Recommendation and Guideline
- Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: an expert consensus-based practical recommendation from the Korean Liver Cancer Association
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Min-Su Park, Jai Young Cho, Eunju Kim, Hee Young Na, YoungRok Choi, Na Reum Kim, Young-In Yoon, Boram Lee, Eun Sun Jang, Yun Kyung Jung, Kyung Sik Kim
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J Liver Cancer. 2025;25(2):140-159. Published online September 22, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2025.08.05
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Abstract
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- Compared with other treatments, surgical resection is an effective treatment method with the lowest local recurrence rate and the highest survival rate for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To achieve excellent results after surgical treatment, it is essential to carefully select patients who are suitable for hepatic resection and minimize postoperative complications and liver function decline through standardized surgical methods and pre- and postoperative management. However, domestic and international treatment guidelines only broadly recommend the application of hepatic resection for HCC with a single tumor and good liver function. Hence, practical treatment guidelines are required that can be standardized and used according to the varying clinical environments, including indications for hepatic resection, preoperative evaluation, basic principles of hepatic resection, minimally invasive hepatic resection, pre- and postoperative patient management, surgical treatment considerations in specific infection situations, and follow-up after surgical resection. Accordingly, an expert group from the Korean Liver Cancer Association Research Committee has developed practical recommendations based on expert consensus regarding the surgical treatment of HCC through a Delphi study.
Review Article
- Epidemiology and genomic features of biliary tract cancer and its unique features in Korea
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Seonjeong Woo, Youngun Kim, Sohyun Hwang, Hong Jae Chon
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J Liver Cancer. 2025;25(1):41-51. Published online March 4, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2025.02.27
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7,693
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166
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2
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Abstract
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Supplementary Material
- Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy that includes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer (GBC). While BTC has a low global incidence, its regional variations are notable. Among nations, Korea has the second-highest incidence of BTC globally, with the highest mortality rate worldwide, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of this cancer. Liver fluke infection and hepatitis B virus infection are key risk factors unique to Korea, contributing to regional differences in BTC incidence. Additionally, genomic alterations in Korean patients with BTC differ from those in other populations, including lower frequencies of IDH1 mutations and FGFR2 fusions in ICC and a higher prevalence of ERBB2 amplification in GBC. Recognizing the clinical significance of these alterations, ivosidenib and pemigatinib have been approved in Korea for BTC patients with IDH1 mutations and FGFR2 fusions, respectively. This review explores the epidemiology, risk factors, and molecular features of BTC, along with corresponding targeted therapies. Furthermore, we compare the unique characteristics of BTC in Korea with global data to inform future research and clinical practice.
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- Global, regional, and national burden of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer among adults aged 55 years and older, 2010–2021
Mingjuan Li, Jiaguang Li, Shuangjiang Li, Minmin Zhang, Shuang Li, Jiahui Zhao, Tao Gan, Min Wu, Shunwen Luo, Yunying Liang, Qiuyun Li, Guangdong Pan, Jianqing Yang, Guoqing Ouyang
Frontiers in Nutrition.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Changing patterns of cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer: A regional perspective from Northeastern Italy
Duygu Kirkik, Ayse Naz Ozabaci, Sevgi Kalkanli Tas
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Original Articles
- Hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea: an analysis of the 2016-2018 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
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Jihyun An, Young Chang, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Won Sohn, Jeong Eun Song, Hyunjae Shin, Jae Hyun Yoon, Jun Sik Yoon, Hye Young Jang, Eun Ju Cho, Ji Won Han, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Kyu-Won Jung, Eun Hye Park, Eunyang Kim, Bo Hyun Kim
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J Liver Cancer. 2025;25(1):109-122. Published online March 4, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2025.02.20
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4,312
Views
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123
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1
Citation
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Abstract
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Supplementary Material
- Backgrounds/Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Korea. This study evaluated the characteristics of Korean patients newly diagnosed with HCC in 2016-2018.
Methods
Data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR), a representative database of patients newly diagnosed with HCC in South Korea, were analyzed. This study investigated 4,462 patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR in 2016-2018.
Results
The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range, 55-72). 79.7% of patients were male. Hepatitis B infection was the most common underlying liver disease (54.5%). The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system classified patients as follows: stage 0 (14.9%), A (28.8%), B (7.5%), C (39.0%), and D (9.8%). The median overall survival was 3.72 years (95% confidence interval, 3.47-4.14), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of 71.3%, 54.1%, and 44.3%, respectively. In 2016-2018, there was a significant shift toward BCLC stage 0-A and Child-Turcotte-Pugh liver function class A (P<0.05), although survival rates did not differ by diagnosis year. In the treatment group (n=4,389), the most common initial treatments were transarterial therapy (31.7%), surgical resection (24.9%), best supportive care (18.9%), and local ablation therapy (10.5%).
Conclusions
Between 2016 and 2018, HCC tended to be diagnosed at earlier stages, with better liver function in later years. However, since approximately half of the patients remained diagnosed at an advanced stage, more rigorous and optimized HCC screening strategies should be implemented.
