Biannual Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Ultrasound and Alpha-Fetoprotein to Reduce Mortality in Patients With Compensated Non-Viral Cirrhosis in the Central Denmark Region

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether repeated screening every six months for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, can reduce deaths related to HCC by detecting the cancer earlier. This study focuses on patients with compensated non-viral cirrhosis living in the Central Denmark Region. It compares HCC-related deaths in this region, where screening is offered, to other Danish regions where it is not. The screening involves two tests: an ultrasound of the liver and a blood test measuring alpha-fetoprotein. Patients who test positive on either test will be offered the usual follow-up for HCC, typically starting with a CT scan. The study offers three screening rounds at baseline, six months, and twelve months. There is no individual randomization; instead, outcomes in the screened group will be compared with those in unscreened populations in other regions. Participants will be monitored through registry data for up to 30 months to assess HCC-related mortality, HCC incidence, and overall mortality. Researchers will also track the use of diagnostic tests and conduct sensitivity analyses on HCC-related deaths. The total participant involvement includes three screenings over one year and follow-up via health records until the study ends or death occurs.

Biannual Screening for HCC Offered to Patients With Cirrhosis. Introducing Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in the Central Denmark Region Using Ultrasound and Alpha-Fetoprotein to Reduce HCC-Related Mortality in Patients With Compensated Non-Viral Cirrhosis