A recent study discovered that alcohol-related liver disease is the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the third most common cause people die from cancer. This retrospective study included 136,571 patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) which provided deep information about the development of HCC. It provided important information about risk factors and the growth of HCC. This information helped researchers design a nomogram that can predict the development of HCC.Â
The research found that the number of patients who have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is decreasing. This decrease offers a promise in the fight against liver cancer caused by viruses.Â
The focus of this study shows a shift to various chronic liver diseases such as alcohol liver disease (ALD), drug-induced liver injury ( DILI), and other diseases. Regular heavy alcohol consumption has led to a significant rise in HCC cases related to ALD. This is because alcohol causes cirrhosis and fibrosis.Â
The results of the study also revealed that having hepatitis C virus (HPV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and heavy alcohol consumption together increase the risk of HCC. However, the number of patients with ALD-related HCC who also have an HBV infection has significantly decreased, which corresponds to the decreasing incidence of HBV infection. The increase in ALD-related HCC cases without concurrent HBV or HCV infection hints at the growing impact of alcohol as a standalone risk factor.Â
Moreover, the study conducted multivariate analyses to identify high-risk factors for ALD-related HCC. Longer years of drinking alcohol, age, diabetes mellitus, HBV infection, liver cirrhosis, and male sex are identified as major risks for HCC. This aligns with recent research, highlighting the importance of these factors in assessing and predicting the development of HCC among individuals with ALD.Â
The researchers designed a novel nomogram model based on logistic regression to aid in clinical decision-making. With an index of 0.786, it accurately predicted the risk of HCC. Using this approach, doctors can divide their patients into three categories such as low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk groups. These three categories of patients can help doctors make effective treatment strategies.Â
While the study acknowledges certain limitations, such as the reliance on ICD coding and the need for prospective validation of the nomograms, its comprehensive examination of ALD-related HCC provides a crucial foundation for future research and clinical practice. The nomogram’s potential to individualize treatment strategies and improve outcomes underscores its significance in the ongoing battle against alcohol-related liver cancer. As the global landscape of liver diseases continues to evolve, this study stands as a beacon of progress, offering a nuanced understanding of risk factors and a practical tool for clinicians in the fight against HCC.Â
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