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- Real-World Treatment Efficacy and Safety Profile of Sofosbuvir- and Velpatasvir-Based HCV Treatment in South Korea: Multicenter Prospective Study
Jae Hyun Yoon, Chang Hun Lee, Hoon Gil Jo, Ju-Yeon Cho, Jin Dong Kim, Jin Won Kim, Ga Ram You, Sung Bum Cho, Sung Kyu Choi
Viruses.2025; 17(7): 949. CrossRef
- Evolving trends in treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea from 2008 to 2022: a nationwide population-based study
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Ji Won Han, Won Sohn, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Jeong Won Jang, Gi Hyeon Seo, Bo Hyun Kim, Jong Young Choi
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J Liver Cancer. 2024;24(2):274-285. Published online August 26, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.08.13
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5,284
Views
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200
Downloads
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14
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material
- Backgrounds/Aims
The treatment landscape for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has significantly evolved over the past decade. We aimed to analyze trends in treatment patterns for HCC using a nationwide claims database from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.
Methods
This retrospective population-based cohort study analyzed 171,002 newly diagnosed HCC patients between 2008 and 2022. Etiologies and treatment modalities were categorized based on the ICD-10 codes and insurance data.
Results
The annual incidence decreased from 11,814 in 2008 to 10,443 in 2022. However, patients aged ≥70 increased noticeably, with those aged ≥80 rising from 3.8% in 2008 to 13.1% in 2022. From 2008 to 2022, the predominant cause of hepatitis B virus decreased from 68.9% to 59.7%, whereas nonalcoholic fatty liver disease increased from 8.9% to 15.8%. The initial treatment trends shifted: surgical resection and systemic therapy increased from 12.2% to 21.3% and from 0.2% to 9.6%, whereas transarterial therapy decreased from 49.9% to 36.6%. Best supportive care decreased from 31.7% to 21.3%. In the subgroup analysis, laparoscopic resection rate increased from 10.6% to 60.6% among the surgical resections. Sorafenib initially accounted for 100%, lenvatinib peaked at 36.5% in 2021, and atezolizumab-bevacizumab became the most widely used (63.1%) by 2022 among the systemic therapies.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the temporal changes in the treatment patterns of Korean HCC patients. Surgical resection, particularly laparoscopic liver resection, and systemic therapy has increased significantly. These changes may have been influenced by reimbursement policies and advances in clinical research.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Correspondence to editorial on “Evolving trends in epidemiology, etiology, and treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma in South Korea”
Ji Won Han, Bo Hyun Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 7. CrossRef - Evolving trends in epidemiology, etiology, and treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma in South Korea
Soo Young Hwang, Ju Dong Yang
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 4. CrossRef - Hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea: an analysis of the 2016-2018 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Jihyun An, Young Chang, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Won Sohn, Jeong Eun Song, Hyunjae Shin, Jae Hyun Yoon, Jun Sik Yoon, Hye Young Jang, Eun Ju Cho, Ji Won Han, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Kyu-Won Jung, Eun Hye Park, Eunyang Kim, Bo Hyun Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 109. CrossRef - All-cause and disease-specific mortality in young adults with MASLD: A nationwide cohort study
Jeayeon Park, Goh Eun Chung, Su Jong Yu, Yoon Jun Kim, Jung-Hwan Yoon, Kyungdo Han, Eun Ju Cho
JHEP Reports.2025; 7(9): 101477. CrossRef - Novel Immunotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hyun Bin Choi, Jeong-Ju Yoo
The Korean Journal of Medicine.2025; 100(3): 102. CrossRef - Peripheral blood inflammatory score using a cytokine multiplex assay predicts clinical outcomes in patients treated with atezolizumab-bevacizumab for unresectable HCC
Hee Sun Cho, Soon Kyu Lee, Ji Won Han, Jung Hyun Kwon, Soon Woo Nam, Jaejun Lee, Keungmo Yang, Pil Soo Sung, Jeong Won Jang, Seung Kew Yoon, Jong Young Choi
Frontiers in Immunology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - The PNPLA3 I148M variant is associated with immune cell infiltration and advanced fibrosis in MASLD: a prospective genotype–phenotype study
Jaejun Lee, Jung Hoon Cha, Hee Sun Cho, Keungmo Yang, Hyun Yang, Heechul Nam, Mi Young Byun, Seok Keun Cho, Jinsung Park, Hyuk Wan Ko, Seong Wook Yang, Pil Soo Sung, Si Hyun Bae
