Impact of DAA-Based Therapy on Alfa-Fetoprotein Level in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Backgrounds: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. High AFP level has been identified as a risk factor for the development of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of DAA-based triple therapy on serum AFP levels of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: We reviewed records of 132 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C who received DAAbased therapy over past 16 months. Inclusion criteria: patients who completed treatment, had baseline AFP within 3 months of treatment, and AFP within 6 months post-treatment. 54 patients were excluded (52: no AFP level, and 2 patient were lost to follow). Results: 78 patients completed the treatment: age: 24-78 year, 45 males, 33 females. Of these patients: 46 genotype 1, 22 genotype 2, 10 genotypes 3 and 4. All had viral loads, and fibrosis score. 76 patients achieved SVR at 3 months and 6 months pots-treatment. 2 patients relapsed. Conclusion: Discussion: AFP is commonly used for surveillance for HCC. In this review, there was universal and lasting ( beyond 6 months posttreatment) reduction in AFP below 50% of baseline level in all patients s who received treatment even in those who relapsed, and across all genotypes, most pronounced in patients with markedly high pretreatment level and those with documented HCC. This phenomenon supports the evidence that DAA therapy may prevent HCC in hepatitis C patients. Conclusion: DAA therapy of hepatitis C-infected patient effectively reduce the level of AFP and so potentially may prevent HCC in this group of patients2851_A Figure 1. AFP: Pre- and posttreatment