Hepatocellular carcinoma in Micronesians, a growing Pacific Islander population in the U.S.

Aim: Micronesians are a rapidly growing population in Hawaii and the continental U.S. Hepatitis B is prevalent in Micronesia, but the consequences in those migrating to the U.S. are unclear. This study characterizes hepatocellular carcinoma in Micronesians with comparisons to other Pacific Islanders.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of 40 Micronesian and 142 Non-Micronesian Pacific hepatocellular carcinoma patients diagnosed in a large clinical practice in Hawaii from 1993-2017.

Results: All Micronesians were born outside of the U.S. Micronesians were younger at diagnosis (52.0 vs 60.2 years, had higher rates of hepatitis B (80% vs 31.2%), a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma (17.5% vs 4.4%) and more tumors <5 cm (64.1% vs 45.2%). Non Micronesian Pacific Islanders had higher rates of Hepatitis C (48.6% vs 22.5%) and hypertension (61.7% vs 32.4%). There was no difference in the proportions of screen-detected tumors, those meeting Milan criteria, tumor stage, or liver function. Micronesians had better 5-year survival rates (48% vs 16.7%).

Conclusion: Hepatocellular carcinoma in Micronesians is primarily Hepatitis B-related. Micronesians were equally likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma found with screening, undergo transplant and had better survival. Our study emphasizes the need for hepatitis B screening and hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in Micronesians.