Journal of Gastroenterology.2025; 60(10): 1284. CrossRef - Expert survey on systemic therapy indications for hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea: bridging clinical practice and reimbursement criteria
Hyun Yang, Soon Sun Kim, Seong Hee Kang, Jieun Kwon, Do Young Kim, Eunju Kim, Hyun Phil Shin, Jeong Il Yu, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Eileen L. Yoon, Sangheun Lee, Young Eun Chon, Janghan Jung, Jaekyung Cheon, Woosun Choi, Seul Ki Han, Ji Eun Han, Moon Haeng Hur, Hyun
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(2): 160. CrossRef - Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: an expert consensus-based practical recommendation from the Korean Liver Cancer Association
Min-Su Park, Jai Young Cho, Eunju Kim, Hee Young Na, YoungRok Choi, Na Reum Kim, Young-In Yoon, Boram Lee, Eun Sun Jang, Yun Kyung Jung, Kyung Sik Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(2): 140. CrossRef - Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: an expert consensus-based practical recommendation from the Korean Liver Cancer Association
Min-Su Park, Jai Young Cho, Eunju Kim, Hee Young Na, YoungRok Choi, Na Reum Ki, Young-In Yoon, Boram Lee, Eun Sun Jang, Yun Kyung Jung, Kyung Sik Kim
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research.2025; 109(3): 123. CrossRef - Epidemiology and etiologic trends of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients in Mexico: a multicenter retrospective study (2018–2024)
Nahum Méndez-Sánchez, Mariana M Ramírez-Mejía, Carlos Cortez-Hernández, Elianee M Tovar-Bojorquez, Raúl Contreras-Omaña, Juan D Monsiváis-Morales, Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo, Mauricio Castillo-Barradas, Nubia Guzmán-Rodríguez, María S González-Huezo, Adr
Annals of Hepatology.2025; : 102131. CrossRef - Surgeon’s aspect of an expert consensus-based practical recommendation for surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Jai Young Cho
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research.2025; 109(3): 121. CrossRef - A Potential Pneumothorax Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Case Report and Literature Review
Yoon-E Shin, Hyuk Kim, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sang Gyune Kim, Young Seok Kim
Medicina.2024; 60(10): 1634. CrossRef - Pathogenesis and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated
steatohepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a narrative
review
Han Ah Lee
The Ewha Medical Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea: an Analysis of the 2015 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
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Jun Sik Yoon, Han Ah Lee, Hwi Young Kim, Dong Hyun Sinn, Dong Ho Lee, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Jonggi Choi, Young Chang, Hyun-Joo Kong, Eunyang Kim, Young-Joo Won, Jeong-Hoon Lee
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J Liver Cancer. 2021;21(1):58-68. Published online March 31, 2021
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.21.1.58
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9,993
Views
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326
Downloads
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27
Citations
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material
- Background/Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Korea. This study evaluated the characteristics of Korean patients newly diagnosed with HCC in 2015.
Methods
Data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR), a representative sample of patients newly diagnosed with HCC in Korea, were analyzed. A total of 1,558 patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR in 2015 were investigated.
Results
The median age was 61.0 years (interquartile range, 54.0-70.0 years), and men accounted for 79.7% of the subjects. Hepatitis B virus infection was the most common underlying liver disease (58.1%). According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, stage 0, A, B, C, and D HCCs accounted for 14.2%, 31.5%, 7.6%, 39.0%, and 7.8% of patients, respectively. Transarterial therapy (32.1%) was the most commonly performed initial treatment, followed by surgical resection (23.2%), best supportive care (20.2%), and local ablation therapy (10.7%). Overall, 34.5% of patients were treated in accordance with the BCLC guidelines: 59.2% in stage 0/A, 48.4% in stage B, 18.1% in stage C, and 71.6% in stage D. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 67.1%, 50.9%, and 27.0%, respectively.
Conclusions
In 2015, approximately 45% of Korean HCC cases were diagnosed at a very early or early stage, and 35% of patients underwent potentially curative initial treatment. BCLC guidance was followed in 34.5% of patients; in patients with stage B or C disease, there was relatively low adherence.
