BACKGROUND:There are no consensus guidelines for staging laparoscopy (SL) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and existing data largely reflect insured referral populations. Routine SL has not been studied in underserved patient populations who face disparities in cancer diagnosis and treatment. We evaluated the utility of SL for potentially operable PDAC at an urban safety-net hospital and assessed its association with survival. METHODS:A single-institution retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing SL for potentially resectable PDAC (May 2011-May 2025). The primary outcome was detection of occult metastasis. Associated factors were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods and log-rank tests. RESULTS:Fifty-two patients underwent SL and 18 (35%) received curative-intent surgery. Median age was 58 years, 87% were non-White, 40% non-English-speaking, and 89% presented emergently. SL identified occult metastatic disease in 12 patients (23.1%), including five (41.7%) identified by cytology alone. No clinicopathologic factors were associated with occult metastasis. Median overall survival was 9.5 months with occult metastasis versus 35.7 months without (p < 0.001), and 102.5 months after curative-intent surgery versus 17.8 months without resection (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Routine SL frequently upstaged patients, often by cytology alone, thereby avoiding non-therapeutic laparotomy and supporting consideration of its more routine use in underserved PDAC populations.

BACKGROUND:With the advent of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, there has been a trend toward restricted fluid management for pancreatic surgery. We hypothesized that restricted fluid administration would be associated with reduced postoperative complications and shorter hospital length of stay for patients treated with pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS:This study used a retrospective study design evaluating patients treated with a PD at a large, single institution from 2004 to 2024. Patients were stratified by total intraoperative fluid administration (colloid and crystalloid): <500 mL/h (low fluid group) or ≥500 mL/h (high fluid group). Notably, 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matching was performed, matching on receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathologic diagnosis, estimated blood loss (EBL), and technical aspects (minimally invasive and/or pylorus preservation). RESULTS:Of 933 patients undergoing PD, 542 received <500 mL/h of intraoperative fluids (low fluids) and 391 received ≥500 mL/h (high fluids). High fluid administration was associated with more complex procedures, including increased vascular resections (8.7% vs 5.2%; P =.045) and higher EBL (200 [75-475] mL vs 75 [25-165] mL; P <.001). Among patients with cancer, the high fluid group more often had positive margins (14.0% vs 9.6%; P =.03). After propensity score matching, overall complication rates were not significantly different, but the high fluid group experienced slower return of bowel function (liquids, 3 [1-4] vs 2 [1-3]; P <.001; solids, 5 [3-6] vs 4 [2-5]; P =.002). CONCLUSION:High fluid administration (≥500 mL/h) during PD was associated with delayed return of bowel function without an increase in complication risk. This finding might support the restricted delivery of fluids in PD.

Abstract Introduction: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, increases the risk of benign and malignant pancreatic diseases. One mainstay of treatment for certain pancreatic conditions involves surgical resection with pancreaticoduodenectomy, a technically complex operation with high complication risk. In this analysis, we hypothesized that obesity and morbid obesity would adversely impact perioperative outcomes for the pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure. Methods: Retrospective study design using a large, single institution surgical database (2004-2024; n = 948) that was queried for non-underweight, non-metastatic pancreatic diseases treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Patients were categorized as non- obese (BMI < 30), obese (BMI >/= 30), or morbid obesity (BMI >/= 40) based on pre-operative BMI. Odds Ratio (OR) of having a post-operative complication was the primary outcome. Results: In this study, 948 patients were included for analysis. Compared to non- obese (n=675) patients, obesity (n=273) was associated with increased frequency of biliary fistula (2.6% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.036), urinary retention (9.9% and 5.8%, p = 0.013), longer mean operating time (451.5 vs. 425.9 minutes, p = 0.0009), higher intraoperative blood loss (150 mL vs 100 mL, p = 0.007), and smaller pancreatic duct diameter (3.4 vs 4.9 mm, p = 0.0008). On sub-analysis, compared to non-obese patients, morbid obesity (n=75) was associated with increased frequency of wound seroma (5.3% vs.1.6%, p=0.018), higher 90-day mortality (5.3% vs. 1.6%, p=0.016), longer mean operating time (482.6 vs. 429.0 minutes, p<0.0001), higher intraoperative blood loss (150 vs. 120 mL, p=0.032), smaller pancreatic duct diameter (3.3 vs. 3.8 mm, p=0.041), greater intraoperative fluids administration (4306. vs. 3673.9 mL, p = 0.009), and longer hospital length of stay (9.1 vs. 7.1 days, p = 0.014). Although obese and morbidly obese patients experienced longer and more challenging operations, the overall risk of experiencing any postoperative complication was not significantly different compared to non- obese patients on adjusted analysis. Conclusions: Obesity and morbid obesity are associated with longer and more technically challenging pancreatic operations. However, contrary to our hypothesis, this increase in surgical complexity was not associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative complicationson adjusted analysis. Citation Format: Hannah M Engebretson, Kyle W Blackburn, Centura R Anbarasu, Cary M Hsu, Eric J Silberfein, Samir S Awad, Eugene A Choi, Christy Y Chai, Ramsey E Camp, George M Van Buren, William E Fisher, Derek J Erstad. Impact of obesity on Pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure perioperative outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B003.

