Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

Spotlight on Evidence Synthesis Program

Screening for HCC in At Risk Adults: a Report from the Minneapolis VA Evidence Synthesis Program Center


by George Ioannou, MD, MS ; Adrienne Landsteiner, PhD ; Timothy Wilt, MD, MPH
Seminar date: 5/23/2024

Description: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with Veterans at greater HCC risk compared with the general population. The goal of screening programs is to reduce all-cause and disease specific morbidity and mortality with acceptable harms, burden, and costs. Despite a growing literature base, increasing interest, and specialty society recommendations, uncertainty remains about the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of HCC screening in at-risk adults. Based on a topic nomination from the National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program (NGHP) the Minneapolis VA Evidence Synthesis Program Center conducted a systematic review of the literature about imaging-based screening strategies including ultrasound, MRI, and CT scanning (with or without alpha fetal protein testing) to inform VA practice and policy. We found that the evidence was very uncertain regarding imaging-based screening effectiveness, harms, and comparative effects. The Cyberseminar will summarize and encourage dialog about the ESP process as well as the current topic, key clinical questions, findings, and implications for practice, policy, and research.

View archived session video:



DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript not yet available


Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.