As of 28 October 2025, the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Council has completed the evidence appraisal on the assessment of Biannual Ultrasound (US) combined with Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) test as screening test for adults at high risk to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for possible government financing. The HTA Council hereby releases its preliminary recommendation on the said health technology for stakeholder feedback/comments from 30 October to 14 November 2025.
As a preliminary recommendation, the HTA Council positively recommends Biannual Ultrasound (US) combined with Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) test as screening test for adults at high risk to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for financing of DOH and/or PhilHealth.
Given the projected high budget impact of implementing screening using biannual US combined with AFP test among adults aged 40 years and above at high risk to develop HCC, the HTA Council further recommends for DOH and PhilHealth to explore ways to decrease the overall cost of implementing biannual US with AFP test.
In addition, it is important for the DOH to strengthen existing HCC prevention measures such as implementation of programs to mitigate risk factors for chronic liver diseases such as healthy lifestyle promotion, vaccination against Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening program.
Lastly, the Council emphasizes the need to address inequitable access to ultrasound and AFP testing facilities in the country in order to realize and maximize the benefits of this health technology.
For the supporting evidence reviewed and discussed by the HTA Council, please refer to the advisory and the evidence document below.
All comments, inputs, and/or appeals on the above preliminary recommendation may be submitted for the consideration by the HTA Council, through email at hta@dost.gov.ph. Please use the prescribed form for appeals indicated in the official HTA Philippines website [https://hta.dost.gov.ph/appeals-2/]. Appeals not following the prescribed format, and those submitted beyond the deadline shall not be entertained.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the preliminary recommendation, please contact us through the same email address.