Background and Objectives: Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with improved survival. However, a greater proportion of patients treated at safety net hospitals (SNHs) present with late-stage disease compared to those at academic medical centers (AMCs). This study aims to identify barriers to diagnosis of HCC, highlighting differences between SNHs and AMCs. Methods: The US Safety Net Collaborative-HCC database was queried. Patients were stratified by facility of diagnosis (SNH or AMC). Patient demographics and HCC screening rates were examined. The primary outcome was stage at diagnosis (AJCC I/II-"early"; AJCC III/IV-"late"). Results: 1290 patients were included; 50.2% diagnosed at SNHs and 49.8% at AMCs. At SNHs, 44.4% of patients were diagnosed late, compared to 27.6% at AMCs. On multivariable regression, Black race was associated with late diagnosis in both facilities (SNH: odds ratio 1.96, p = 0.03; AMC: 2.27, <0.01). Screening was associated with decreased odds of late diagnosis (SNH: 0.46, p = 0.04; AMC: 0.37, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Black race was associated with late diagnosis of HCC, while screening was associated with early diagnosis across institutional types. These results suggest socially constructed racial bias in screening and diagnosis of HCC. Screening efforts targeting SNH patients and Black patients at all facilities are essential to reduce disparities.

Purpose/Objective(s) This project aims to ensure compliance with Commission on Cancer (CoC) Standard 7.1 by focusing on timely delivery of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) radiation treatment (BCSRT) for patients under 70, acknowledging the impact of delays on patient outcomes. Materials/Methods Utilizing the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) model, a systematic approach was employed to address delays in initiating radiation therapy (RT) post-breast cancer diagnosis in patients undergoing BCS. Delays were identified through regular BCSRT reports, indicating a significant dead time of almost three weeks after surgery until radiation referrals.1. Modification of health care software radiation referral forms for efficient triage.2. Adjustment of the interdisciplinary referral workflow to initiate radiation oncology referrals at or before surgery.3. Establishment of points of contact from medical, radiation, and surgical oncology disciplines for streamlined communication.4. Integration of internal and external checks to enhance workflow from surgery to radiation, including modifications to the Quality Checklist (QCL) in Moasiq for improved chemotherapy sequencing coordination.BCSRT rate ensuring the time from breast cancer diagnosis to RT initiation is <365 days in ≥90% of BCSRT patients at the end of one year. Process measure: Percentage of referrals made to radiation oncology before surgery (PreSRef), tracking trends in pre-intervention referrals compared to post-intervention. Results Pre-intervention, the median BCSRT rate was 78.24%. Following the first PDSA cycle, PreSRef increased from 20% to 32%. After the second cycle, it improved to 34.4%. Subsequent to the third PDSA cycle, the outcome measure surpassed the goal, achieving a new median BCSRT rate of 100% and BCSRT Mean = 93.08% Limitations: Notably, a lack of communication with rotating clinical medical oncology fellows was identified during the first PDSA cycle, prompting the initiation of biweekly email alerts for early referrals as an additional intervention. Limitations encountered during subsequent cycles included cases where patients proceeded directly to surgery, necessitating surgeons to initiate radiation referrals for these individuals. Conclusion Enhanced referral processes and interdisciplinary collaboration significantly improved BCSRT rates, surpassing goals. Establishing early radiation oncology referrals as a permanent workflow is crucial for our institution. Future plans involve medical oncologists initiating referrals for neoadjuvant therapy, and surgeons for those proceeding directly to surgery. Triple-negative patients with longer chemotherapy durations face additional delays. Institution-specific prediction models will identify at-risk patients based on clinical and social characteristics.

