Barriers to palliative care in hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of the literature

Palliative care in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from a survey among hepatologists and palliative care physicians

BACKGROUND

Delays and limitations of palliative care in patients with liver transplantation-ineligible end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system may be explained by different perceptions between hepatologists and palliative care physicians in the absence of shared guidelines.

AIM

To assess physicians' attitudes toward palliative care in end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and to understand what the obstacles are to more effective management and co-shared between palliative care physicians and hepatologists.

DESIGN

Members of the Italian Association for the Study of Liver Disease and the Italian Society of Palliative Care were invited to a web-based survey to investigate practical management attitude for patients with liver transplant-ineligible end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.

PARTICIPANTS

Physician members of the of the two associations, representing several hospitals and services in the country.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven hepatologists and 70 palliative care physicians completed the survey: >80% regularly follow 1-19 patients; 58% of hepatologists collaborate with palliative care physicians in the management of patients, 55% of palliative care physicians take care of patients without the aid of hepatologists. Management of cirrhosis differed significantly between the two groups in terms of prescription of albumin, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, anti-viral treatment, anticoagulation, indication to paracentesis and management of encephalopathy. Full-dose acetaminophen is widely used among hepatologists, while opioids are commonly used by both categories, at full dosage, regardless of liver function.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey highlights significant differences in the approach to patients with liver transplantation-ineligible end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, reinforcing the need for shared guidelines and further studies on palliative care in the setting.

Medicaid expansion and palliative care for advanced-stage liver cancer

BACKGROUND

Medicaid expansion (ME) has contributed to transforming the United States healthcare system. However, its effect on palliative care of primary liver cancers remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ME and the receipt of palliative treatment in advanced-stage liver cancer.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with stage IV hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were identified from the National Cancer Database and divided into pre-expansion (2010-2013) and postexpansion (2015-2019) cohorts. Logistic regression identified predictors of palliative treatment. Difference-in-difference (DID) analysis assessed changes in palliative care use between patients living in ME states and patients living in non-ME states.

RESULTS

Among 12,516 patients, 4582 (36.6%) were diagnosed before expansion, and 7934 (63.6%) were diagnosed after expansion. Overall, rates of palliative treatment increased after ME (18.1% [pre-expansion] vs 22.3% [postexpansion]; P < .001) and are more pronounced among ME states. Before expansion, only cancer type and education attainment were associated with the receipt of palliative treatment. Conversely, after expansion, race, insurance, location, cancer type, and ME status (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.44; P = .018) were all associated with palliative care. Interestingly, the odds were higher if treatment involved receipt of pain management (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.23-2.43; P = .006). Adjusted DID analysis confirmed increased rates of palliative treatment among patients living in ME states relative to non-ME states (DID, 4.4%; 95% CI, 1.2-7.7; P = .008); however, racial disparities persist (White, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.4-9.8; P = .009; minority, 2.6; 95% CI, -2.5 to 7.6; P = .333).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of ME contributed to increased rates of palliative treatment for patients residing in ME states after expansion. However, racial disparities persist even after ME, resulting in inequitable access to palliative care.

Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 2024: The Multidisciplinary Paradigm in an Evolving Treatment Landscape

Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) makes up the majority of liver cancer cases. Despite the stabilization of incidence rates in recent years due to effective viral hepatitis treatments, as well as improved outcomes from early detection and treatment advances, the burden of HCC is anticipated to rise again due to increasing rates of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease. The treatment landscape is evolving and requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving multi-modal treatments that include surgical resection, transplantation, local regional therapies, and systemic treatments. The optimal approach to the care of the HCC patient requires a multidisciplinary team involving hepatology, medical oncology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, radiation oncology, and surgery. In order to determine which approach is best, an individualized treatment plan should consider the patient's liver function, functional status, comorbidities, cancer stage, and preferences. In this review, we provide an overview of the current treatment options and key trials that have revolutionized the management of HCC. We also discuss evolving treatment paradigms for the future.

Clinician Perspectives on Palliative Care for People with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Facilitators of and Barriers to Referral

(1) Background: Little is known about facilitators of and barriers to palliative care referral for people with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study is to identify facilitators and barriers of palliative care referral described by HCC-treating clinicians. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were conducted with HCC-treating clinicians at two centers, focusing on referral patterns, palliative care needs, and disease course. A code book was created, axial coding was used to code all interviews, and selective coding was used to identify facilitators and barriers of palliative care referral. (3) Results: Facilitators included helpfulness at times of transition; help with management of certain symptoms; provision of psychosocial support; and positive experiences with referral. Barriers included feasibility concerns; lack of information about palliative care and who is appropriate; lack of symptoms requiring outside referral; and concerns that palliative care conveys loss of hope. (4) Conclusions: Participants noted the helpfulness of palliative care at specific points in the disease trajectory and cited barriers related to feasibility, lack of need, lack of awareness, and loss of hope. The results show actionable issues that can be addressed in future research to leverage the benefits of and overcome the barriers to palliative care for people with HCC.