Prognostic analysis of sex and age in hepatocellular carcinoma: a SEER study

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to explore the impact of sex on clinical features and survival among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods HCC case data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for the period 2010 to 2015 were selected for analysis. Kaplan–Meier curves displayed overall survival. Univariate cox regression examined the prognostic characteristics of individual features, and multivariate Cox regression assessed hazard ratios. Results This study comprised 3486 HCC patients, with 2682 males and 804 females. Across all age groups, there was a higher prevalence of males compared to females. Survival curves among female patients showed no significant differences across various age groups. However, among male patients, those under 60 demonstrated notably higher survival rates compared to those aged 60 and above. Regarding various ethnicities, TNM staging systems, tumor sizes, the presence of lung/bone/brain metastases, location in Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Areas, SEER historic stages, tumor grades, and individuals receiving chemotherapy, the proportion of male patients consistently exceeded that of female patients. Within the female patient group, individuals receiving chemotherapy exhibited significantly higher survival rates compared to those who did not. However, the administration of chemotherapy showed no significant impact on the survival rate of male patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed age, gender, and the administration of chemotherapy key factors influencing the overall survival prognosis. Conclusion Age, gender, and the administration of chemotherapy are influential factors in the prognosis of both male and female HCC patients.