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Citations to this article as recorded by

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Christian Tibor Josef Magyar, Luckshi Rajendran, Zhihao Li, Vanessa Banz, Arndt Vogel, Grainne Mary O'Kane, Albert Chi-Yan Chan, Gonzalo Sapisochin
The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.2025; 10(4): 350. CrossRef - Current Trends and Impact of Liver Biopsy on Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Korean Multicenter Analysis
Seong Joon Chun, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sang Gyune Kim, Young-Seok Kim
Diagnostics.2025; 15(7): 818. CrossRef - Hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea: an analysis of the 2016-2018 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Jihyun An, Young Chang, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Won Sohn, Jeong Eun Song, Hyunjae Shin, Jae Hyun Yoon, Jun Sik Yoon, Hye Young Jang, Eun Ju Cho, Ji Won Han, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Kyu-Won Jung, Eun Hye Park, Eunyang Kim, Bo Hyun Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 109. CrossRef - Universal self-testing as a cost-effective weapon to eliminate hepatitis C virus in the Republic of Korea: Editorial on “Self-testing strategy to eliminate hepatitis C as per World Health Organization’s goal: Analysis of disease burden and cost-effectiven
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Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2025; 31(2): 596. CrossRef - Long‐Term Survival and Prognostic Factors of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Following Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hoang Dong Duc, Mai Binh Thanh, Mai Bang Hong, Nguyen Thinh Tien, Nguyen Thai Van, Bui Bieu Quang, Nguyen Chau Dinh, Thai Ky Doan
Cancer Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Pre- and postoperative predictors of extrahepatic recurrence after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Chang Hun Lee, Yun Chae Lee, Seung Young Seo, Ga Ram You, Hoon Gil Jo, Sung Bum Cho, Eun Young Cho, In Hee Kim, Sung Kyu Choi, Jae Hyun Yoon
BMC Cancer.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - 15-Year Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Epidemiology, Treatment, and Outcomes from a Hospital-Based Registry
Songgyung Kim, Jina Park, Won-Mook Choi, Danbi Lee, Ju Hyun Shim, Kang Mo Kim, Young-Suk Lim, Han Chu Lee, Ki-Hun Kim, Jonggi Choi
Gut and Liver.2025; 19(5): 746. CrossRef - Concurrent nivolumab and external beam radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion: A phase II study
Bo Hyun Kim, Hee Chul Park, Tae Hyun Kim, Young-Hwan Koh, Jung Yong Hong, Yuri Cho, Dong Hyun Sinn, Boram Park, Joong-Won Park
JHEP Reports.2024; 6(4): 100991. CrossRef - Identification of patients with favorable prognosis after resection in intermediate-stage-hepatocellular carcinoma
Han Ah Lee, Minjong Lee, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Ho Soo Chun, Yewan Park, Hwi Young Kim, Tae Hun Kim, Yeon Seok Seo, Dong Hyun Sinn
International Journal of Surgery.2024; 110(2): 1008. CrossRef - Heavy smoking increases early mortality risk in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment
Jaejun Lee, Jong Young Choi, Soon Kyu Lee
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 253. CrossRef - Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Viral Etiology
Jae Yeon Lee, Min Jung Geum, Jong Hee Ko, Eun Sun Son, Yun Mi Yu
Journal of Korean Society of Health-System Pharmacists.2024; 41(4): 354. CrossRef - Factors associated with the survival outcomes of patients with untreated hepatocellular carcinoma: An analysis of nationwide data
Min Jung Kwon, Soy Chang, Ji Hoon Kim, Ji Won Han, Jeong Won Jang, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon, Pil Soo Sung
Frontiers in Oncology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - The imitator of immune-tolerant chronic hepatitis B: A killer in disguise
Moon Haeng Hur, Jeong-Hoon Lee
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2023; 29(2): 363. CrossRef - Current status of ultrasonography in national cancer surveillance program for hepatocellular carcinoma in South Korea: a large-scale multicenter study
Sun Hong Yoo, Soon Sun Kim, Sang Gyune Kim, Jung Hyun Kwon, Han-Ah Lee, Yeon Seok Seo, Young Kul Jung, Hyung Joon Yim, Do Seon Song, Seong Hee Kang, Moon Young Kim, Young-Hwan Ahn, Jieun Han, Young Seok Kim, Young Chang, Soung Won Jeong, Jae Young Jang, J
Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(1): 189. CrossRef - A Case of Transverse Myelitis Following Treatment with Atezolizumab for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Kyung Han Kim, Yang-Hyun Baek, Yeo Wool Kang, Byeol-A Yoon, Sang Yi Moon
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology.2023; 82(1): 35. CrossRef - Comparative Analysis of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab and Hepatic Artery Infusion Chemotherapy in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter, Propensity Score Study
Ji Kim, Hee-Chul Nam, Chang-Wook Kim, Hee Cho, Jae-Sung Yoo, Ji Han, Jeong Jang, Jong Choi, Seung Yoon, Hyun Yang, Si Bae, Suho Kim, Jung Oh, Ho Chun, Chang Jeon, Jaegyoon Ahn, Pil Sung
Cancers.2023; 15(17): 4233. CrossRef - A nationwide study on the current treatment status and natural prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly
Jeong-Ju Yoo, Jayoun Lee, Gi Hong Choi, Min Woo Lee, Dong Ah Park
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Modeling the Risk of Liver Cancer in Adults: A Machine Learning Investigation into the Role of Obesity and Overweight
Bah Karamo, Bah Adama Ns , Jallow Amadou Wurry
Archives of Pathology and Clinical Research.2023; 7(1): 034. CrossRef - Surgical resection versus ablation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: The debate is still open
Bo Hyun Kim
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(2): 174. CrossRef - Cause of death and cause-specific mortality for primary liver cancer in South Korea: A nationwide population-based study in hepatitis B virus-endemic area