BACKGROUND Pancreatobiliary (PB) disorders, especially cancer, negatively impact patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the influence of baseline, pre-intervention HRQoL on peri-operative and oncologic outcomes has not been well-defined. We hypothesized that low baseline HRQoL is associated with worse peri-operative and long-term survival outcomes for PB surgical patients. STUDY DESIGN Pre-treatment FACT-Hep survey results and clinical data from PB patients (2008-2016) from a single center's prospective database were analyzed. Survey responses were aggregated into composite scores and divided into quintiles. Patients in the highest quintile of HRQoL were compared to patients in the bottom four quintiles combined. Overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Logistic and cox regressions were used to determine associations between quintiles of HRQoL scores and 30-day complications and long-term survival, respectively. RESULTS Of 162 patients evaluated, 99 had malignancy, and 63 had benign disease. Median follow-up was 31 months. Baseline HRQoL scores were similar for benign and malignant disease (p=0.42) and were not associated with the development of any (p=0.08) or major complications (p=0.64). Patients with highest quintile HRQoL scores had longer 3-year OS (84.6 vs 61.7%, p = 0.03) compared to patients in the lowest four quintiles of HRQoL. Among cancer patients only, those with highest quintile scores had longer 3-year OS (81.6 vs 47.4%, p = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, highest quintile HRQoL scores were associated with longer OS and DFS for patients with malignancy. CONCLUSIONS Pre-treatment HRQoL was associated with both OS and DFS among PB patients and might have prognostic utility. Future studies are necessary to determine whether patients with poorer HRQoL may benefit from targeted psycho-social interventions.

