Mandatory multidisciplinary management of hepatocellular carcinoma: Need of the hour in a country with high prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection.

Authors

  • Muhammad Rizwan Khan Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Saleema Begum Department of Surgery, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.705

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth common cancer diagnosed and fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. The incidence of HCC is on rise due to increasing prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus Infection. Pakistan is ranked second in HCV burdened countries in the world. Management of HCC is complex as it develops on the background of liver cirrhosis; the risk of mortality is contributed both by tumor related factors and liver decompensation. A multidisciplinary tumor board (MDT) is an ideal approach to improve the outcomes of HCC since this ensures assimilation of input from a diverse group of care providers including hepatobiliary and transplant surgeons, gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, oncologists, and palliative care specialists. MDT provides tailored approach to individual cases in a timely fashion to avoid treatment delays and communication gaps to improve the overall outcomes.

Keywords:

Hepatocellular carcinoma, multidisciplinary approach, MDT

Published

2021-12-29

How to Cite

Muhammad Rizwan Khan, & Saleema Begum. (2021). Mandatory multidisciplinary management of hepatocellular carcinoma: Need of the hour in a country with high prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 71(5), 1455–1457. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.705

Issue

Section

NARRATIVE REVIEW

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