Bo Hyun Kim, Dahhay Lee, Kyu-Won Jung, Young-Joo Won, Hyunsoon Cho
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(2): 242. CrossRef - Impact of tumor size on hepatectomy outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma: a nationwide propensity score matching analysis
Suk Kyun Hong, Kwang-Woong Lee, Sola Lee, Su young Hong, Sanggyun Suh, Eui Soo Han, YoungRok Choi, Nam-Joon Yi, Kyung-Suk Suh
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research.2022; 102(4): 193. CrossRef - Efficacy and feasibility of surgery and external radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal invasion: A meta-analysis
Han Ah Lee, Yeon Seok Seo, In-Soo Shin, Won Sup Yoon, Hye Yoon Lee, Chai Hong Rim
International Journal of Surgery.2022; 104: 106753. CrossRef - Yoon et al. Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea: an Analysis of the 2015 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Jeong-Hoon Lee
Journal of Liver Cancer.2022; 22(2): 207. CrossRef - Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma: It is time to move forward
Bo Hyun Kim, Yuri Cho, Joong-Won Park
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(4): 810. CrossRef - Treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Child–Pugh class B and their impact on survival: A Korean nationwide registry study
Dongsub Jeon, Gi‐Won Song, Han Chu Lee, Ju Hyun Shim
Liver International.2022; 42(12): 2830. CrossRef - Metastatic breast cancer from a hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report
Hyewon Bang, Nam-Hee Kim, Seung Hye Choi, Si Hyun Bae, Eun Sun Jung, Ki Ouk Min, Yong Hwa Eom
Korean Journal of Clinical Oncology.2022; 18(2): 93. CrossRef - Current Status and Future Directions of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Test Based on Cost-effective Analysis
Jihyun An
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology.2021; 78(5): 255. CrossRef
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea between 2012 and 2014: an Analysis of Data from the Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
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Young Eun Chon, Han Ah Lee, Jun Sik Yoon, Jun Yong Park, Bo Hyun Kim, In Joon Lee, Suk Kyun Hong, Dong Hyeon Lee, Hyun-Joo Kong, Eunyang Kim, Young-Joo Won, Jeong-Hoon Lee
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J Liver Cancer. 2020;20(2):135-147. Published online September 30, 2020
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.20.2.135
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7,511
Views
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183
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22
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Abstract
PDF
Supplementary Material
- Background/Aims
Considering the high prevalence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Korea, accurate statistics for HCC are important. We evaluated the characteristics of Korean patients with newly diagnosed HCC.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR). The baseline characteristics, treatment modalities, and overall survival (OS) of 4,572 patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR between 2012 and 2014 were investigated.
Results
At the time of HCC diagnosis, the median age was 60.0 years, with male predominance (79.6%). Hepatitis B virus infection was the most common etiology (59.1%). The rates of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0, A, B, C, and D at diagnosis were 3.9%, 36.9%, 12.5%, 39.4%, and 7.3%, respectively. The proportion of very early or early stage HCC at diagnosis (BCLC stage 0 or A) in the 2012-2014 cohort was significantly lower than that in the 2008-2011 cohort (40.8% vs. 48.3%, P<0.001). Transarterial therapy (37.5%) was the most commonly performed initial treatment, followed by surgical resection (19.8%), best supportive care (19.1%), and local ablation (10.6%). The median OS was 2.9 years, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 67.7%, 49.3% and 41.9%, respectively. The OS rate of the 2012-2014 cohort was significantly higher than that of the 2008-2011 cohort (log-rank, P<0.001).
Conclusions
The OS of HCC patients registered in the KPLCR between 2012 and 2014 significantly improved. Nevertheless, as about half of the HCC patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage, vigorous and optimized HCC screening strategies should be implemented.
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Citations
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- Hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea: an analysis of the 2016-2018 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Jihyun An, Young Chang, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Won Sohn, Jeong Eun Song, Hyunjae Shin, Jae Hyun Yoon, Jun Sik Yoon, Hye Young Jang, Eun Ju Cho, Ji Won Han, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Kyu-Won Jung, Eun Hye Park, Eunyang Kim, Bo Hyun Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 109. CrossRef - Correspondence to editorial on “Evolving trends in epidemiology, etiology, and treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma in South Korea”
Ji Won Han, Bo Hyun Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 7. CrossRef - 15-Year Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Epidemiology, Treatment, and Outcomes from a Hospital-Based Registry
Songgyung Kim, Jina Park, Won-Mook Choi, Danbi Lee, Ju Hyun Shim, Kang Mo Kim, Young-Suk Lim, Han Chu Lee, Ki-Hun Kim, Jonggi Choi
Gut and Liver.2025; 19(5): 746. CrossRef - Recent Hepatocellular Carcinoma Managements in Korea: Focus on the Updated Guidelines in 2022
Yuri Cho, Bo Hyun Kim, Young-Suk Lim
Digestive Disease Interventions.2024; 08(03): 169. CrossRef - Limited Generalizability of Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study in Comparison to Multicenter Cohort Study on Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Ye Rim Kim, Sung Won Chung, Min-Ju Kim, Won-Mook Choi, Jonggi Choi, Danbi Lee, Han Chu Lee, Ju Hyun Shim