BACKGROUND:Malignant small bowel obstruction has a poor prognosis and is associated with multiple related symptoms. The optimal treatment approach is often unclear. We aimed to compare surgical versus non-surgical management with the aim to determine the optimal approach for managing malignant bowel obstruction. METHODS:S1316 was a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial done within the National Cancer Trials Network at 30 hospital and cancer research centres in the USA, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. Participants had an intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal primary cancer confirmed via pathological report and malignant bowel disease; were aged 18 years or older with a Zubrod performance status 0-2 within 1 week before admission; had a surgical indication; and treatment equipoise. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to surgical or non-surgical treatment using a dynamic balancing algorithm, balancing on primary tumour type. Patients who declined consent for random assignment were offered a prospective observational patient choice pathway. The primary outcome was the number of days alive and out of the hospital (good days) at 91 days. Analyses were based on intention-to-treat linear, logistic, and Cox regression models combining data from both pathways and adjusting for potential confounders. Treatment complications were assessed in all analysed patients in the study. This completed study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02270450. FINDINGS:From May 11, 2015, to April 27, 2020, 221 patients were enrolled (143 [65%] were female and 78 [35%] were male). There were 199 evaluable participants: 49 in the randomised pathway (24 surgery and 25 non-surgery) and 150 in the patient choice pathway (58 surgery and 92 non-surgery). No difference was seen between surgery and non-surgery for the primary outcome of good days: mean 42·6 days (SD 32·2) in the randomised surgery group, 43·9 days (29·5) in the randomised non-surgery group, 54·8 days (27·0) in the patient choice surgery group, and 52·7 days (30·7) in the patient choice non-surgery group (adjusted mean difference 2·9 additional good days in surgical versus non-surgical treatment [95% CI -5·5 to 11·3]; p=0·50). During their initial hospital stay, six participants died, five due to cancer progression (four patients from the randomised pathway, two in each treatment group, and one from the patient choice pathway, in the surgery group) and one due to malignant bowel obstruction treatment complications (patient choice pathway, non-surgery). The most common grade 3-4 malignant bowel obstruction treatment complication was anaemia (three [6%] patients in the randomised pathway, all in the surgical group, and five [3%] patients in the patient choice pathway, four in the surgical group and one in the non-surgical group). INTERPRETATION:In our study, whether patients received a surgical or non-surgical treatment approach did not influence good days during the first 91 days after registration. These findings should inform treatment decisions for patients hospitalised with malignant bowel obstruction. FUNDING:Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Cancer Institute. TRANSLATION:For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Background/Purpose: Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-based techniques like Magseed and Magtrace offer alternatives for breast lesion and sentinel lymph node (SNL) localization. Magseeds placed under ultrasound guidance offer logistical and safety advantages compared to traditional wire-localization or radioactive seed placement. Further, Magtrace injection is a viable SNL-localization alternative that overcomes radiation safety, skin necrosis, and allergic reactions associated with traditional 99mTc colloid and Methylene blue/Isosulfan blue dyes. To evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in surgical practice, we report the implementation of Magseed and Magtrace at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from the 128 female patients undergoing Magseed/Magtrace procedures from October 2019 to December 2020. Demographics and clinical characteristics were summarized, and surgical outcomes analyzed including margin status, re-excision rates, post-operative breast and axilla complications, successful localization and detection rates. Results: Patients presented with varied diagnoses including 98 (77%) with invasive carcinoma, 21 (16%) with DCIS, and 9 (7%) with fibroadenoma, papillary, or other lesions. 50 patients (39%) underwent neoadjuvant therapy. Mean BMI at surgery was 27.33 kg/m2 (range, 17.80-48.65) and mean age was 57.26 years (range, 27-86). Breast density varied, 5 (4%) categorized as almost entirely fatty, 69 (54%) as heterogeneously dense, 12 (9%) as extremely dense, and 39 (30%) with fibroglandular density. For breast size there were 2 (2%) A cups, 13 (10%) B cups, 16 (13%) C cups, 10 (8%) D cups, 8 (6%) DD cups, 2 (2%) DDD cups, 1 (.8%) F cup, and 12 (9%) with in between breast size (A-DDD). 108 patients (84%) had on-table Magtrace injection and 52 (41%) had Magseed localization. 18 (14%) patients had Methylene blue/Isosulfan blue dye or Technetium-99 used with Magseed and/or Magtrace. There was a 100% (52/52) success rate of lesion localization using Magseed and a 94% (101/108) success rate of SLN detection using Magtrace. Magtrace brown skin staining occurred in 12/108 patients (11%). Breast complications occurred in 43 patients (34%), with bruising/hematoma in 30/43 (70%), seroma in 7/43 (16%), and infection in 4/43 (9%). Axilla complications occurred in 11 patients (9%): 5/11 (45%) had bruising/hematoma, 6/11 (55%) had seroma, and 1/11 (9%) had infection. Positive margins were seen in 11 (9%) patients with re-excision performed in 8 women (6%). Conclusions: Magseed and Magtrace are comparable to standard practices in terms of practicality, surgical implementation, and risk of surgical complications and re-excision, providing a rationale for the adoption of SPIO-based techniques. By putting these surgical techniques into practice and evaluating their success in excising a wide range of lesions and monitoring complications, there is possibility of introducing new, innovative techniques into a standardized clinical setting within surgical oncology. Magseed/Magtrace Procedures at BSLMCRaw NumberPercentageTechniquesMagtrace Only6047%Magseed Only1915%Magtrace + Magseed3124%Isotope1713%Blue Dye11%Skin Staining Post-Op.1211%Breast Complication4334%Wound Complication921%Infection49%Bruising/Hematoma3070%Seroma716%Patients with >1 complication49%Axilla Complication119%Wound Complication00%Infection19%Bruising/Hematoma545%Seroma655%Patients with >1 complication19%Re-excision Rate86%Histological TypesER+, HER2-7055%ER+10078%HER2+2016%TNB1310% Citation Format: Jessica Montalvan, Logan Healy, Huma Javaid, Ivan Marin, Brian Menegaz, Cary Hsu, Eric Silberfein, Elizabeth Bonefas, Stacey Carter, Alastair Thompson. Magseed/magtrace-guided surgery in breast cancer- an institutional perspective [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-20-06.

