An estimated 841,000 new Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cases have been identified globally, with Asia having the highest incidence (73%). However, there is limited real world data on how HCC is diagnosed and on the preferred treatment modalities. This study aims to evaluate and compare the presentation and management patterns in patients with HCC across Hong Kong (HK), Singapore (SG) and Thailand (TH).
Primary research was conducted amongst key HCC therapeutic area experts within Asia Pacific. A total of 18 oncologists, hepatologists and gastrointestinal specialists (6 HK; 6 SG; 6 TH) participated in the qualitative phase and a total of 55 (15 HK; 20 SG; 20 TH) in the quantitative phase. Face-to-face interviews using a discussion guide (Qualitative phase) were conducted in August to October 2019 and structured questionnaires (Quantitative phase) were implemented in October to November 2019. We are presenting the descriptive statistics of the stage at diagnosis, comorbidities and treatment modalities of HCC patients based upon this study.
The key therapeutic area experts reported that patients in Hong Kong and Singapore present at an advanced stage per the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines (Stage C: 76% HK; 63% SG; 45% TH) as compared to patients in Thailand. Cirrhosis was a key etiology in Singapore and Thailand (90%, 77%) and Hepatitis B in Hong Kong (89%). Targeted therapy was the preferred first-line HCC treatment in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand (89%, 84%, 88%). Immunotherapy was the preferred second-line HCC treatment in Hong Kong (64%). Chemotherapy was used first-line in Thailand (13%) and second-line in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand (3%, 11%, 24%).
The treatment patterns and presentation of HCC patients at diagnosis varies considerably across Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. These findings on real world practice will be useful to clinicians in understanding the trends and patterns in the diagnosis of HCC and developing treatment strategies.
Kantar.
IPSEN Pharmaceutical company.
P.K.H. Chow: Advisory/Consultancy: Sirtex Medical; Advisory/Consultancy: Ipsen; Advisory/Consultancy: Oncosil; Advisory/Consultancy: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Advisory/Consultancy: MSD; Advisory/Consultancy: Roche. J-F. Baladi, Y. Chia, B. Ramaswamy: Full/Part-time employment: Ipsen. V. Grillo, A. Acorda, K. Xu, S. Singh, Y. Chen, Y. Gilliam, R. Gowindah: Full/Part-time employment: Kantar.