Journal of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.2024; Volume 11: 1235. CrossRef - Evolving trends in treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea from 2008 to 2022: a nationwide population-based study
Ji Won Han, Won Sohn, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Jeong Won Jang, Gi Hyeon Seo, Bo Hyun Kim, Jong Young Choi
Journal of Liver Cancer.2024; 24(2): 274. CrossRef - Clinical Significance of Biliary Invasion at Diagnosis in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B–C Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Nationwide Cohort Analysis in South Korea
Chai Hong Rim, Won Sup Yoon, Sunmin Park
Oncology.2024; : 1. CrossRef - Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence is decreasing in Korea but increasing in the very elderly
Young Eun Chon, Seong Yong Park, Han Pyo Hong, Donghee Son, Jonghyun Lee, Eileen Yoon, Soon Sun Kim, Sang Bong Ahn, Soung Won Jeong, Dae Won Jun
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2023; 29(1): 120. CrossRef - 2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(1): 1. CrossRef - Factors associated with the survival outcomes of patients with untreated hepatocellular carcinoma: An analysis of nationwide data
Min Jung Kwon, Soy Chang, Ji Hoon Kim, Ji Won Han, Jeong Won Jang, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon, Pil Soo Sung
Frontiers in Oncology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef - Clinical practice guideline and real-life practice in hepatocellular carcinoma: A Korean perspective
Myung Ji Goh, Dong Hyun Sinn, Jong Man Kim, Min Woo Lee, Dong Ho Hyun, Jeong Il Yu, Jung Yong Hong, Moon Seok Choi
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2023; 29(2): 197. CrossRef - Implications of the first edition of the Korean expert consensus-based practice recommendations for transarterial chemoembolization in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Jin Wook Chung
Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(2): 235. CrossRef - Nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with large (>5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma based on real-world practice
Nalee Kim, Jeong Il Yu, Hee Chul Park, Jung Yong Hong, Ho Yeong Lim, Myung Ji Goh, Yong-Han Paik
Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(2): 350. CrossRef - Surgical resection versus ablation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: The debate is still open
Bo Hyun Kim
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(2): 174. CrossRef - A case report of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and sorafenib combination therapy followed by metastasectomy of lung and muscle metastases
Sang Yi Moon, Sang Young Han, Yang-Hyun Baek
Journal of Liver Cancer.2022; 22(1): 57. CrossRef - Cause of death and cause-specific mortality for primary liver cancer in South Korea: A nationwide population-based study in hepatitis B virus-endemic area
Bo Hyun Kim, Dahhay Lee, Kyu-Won Jung, Young-Joo Won, Hyunsoon Cho
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(2): 242. CrossRef - 2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(4): 583. CrossRef - Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma: It is time to move forward
Bo Hyun Kim, Yuri Cho, Joong-Won Park
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(4): 810. CrossRef - 2022 KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Korean Journal of Radiology.2022; 23(12): 1126. CrossRef - Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea: an Analysis of the 2015 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Jun Sik Yoon, Han Ah Lee, Hwi Young Kim, Dong Hyun Sinn, Dong Ho Lee, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Jonggi Choi, Young Chang, Hyun-Joo Kong, Eunyang Kim, Young-Joo Won, Jeong-Hoon Lee
Journal of Liver Cancer.2021; 21(1): 58. CrossRef - Cost-Effectiveness of Adjuvant Immunotherapy With Cytokine-Induced Killer Cell for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on a Randomized Controlled Trial and Real-World Data
Jeong-Yeon Cho, Sun-Hong Kwon, Eui-Kyung Lee, Jeong-Hoon Lee, Hye-Lin Kim
Frontiers in Oncology.2021;[Epub] CrossRef - Efficacy of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation against Hepatocellular Carcinoma Refractory to Transarterial Chemoembolization and Vascular Variation: A Case Study
Sang Yi Moon, Sang Young Han, Yang-Hyun Baek
Kosin Medical Journal.2021; 36(2): 161. CrossRef
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea Between 2008 and 2011: an Analysis of Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
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Jun Sik Yoon, Han Ah Lee, Jun Yong Park, Bo Hyun Kim, In Joon Lee, Young Eun Chon, Suk Kyun Hong, Dong Hyeon Lee, Hyun-Joo Kong, Young-Joo Won, Eunyang Kim, Jeong-Hoon Lee
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J Liver Cancer. 2020;20(1):41-52. Published online March 31, 2020
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.20.1.41
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7,706
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210
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Abstract
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Supplementary Material
- Backgrounds/Aims
Backgrounds/Aims: In Korea, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and results in the second-highest cancer death rate among all cancers. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients who were newly diagnosed with HCC in Korea between 2008 and 2011.
Methods
The Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry (KPLCR) is a random sample consisting of approximately 15% of patients with newly diagnosed primary liver cancer registered in the Korean Central Cancer Registry. We investigated the baseline characteristics, treatment modalities, and overall survival (OS) of patients with HCC registered in the KPLCR between 2008 and 2011.