Background: We initiated a prospective screening trial in patients with hepatitis to diagnose HCC in the early stage and to evaluate the impact on long-term survival. Methods: From 1993–2006, 10,372 patients with chronic hepatitis B (14%), hepatitis C (81%), or both (5%) were enrolled in an HCC screening program. All patients underwent liver biopsy at enrollment. Transabdominal ultrasonography and serum alpha-fetoprotein were evaluated every 6 months. Abnormal screening results led to axial imaging and tumor biopsy. Results: Cirrhosis was confirmed on biopsy in 2074 patients (20%). HCC was diagnosed in 1016 patients (9.8%), all of whom had cirrhosis (49.0% HCC incidence in patients with cirrhosis). HCC was diagnosed at the initial screening in 165 patients (16.2%) and on follow-up in 851 patients (83.8%). The HCC diagnosis median time during follow-up screening was 6 years (range 4–10). Curative-intent treatment (resection, ablation, or transplant) was performed in 713 patients (70.2%). Overall survival at 5 and 10 years in those 713 patients was 30% and 4%, respectively, compared to no 5-year survivors in the 303 patients with advanced-stage disease (p < 0.001). Cause of death at 5 years in the 713 patients treated with curative intent was HCC in 371 patients (52%), progressive cirrhosis in 116 patients (16%), and other causes in 14 patients (2%). At 10 years, 456 patients (64%) had died from HCC, 171 (24%) from progressive cirrhosis, and 57 (8%) from other causes. Conclusions: Our screening program diagnosed early-stage HCC, permitting curative-intent treatment in 70%, but the 10-year survival rate is 4% due to HCC recurrence and progressive cirrhosis.

Background: Return to Intended Oncologic Treatment (RIOT) has been proposed as a quality metric in the care of cancer patients. We sought to define factors associated with inability to RIOT in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Methods: The NCDB was queried for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pathologic stage IB, IIA, or IIB PDAC from 2010 to 2016. Multivariable binary logistic regression models identified factors associated with failure to RIOT, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox multivariable regression models demonstrated the impact of failure to RIOT on survival. Results: Increasing age (p < .001), Hispanic race (p = .002), pathological stage IB (p = .004) and IIA = .001) as compared to IIB, increasing hospital stay (p < .001), and open surgical approach (p = .024) were associated with increased risk of inability to RIOT. Male sex (p < .001), Charlson-Deyo scores of 0 < .001) and 1 (p = .001) as compared to >2, negative surgical margins (p = .048), receiving care at academic institutions (p = .001), and increasing institutional case volume (p = .001) were associated with improved odds of RIOT. Conclusions: Patient features can impact RIOT and should be considered when designing multi-modality treatment strategies.

