Hepatocellular carcinoma and the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area

摘要

To the Editor: The cross sectional studies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area may need further clarifications by the authors [1]. First, how can HCC-related mortality in this region have risen 1.8 fold in 10 years, from 2.0 to 3.7 per 100.000. Indeed, over the last decade (between 1999-2001 and 2008-2010), the UK age-standardised incidence rates have only increased by 45% and 29% in males and females, respectively. These rates are not different from those observed in Europe: 44% and 31% increases, respectively (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/ cancerstats/types/liver/incidence/). Why could the significant progresses made for early diagnosis and in treatments (e.g., sorafenib, RFA) have lacked effect on mortality?