O-16 DIFFERENCES IN HEPATOCARCINOMA IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS DUE TO NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD) VS. OTHER ETIOLOGIES

Introduction and Objectives

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fastest growing cause of hepatocarcinoma (HCC) in the USA and parts of Europe and is expected to increase exponentially in parallel with the global obesity epidemic. This study aimed to determine the differences in the characteristics of HCC in patients with NASH vs. other etiologies.

Materials and Methods

Observational, descriptive study of patients with a diagnosis of HCC presented to the HCC Committee and included in the local Research Registry between March and December 2022. Demographic, clinical and tumor variables at HCC diagnosis were collected. Survival was assessed based on death certificates. Chi2 was calculated considering p<0.05 significant.

Results

During the study period, 143 patients were presented to the HCC Committee; 109 of them fulfilled the criteria for this study, 66 with NAFLD etiology (61%) and 43 with cirrhosis due to other etiologies (39%). When comparing sociodemographic and clinical variables in relation to cirrhosis etiology, higher average age (67 vs. 63; p=0.027), lower frequency of men (51% vs. 73%, p=0.026), lower Child-Pugh (Child-Pugh A 55% vs. 40%, p=0.033) and lower average Meld-Na (10.5 vs. 12, p=0.075) were observed in the NAFLD groups vs. other etiologies. No differences were observed in laboratory analysis at HCC diagnosis. There were also no differences in tumor characteristics or recommended therapies. Survival was higher in the NAFLD group, although it was not significant (76% vs. 65%, p=0.228).

Conclusions

HCC in patients with NAFLD cirrhosis occurs more frequently in women, older patients and with better overall probably related to the severity of the chronic liver disease. No differences were observed in tumor characteristics or suggested treatment options, with loco-regional therapy being the most indicated (45% of all patients).