Background: Ensuring negative margins at the time of breast conserving surgery for invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ is necessary to minimize the chance of local recurrence and avoid re-excisions that cause patient concern and may delay adjuvant therapy. However, about 25% of women who have lumpectomy have a second surgery to remove residual disease, suggesting an ongoing need for improved methods of intraoperative margin assessment. This study aimed to perform a contemporary review of methods of intraoperative margin assessment during breast conservation surgery. Methods: A review of the scientific literature from 2009 to 2021 comprising 62 manuscripts of the current and proposed. intraoperative techniques for breast margin assessment during breast conservation surgery was conducted via PubMed and Google Scholar. The methods assessed were grouped into 10 categories based on the technology employed: bioimpedance/radiofrequency, high-resolution imaging, optical imaging, mass spectrometry, magnetic-resonance imaging, 2D/3D specimen CT, X-ray, multimodal optical microscopy, pharmacologic and pathological margin assessment. All technologies were reviewed for overall effectiveness in lowering re-excision rates derived from their respective advantages, limitations, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: Overall, 8 current and 7 technologies under development were assessed (Table 1). Frozen section and cytology yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy; however, these can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and have limited sampling points. Conversely, 2D specimen CT provides rapid results but is limited by relatively low sensitivity. Future technologies such as optical coherence tomography showed promising results in demonstrating higher diagnostic accuracy for lumpectomy and margin shaves, but remain to be proven in clinical practice. Conclusion: Intraoperative margin assessments can lower final positive margins and subsequent re-excisions rates. A number of current and upcoming technologies that assess margin status range in their respective efficacies and limitations. There remains demand for improved margin assessment at the time of breast conserving surgery, but which technologies will become standard of care remains, at present, unclear. Table 1.Methods of intraoperative margin assessmentMethod:Brand:Sensitivity:Specificity:Source:Bioimpedence• ClearEdge™87.3%75.6%Dixon et al. 2016• MarginProbe75.2%70-87%Schanabel et al., 2014Cytology:• Imprint72%97%Esbona & Zhanhai 2012; Qui et al., 2018Frozen Section–83%95%Schmidt et al, 2020; Schwarz & Schmidt, 2020Mass Spectrometry• iKnife93.4-94.7%94.7-96.2%St. John et al., 2017• MasSpec Pen83-95%95-100%Garza et al., 2020Multimodal optical microscopy• fluorescence imaging combination withRCM/OCT subsystemTBDTBDScimone et al., 2021MRI• ClearSight™93%92%Moshe et al., 2016Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)• OTIS™96%92%Mojahed et al., 2020; Schmidt et al. 2020Pharmacology• Bevacizumab98%79%Koch et al., 2017• Lumicell2-3D specimen CT• Mozart®93%78%Black et al., [poster]• Faxitron78.6-85.6%100%Emmadi & Wiley 2012; Bathla et al. 2011• MicroCT56%100%Qiu et al. 2018X-ray• XPCI83%83%Massimi et al. 2021 Citation Format: Huma Javaid, Ivan Marin, Jessica Montalvan, Logan Healy, Brian Menegaz, Cary Hsu, Eric Silberfein, Elizabeth Bonefas, Stacey A. Carter, Alastair M. Thompson. Current options and future perspectives for breast margin assessment in clinical practice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-18-10.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most commonly caused by hepatitis C(HCV)-induced cirrhosis in the United States. Among patients with HCV-associated HCC, HCV treatment is associated with improved survival. Patients with mental health disorders face disparate access to HCV treatment. We sought to evaluate whether mental health impacted HCV treatment at academic and safety net hospitals (SNH) using the US Safety Net Collaborative (USSNC) database. Methods: The USSNC-HCC database was queried for patients with HCV-associated HCC. Patients were stratified by treatment facility and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify socioeconomic and patient factors associated with receipt of HCV treatment. Results: Inclusion criteria was met by 757 patients, 97(12.8%) of whom had a diagnosis of mental health disorder. HCV treatment was associated with improved survival (HR=0.163,p=0.012). Treatment facility was academic among 437(57.7%) patients and SNH for 290(38.3%). At academic centers, 84.5% of patients had a primary care provider (PCP) while 55.5% did at SNH. On multivariable logistic regression, SNH patients with mental health diagnosis were less likely to receive HCV treatment (OR=0.27,p=0.041); those with a PCP were more likely to be treated (OR=3.718,p=0.003) (Table 1). These associations were not reproduced in the academic center cohort. Conclusions: Among patients with HCV-associated HCC, mental health disorders and lack of PCP were associated with decreased HCV treatment rates exclusively in the SNH-treated population. These disparities underscore the significant barriers to care in this vulnerable population. Given the survival benefit associated with HCV treatment, outcomes may be improved by expanding access to PCP for mental health patients.

Surgical resection is indicated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Child A cirrhosis. We hypothesize that surgical intervention and survival are limited by advanced HCC presentation at safety net hospitals (SNHs) versus academic medical centers (AMCs).

