Jeong SC, Aikata H, Katamura Y, Azakami T, Kawaoka T, Saneto H, Uka K, Mori N, Takaki S, Kodama H, Waki K, Imamura M, Shirakawa H, Kawakami Y, Takahashi S, Chayama K. Effects of a 24-week course of interferon-α therapy after curative treatment of hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.
World J Gastroenterol 2007;
13:5343-50. [PMID:
17879404 PMCID:
PMC4171324 DOI:
10.3748/wjg.v13.i40.5343]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess whether a 24-wk course of interferon (IFN) could prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and worsening of liver function in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients after receiving curative treatment for primary HCC.
METHODS: Outcomes in 42 patients with HCV infection treated with IFN-α, after curative treatment for primary HCC (IFN group), were compared with 42 matched curatively treated historical controls not given IFN (non-IFN group).
RESULTS: Although the rate of initial recurrence did not differ significantly between IFN group and non-IFN group (0%, 44%, 61%, and 67% vs 4.8%, 53%, 81%, and 87% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, P = 0.153, respectively), IFN group showed a lower rate than the non-IFN group for second recurrence (0%, 10.4%, 28%, and 35% vs 0%, 30%, 59%, and 66% at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years, P = 0.022, respectively). Among the IFN group, patients with sustained virologic response (SVR) were less likely to have a second HCC recurrence than IFN patients without an SVR, or non-IFN patients. Multivariate analysis identified the lack of SVR as the only independent risk factor for a second recurrence, while SVR and Child-Pugh class A independently favored overall survival.
CONCLUSION: Most intrahepatic recurrences of HCV-related HCC occurred during persistent viral infection. Eradication of HCV is essential for the prevention of HCC recurrence and improvement of survival.
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