Published online Jun 27, 2022. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i6.1162
Peer-review started: February 4, 2022
First decision: April 17, 2022
Revised: April 24, 2022
Accepted: June 13, 2022
Article in press: June 13, 2022
Published online: June 27, 2022
Processing time: 138 Days and 22.8 Hours
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with pre-existing liver disease, including viral hepatitis. However, studies on the impact of alcohol consumption on the outcomes of HCC are limited. We hypothesized that alcohol had an additional effect with chronic viral hepatitis infection on treatment outcomes after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with intermediate-stage HCC (Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer [BCLC] -B).
To evaluate the additional effect of alcohol on treatment outcomes of TACE among HCC patients with viral hepatitis.
This study, conducted at Hatyai Hospital in Thailand, included HCC patients over 18 years of age with chronic viral hepatitis. Records of HCC patients with viral hepatitis classified as BCLC-B who underwent TACE as the first treatment modality between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with chronic viral hepatitis only were categorized under group A, and those with chronic viral hepatitis and concurrent alcohol consumption were categorized under group B. Both groups were compared, and the Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify the survival-influencing variables.
Of the 69 patients, 53 were categorized in group A and 16 in group B. There were no statistically significant differences in tumor characteristics between the two patient groups. However, Group A had a statistically significantly higher proportion of complete response (24.5% vs 0%, P = 0.030) and a higher median survival rate (26.2 mo vs 8.4 mo; log-rank P = 0.012) compared to group B. Factors associated with decreased survival in the proportional-hazards model included alcohol consumption (hazards ratio [HR], 2.377; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.109-5.095; P = 0.026), presence of portal hypertension (HR, 2.578; 95%CI, 1.320–5.037; P = 0.006), largest tumor size > 5 cm (HR, 3.558; 95%CI, 1.824-6.939; P < 0.001), and serum alpha-fetoprotein level > 100 ng/mL (HR, 2.536; 95%CI, 1.377-4.670; P = 0.003).
In HCC BCLC B patients with chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption is an independent risk factor for increased mortality and decreases the rate of complete response and survival after TACE.
Core Tip: Regular alcohol consumption is associated with increased hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, particularly in patients with pre-existing chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis B and C infection. However, data on the impact of alcohol consumption on HCC outcomes after treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remain limited. This study is the first to address the additional effect of alcohol on treatment outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization TACE among HCC patients with viral hepatitis.
