INTEGRATED CARE FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: PATTERNS OF PRESENTATION AT A ONE-VISIT LIVER CANCER CLINIC IN A HIGH HCV BURDENED SETTING saleema_85@hotmail.com

 

INTEGRATED CARE FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: PATTERNS OF PRESENTATION AT A ONE-VISIT LIVER CANCER CLINIC IN A HIGH HCV BURDENED SETTING

2

 

 

 

 

Pakistan

Oral or Poster

The concept of one-visit care for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a patient-centered approach that provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative services in a single clinic visit. It aims to reduce delays in treatment initiation, enhance patient satisfaction, and optimize healthcare resource utilization. This model is especially beneficial in resource-limited settings like Pakistan, where access to timely liver cancer care remains challenging. Objective: To evaluate the patterns of presentation and treatment recommendations for patients with HCC at the One-Visit Liver Cancer Clinic at Aga Khan University Hospital

We conducted a retrospective review of patients seen at the one-visit liver clinic from January 2022 to December 2024. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, imaging, and treatment recommendations were analyzed.

A total of 208 patients were reviewed; 75% were male, and 70% had coexisting comorbidities. The most common underlying etiology was hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis (57%), and 69% had preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A). Only 10% of patients were diagnosed through surveillance. Common presenting symptoms included weakness (38%) and abdominal pain (34%). Imaging showed a single lesion in 59% and multicentric disease in 41%. Portal vein thrombosis was seen in 29% of patients. Alpha-fetoprotein was elevated in 42%. Curative treatment options, including resection and transplantation, were recommended in only 20% (10% each), while the majority were advised palliative treatments.

Most patients with HCC in Pakistan present at an advanced stage due to poor surveillance, limiting eligibility for curative therapy. One-visit multidisciplinary clinics offer an efficient model for timely and coordinated cancer care.