Fujifilm Thailand Drives Liver Cancer Screening Initiative at Regional Hospitals, Piloting in Nong Khai Province

Liver cancer accounts for over 14.4% of all cancers in Thailand, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with nearly 30,000 new cases annually and continuously rising incidence, particularly in the Northeast region where rates are highest. Liver cancer comprises two types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with major causes including hepatitis B and C virus infections, alcohol consumption, and fatty liver disease resulting from unhealthy dietary habits and lack of physical activity; and cholangiocarcinoma, often linked to consuming raw freshwater fish, which poses risks of liver fluke infection. Liver cancer is considered a silent threat to society, as it typically presents no symptoms in early stages. Most patients seek medical attention only after the disease has progressed, significantly reducing treatment success rates. Early detection of liver cancer is therefore critical to treatment outcomes, as patients diagnosed in early stages can access effective treatments such as surgery, ablation, or liver transplantation, often with successful recoveries.

Prof. Dr. Wattana Sukeepaisarnjaroen, Gastrointestinal unit, Department of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital,Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University and President of Thailand Hepatitis Alliance, said, “Current research on new biomarkers enhances liver cancer screening efficacy. Using three blood-based HCC biomarkers with GALAD Score alongside ultrasound enables accurate early-stage screening compared to the traditional methods such as single-biomarker approach. We urge government agencies to promote nationwide screening and support adoption of advanced biomarker technologies to increase access to effective screening services throughout the country.”

In this screening initiative, the Thailand Hepatitis Alliance has joined as a partner. The organization's mission focuses on education, prevention, and reducing hepatitis incidence in Northeast Thailand. Through collaboration with healthcare institutions, the Alliance works to raise awareness about viral hepatitis risks and promote screening among high-risk populations, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of liver disease in the region.

Dr. Jamrus Pongpit, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Nong Khai Hospital, added, “The Northeast has the highest hepatocellular carcinoma incidence, increasing annually. Most cases present at late stages, challenging treatment success. High-risk groups requiring screening include hepatitis B and C carriers, cirrhosis patients, alcohol drinkers, and those with fatty liver disease. The most effective measures to reduce patient numbers and mortality rates involve risk reduction and increased screening campaigns for hepatitis viruses to facilitate treatment access. Current research demonstrates that using three blood-based HCC biomarkers—AFP, AFP-L3, and PIVKA-II—with GALAD Score calculation can enable more accurate early-stage diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.”

Highlights of the technology deployed in this screening initiative at Nong Khai Hospital include the HCC three-marker panel: AFP, PIVKA-II, and AFP-L3. AFP-L3, a blood-based liver cancer biomarker developed in Japan, enables detection of HCC that may not be detected by ultrasound in the early stages of tumor development, supporting rapid treatment. This technology has contributed to Japan achieving a higher detection rate of early-stage HCC (over 66%*). Beyond Japan-made AFP-L3, Fujifilm also employs the 'μTASWako i30', a fully automated immunoanalyzer specifically tailored for HCC diagnosis. This contributes to reducing preventable deaths by enhancing early-stage HCC detection.