ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies using older diagnostic criteria indicated chronic Hepatitis B and alcohol as the most common etiologies of HCC in the Philippines. No recent studies updated criteria for diagnosis have been published. This study used the diagnostic criteria from the latest APASL guidelines to describe the demographic profile of patients with HCC. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of adult HCC cases from a liver tumor registry in the Philippine General Hospital from 2009 to 2012. Demographics, AFP levels, BCLC stage, Child-Pugh Score, ECOG performance status, treatments received, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: The HCC prevalence rate was 7.8%, mostly occurring between ages 40 to 65 years. It is more common in males (M:F=4:1). Most of the HCC cases were diagnosed at early stages, with less severity of liver functional impairment compared to older studies. Resection was the common treatment undertaken (50%) and overall mortality rate at the time of hospital discharge was 25%. CONCLUSION: The profile of HCC patients in this study is similar to previous studies. More cases were recognized at earlier stages with better liver function, implying better treatment outcomes with surgery, although selection bias is recognized.