Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine whether interferon-α (IFN-α) therapy may reduce the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and to determine its effect based on responsiveness to IFN-α therapy. Methods: A total of 641 biopsy-proven CHB patients were treated with IFN-α2b. They were followed by biochemistry and/or imaging studies at 3- to 6-month intervals for a median period of 113 months (range 6–222). Results: HCC was detected in 22 patients and 5- and 10-year cumulative occurrence rates were 0.4 and 3.2%, respectively. In univariate analysis, age (p < 0.001), serum AFP levels (p < 0.001), and serum HBV-DNA levels (p = 0.002) at baseline were associated with HCC development. HCC occurred less frequently in biochemical responders at the end of treatment than in non-responders (p = 0.001). However, virologic response was not associated with HCC development. Multivariate analysis showed that poor biochemical response (p = 0.007) as well as older age (p = 0.018) and a higher serum AFP level (p < 0.001) remained independent predisposing factors of HCC development in CHB patients treated with IFN-α. Conclusion: The results suggest that the biochemical but not virologic response to IFN-α therapy reduces independently the occurrence of HCC in patients with CHB.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