Results
A total of 6,083 patients were histologically or radiologically diagnosed with HCC. The hepatitis B virus was the predominant HCC etiology (72.0%). According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, stages 0, A, B, C, and D accounted for 8.6%, 39.7%, 11.5%, 33.8%, and 6.9%, respectively. Transarterial therapy (41.7%) was the most commonly performed initial treatment, followed by best supportive care (21.7%), surgical resection (16.7%), and local ablation therapies (10.6%). The overall rate of adherence to the BCLC treatment guideline was only 37.7%. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 65.6%, 46.2%, and 36.8%, respectively.
Conclusions
Between 2008 and 2011, approximately half of patients with HCC (48.3%) were candidates for curative treatment (BCLC stage 0 or A), but one-third of patients (33.8%) had advanced HCC (BCLC stage C). Transarterial therapy was the most commonly conducted initial treatment and the 5-year OS rate was 36.8% in this period.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea: an analysis of the 2016-2018 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Jihyun An, Young Chang, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Won Sohn, Jeong Eun Song, Hyunjae Shin, Jae Hyun Yoon, Jun Sik Yoon, Hye Young Jang, Eun Ju Cho, Ji Won Han, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Kyu-Won Jung, Eun Hye Park, Eunyang Kim, Bo Hyun Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 109. CrossRef - Microwave ablation vs. liver resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinomas
Hyundam Gu, Yeonjoo Seo, Dong Jin Chung, Kwang Yeol Paik, Seung Kew Yoon, Jihye Lim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2025; 25(1): 99. CrossRef - 15-Year Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Epidemiology, Treatment, and Outcomes from a Hospital-Based Registry
Songgyung Kim, Jina Park, Won-Mook Choi, Danbi Lee, Ju Hyun Shim, Kang Mo Kim, Young-Suk Lim, Han Chu Lee, Ki-Hun Kim, Jonggi Choi
Gut and Liver.2025; 19(5): 746. CrossRef - Adjuvant and neoadjuvant immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma
Josep M. Llovet, Roser Pinyol, Mark Yarchoan, Amit G. Singal, Thomas U. Marron, Myron Schwartz, Eli Pikarsky, Masatoshi Kudo, Richard S. Finn
Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology.2024; 21(4): 294. CrossRef - Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence is decreasing in Korea but increasing in the very elderly
Young Eun Chon, Seong Yong Park, Han Pyo Hong, Donghee Son, Jonghyun Lee, Eileen Yoon, Soon Sun Kim, Sang Bong Ahn, Soung Won Jeong, Dae Won Jun
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2023; 29(1): 120. CrossRef - Implications of the first edition of the Korean expert consensus-based practice recommendations for transarterial chemoembolization in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Jin Wook Chung
Journal of Liver Cancer.2023; 23(2): 235. CrossRef - Surgical resection versus ablation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: The debate is still open
Bo Hyun Kim
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(2): 174. CrossRef - Cause of death and cause-specific mortality for primary liver cancer in South Korea: A nationwide population-based study in hepatitis B virus-endemic area
Bo Hyun Kim, Dahhay Lee, Kyu-Won Jung, Young-Joo Won, Hyunsoon Cho
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(2): 242. CrossRef - Impact of expanding hepatitis B treatment guidelines: A modelling and economic impact analysis
Young‐Suk Lim, Sang Hoon Ahn, Jae‐Jun Shim, Homie Razavi, Devin Razavi‐Shearer, Dong Hyun Sinn
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.2022; 56(3): 519. CrossRef - Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma: It is time to move forward
Bo Hyun Kim, Yuri Cho, Joong-Won Park
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2022; 28(4): 810. CrossRef - Therapeutic Decision Making in Hepatocellular Carcinoma According to Age and Child–Pugh Class: A Nationwide Cohort Analysis in South Korea
Sunmin Park, Chai Hong Rim, Young Kul Jung, Won Sup Yoon, Alessandro Granito
Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.2021;[Epub] CrossRef - Outcome of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Molecular Target Agent Combination for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond Sorafenib Era
Nae-Yun Heo
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology.2021; 77(3): 145. CrossRef - Rare Case of Pyogenic Brain Abscess after Transarterial Chemoembolization in a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Jun-Ho Myeong, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sang Gyune Kim, Young Seok Kim
Journal of Liver Cancer.2021; 21(1): 81. CrossRef - Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea: an Analysis of the 2015 Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Jun Sik Yoon, Han Ah Lee, Hwi Young Kim, Dong Hyun Sinn, Dong Ho Lee, Suk Kyun Hong, Ju-Yeon Cho, Jonggi Choi, Young Chang, Hyun-Joo Kong, Eunyang Kim, Young-Joo Won, Jeong-Hoon Lee
Journal of Liver Cancer.2021; 21(1): 58. CrossRef - Glucose Variability and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Diabetes: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Jeong-Ju Yoo, Eun Ju Cho, Kyungdo Han, Soo Seong Heo, Bo-Yeon Kim, Dong Wook Shin, Su Jong Yu
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.2021; 30(5): 974. CrossRef -
Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of alpha-fetoprotein improves diagnostic accuracy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Han Ah Lee, Yoo Ra Lee, Young-Sun Lee, Young Kul Jung, Ji Hoon Kim, Hyunggin An, Hyung Joon Yim, Yoon Tae Jeen, Jong Eun Yeon, Kwan Soo Byun, Yeon Seok Seo
