent risk factors for mortality. Other factors, such as tumor stage, histological subtype, and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, were not significantly related to survival.

CONCLUSION:

Based on the results, mortality in patients with HCC is significantly influenced by factors such as advanced age, larger tumor size (>5 cm), presence of steatosis, prior recurrence, and absence of liver transplantation as a treatment. These findings underscore the limited prognostic value of variables such as tumor stage, histological subtype, and serum AFP levels. Emphasizing the importance of proactive management, regular follow-up of high-risk individuals, and timely detection to facilitate curative interventions appears to be an essential strategy for enhancing survival outcomes in patients with HCC.