Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in the United States, accounting for 75% to 80% of all cases, and there is a significant need for new therapies that can be used at all stages of the disease to delay progression and prolong life. The incidence of HCC increased twofold between the mid-1970s and late 1990s. In 2002, an estimated 16,210 new cases of primary liver cancer were diagnosed, and approximately 25,030 new cases were diagnosed in 2005 [NCCN]. More frequent in men than in women, HCC is usually diagnosed in patients who are between 50 and 60 years of age. Risk factors for HCC include exposure to aflatoxins, prior chronic liver infections, chronic alcohol abuse, and hemochromatosis. When compounded, risk factors significantly increase the risk of developing cirrhosis and progressing to malignancy. The incidence of HCC is projected to increase significantly in the next 10 to 20 years in the United States, owing to the increasing prevalence of hepatitis C infection, for which no vaccine is available. There are approximately 3 to 4 million individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States [NCCN]. Patients with HCC currently have limited treatment options and low survival rates. The economic burden of HCC is substantial and is likely to increase further with the growing incidence of this disease. Interventions to reduce the prevalence of HCC have the potential to yield considerable economic benefits to society. This activity was planned to address the ACGME/ABMS core competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, and interpersonal communications.

Total program credits 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1
Credit(s) ™