Clinical Need and Research Investment for Liver Cancer in Australia

Aim: This study aims to better understand factors driving the rising burden and costs of primary liver cancer (PLC) in Australia, identify key epidemiological trends, and ascertain investment in PLC research, relative to its disease burden. 

Methods: Funding statistics of the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Medical Research Future Fund were adapted from published reports. Grant-related statistics are based on applications containing the relevant search terms for each cancer. Epidemiological data in Australia are based on cancer reports of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer mortality data are based on those reported by the National Mortality Database. 

Results: Compared to other common cancers, the incidence and mortality rates of PLC have increased in the past 10 years and are more evident among populations of lower socioeconomic status, Indigenous Australians, residents in remote areas, and culturally and linguistically diverse populations. In contrast to the downward trend in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in other common cancers, PLC shows a significant increase in DALYs between 2015 and 2022; 23.3% of total DALYs loss occurred in those aged 40–59 years. The health, social, and economic impacts are disproportionally reflected in research investment. 

Conclusion: In Australia, PLC is a significant health, social, and economic burden. Disparities between the burden of PLC and research investment reinforce the need for greater awareness and targeted investment. Collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders spanning policy, public health, implementation, and funded research are required to tackle the challenge.