Survival Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis: A 3-Month Outcome Assessment

Abstract

Objective: To assess survival trends among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients presenting with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) over a 3-month period. 
Methodology: This retrospective cohort analysis study was conducted at the inpatient department of Hepato-gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, from March 2019 to September 2019. Medical records of HCC patients diagnosed with PVTT between March and September 2019 were reviewed. Survival status was determined through follow-up visits, medical records, and contact with patients or their families. Patients were categorized into subgroups based on various clinical and pathological factors, including tumor stage, extent of PVTT, liver function, performance status, and treatment received. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to analyze survival trends, and log-rank tests were used to compare survival among different subgroups.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.4 ± 4.6 years, with a mean BMI of 24.1 ± 2.3 kg/m². Among the patients, 70.6% were male, and 29.4% were female. Survival status was noted in 14 patients (17.5%), while 66 patients (82.5%) did not survive among those positively diagnosed with portal vein tumor thrombosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Stratification by age group, body mass index, and gender revealed statistically insignificant differences concerning survival status (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The study underscores the stark reality of poor survival outcomes among patients diagnosed with portal vein tumor thrombosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. With only 17.5% of patients surviving, the overwhelming majority died due to this aggressive malignancy within the observed timeframe.