Background: Access to health insurance and curative interventions [surgery/liver-directed-therapy (LDT)] affects survival for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this multi-institutional study of high-volume safety-net hospitals (SNHs) and their tertiary-academic-centers (AC) was to identify the impact of type/lack of insurance on survival disparities across hospitals, particularly SNHs whose mission is to minimize insurance related access-to-care barriers for vulnerable populations. Methods: Early-stage HCC patients (2012-2014) from the US Safety-Net Collaborative were propensity-score matched by treatment at SNH/AC. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazard analysis was performed accounting for sociodemographic/clinical parameters. Results: Among 925 patients, those with no insurance (NI) had decreased curative surgery, compared to those with government insurance (GI) and private insurance [PI, (PI-SNH:60.5% vs. GI-SNH:33.1% vs. NI-SNH:13.6%, p < 0.001)], and decreased median OS (PI-SNH:32.1 vs. GI-SNH:22.8 vs. NI-SNH:9.4 months, p = 0.002). On multivariable regression controlling for sociodemographic/clinical parameters, NISNH (HR:2.5, 95% CI:1.3-4.9, p = 0.007) was the only insurance type/hospital system combination with significantly worse OS. Conclusion: NI-SNH patients received less curative treatment than other insurance/hospitals types suggesting that treatment barriers, beyond access-to-care, need to be identified and addressed to achieve survival equity in early-stage HCC for vulnerable populations (NI-SNH).

While hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ideally diagnosed outpatient by screening at-risk patients, many are diagnosed in Emergency Departments (ED) due to undiagnosed liver disease and/or limited access-to-healthcare. This study aims to identify sociodemographic/clinical factors associated with being diagnosed with HCC in the ED to identify patients who may benefit from improved access-to-care. HCC patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2014 in the ED or an outpatient setting [Primary Care Physician (PCP) or hepatologist] were identified from the US Safety-Net Collaborative database and underwent retrospective chart-review. Multivariable regression identified predictors for an ED diagnosis. Among 1620 patients, median age was 60, 68% were diagnosed outpatient, and 32% were diagnosed in the ED. ED patients were more likely male, Black/Hispanic, uninsured, and presented with more decompensated liver disease, aggressive features, and advanced clinical stage. On multivariable regression, controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, poverty, insurance, and PCP/navigator access, predictors for ED diagnosis were male (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–2.2, p = 0.010), black (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3, p = 0.002), Hispanic (OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6, p = 0.029), > 25% below poverty line (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.9, p = 0.019), uninsured (OR 3.9, 95% CI: 2.4–6.1, p < 0.001), and lack of PCP (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–3.6, p < 0.001) or navigator (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3–2.5, p = 0.001). The sociodemographic/clinical profile of patients diagnosed with HCC in EDs differs significantly from those diagnosed outpatient. ED patients were more likely racial/ethnic minorities, uninsured, and had limited access to healthcare. This study highlights the importance of improved access-to-care in already vulnerable populations.

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has historically been the most common cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. With improved HCV treatment, cirrhosis secondary to other etiologies is increasing. Given this changing epidemiology, our aim was to determine the impact of cirrhosis etiology on overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC. Methods All patients with cirrhosis and primary HCC from the US Safety Net Collaborative (2012-2014) database were included. Patients were grouped into “safety net” and “academic” based on where they received their care. The primary outcome was the OS. Results 1479 patients were included. The average age was 60 years and 78% (n = 1156) were male. 56% (n = 649) received care at academic and 44% (n = 649) at safety net hospitals. The median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was 10 (IQR 8-16). Median OS was 23 months. Etiology of cirrhosis was viral hepatitis 56% (n = 612), alcohol abuse 14% (n = 152), alcohol and hepatitis 23% (n = 251), and other 7% (n = 85). Patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis (alcohol alone or with hepatitis) were younger (59 vs 62 years), more likely to be male (86% vs 75%), treated at a safety net facility (45% vs 35%), uninsured (17% vs 13%), and had a higher MELD (median 12 vs 10) (all P < .003). They were less likely to have been screened for HCC within 1 year of diagnosis (20% vs 29%) and to receive treatment (69% vs 81%), and more likely to present with stage IV disease (21% vs 15%) (all P < .001). Patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis had decreased OS (5-year OS 24% vs 40%, P < .001), which persisted in a subset analysis of both academic and safety net populations. Conclusion Although not significant on MVA, alcohol-related cirrhosis is associated with all factors that correlate with decreased survival from HCC. Efforts must focus on this vulnerable patient population to optimize screening, treatment, and outcomes.