World Journal of Gastroenterology.2021; 27(28): 4687. CrossRef - Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea between 2012 and 2014: an Analysis of Data from the Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Young Eun Chon, Han Ah Lee, Jun Sik Yoon, Jun Yong Park, Bo Hyun Kim, In Joon Lee, Suk Kyun Hong, Dong Hyeon Lee, Hyun-Joo Kong, Eunyang Kim, Young-Joo Won, Jeong-Hoon Lee
Journal of Liver Cancer.2020; 20(2): 135. CrossRef - Efficacy of Local Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Involving the Inferior Vena Cava and/or Right Atrium
Han Ah Lee, Chai Hong Rim
Journal of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.2020; Volume 7: 435. CrossRef
Review Article
- Current Status of Research on Liver Cancer in Korea
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Jae-Jun Shim
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J Liver Cancer. 2017;17(2):105-110. Published online September 30, 2017
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.17.2.105
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Abstract
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- Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in Korea. Liver cancer imposes
a considerable societal burden due to its high incidence and high mortality rate in younger
patients, as compared to other cancers. However, interest in liver cancer among researchers
and health-policy makers is low. In this review, recent trends in the number of published
articles on liver cancer in Korea and internationally were analyzed. The key finding is that
the rate of growth in the number of published articles on liver cancer is slowly decreasing
and financial investment for research into liver cancer is very limited, despite the increasing
research and development investment budget in Korea. Meanwhile, the rate of growth of
research into liver cancer in China has recently increased markedly. Therefore, the scale and
rate of growth of research into liver cancer in Korea should be enhanced.
Original Article
- Characteristics and Survival of Korean Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Nationwide Random Sample Study
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Young-Suk Lim, Seung Hyung Kim, Seung Hyung Kim, Jae Seok Hwang, Kwang-Hyub Han
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J Liver Cancer. 2014;14(2):97-107. Published online September 30, 2014
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.14.2.97
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2,275
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32
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2
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Abstract
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- Background/Aims
Given the high incidence and mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC), ensuring high quality of registry data is important for the improvement of health
service. Registries by voluntary reporting often lack case completeness and may cause
selection bias. A statutory Korean Central Cancer Registry (KCCR) has case completeness and
provides accurate information on HCC incidence, but provides limited information about HCC
characteristics.
Methods
The Korean Liver Cancer Study Group (KLCSG) and the KCCR jointly built a
nationwide cohort of patients who were diagnosed with HCC between 2003 and 2005. Out
of 31,521 new HCC cases that were registered at the KCCR between 2003 and 2005, 4,630
case
s (14.7% of total HCC cases) were randomly selected and abstracted from 32 hospitals
nationwide, and followed up until December 2011. After excluding 110 patients who met the
exclusion criteria, a total of 4,520 HCC patients were analyzed.
Results
Mean age at the diagnosis of HCC was 57.1±10.8 years, and males comprised 81.0%.
Hepatitis B was the predominant etiology (72%), and hepatitis C comprised 12%. Stage
at diagnosis was 10%, 43%, 28%, 11% and 8% for modified International Union Against
Cancer (mUICC) stages I, II, III, IV-A and IV-B, respectively. Initial treatment modalities
were transarterial therapy in 53%, surgical resection in 10%, local ablation in 7%, and liver
transplantation in 1%. The median survival was 1.4 years, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 56%, 35% and 27%, respectively. Age, gender, Child-Pugh class, etiology, tumor
stage at diagnosis, and treatment modality were factors independently related to survival.
Conclusions
About half of HCC patients are diagnosed at advanced stages in Korea. Curativeintent
treatments are rarely applied to patients. This data provides unbiased information
about the characteristics and outcome of HCC patients in Korea. (J Liver Cancer 2014;14:97-
107)
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Korea between 2012 and 2014: an Analysis of Data from the Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry
Young Eun Chon, Han Ah Lee, Jun Sik Yoon, Jun Yong Park, Bo Hyun Kim, In Joon Lee, Suk Kyun Hong, Dong Hyeon Lee, Hyun-Joo Kong, Eunyang Kim, Young-Joo Won, Jeong-Hoon Lee
Journal of Liver Cancer.2020; 20(2): 135. CrossRef - Subclassification of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B and C hepatocellular carcinoma: A cohort study of the multicenter registry database
Sangheun Lee, Beom Kyung Kim, Kijun Song, Jun Yong Park, Sang Hoon Ahn, Seung Up Kim, Kwang‐Hyub Han, Do Young Kim
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.2016; 31(4): 842. CrossRef