The increasing burden of hepatocellular carcinoma in Australia: A contemporary analysis of epidemiology, staging, novel imaging techniques and treatment selection

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an emerging global health priority. Several novel studies encompassing the fields of epidemiology, staging, imaging techniques and treatment selection make up this thesis. Major findings include demonstrating a steady increase in HCC in Australia over the last 3 decades, a clearer understanding of the utility of treatment recommendations from major staging algorithms, identifying a novel imaging technique for response assessment, and creating a score to predict who would respond to certain locoregional therapies. In summary, the findings of this thesis represent an important addition to our understanding of this emerging cancer.