| Theme |
Cutting Edge : Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatitis B |
| Title |
Influence of Antiviral Therapy on Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinomain Chronic Hepatitis B |
| Author |
Masayuki Kurosaki |
Musashino Red Cross Hospital |
| Author |
Namiki Izumi |
Musashino Red Cross Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Since serum levels of HBV DNA correlate with the progression of liver disease, it has been postulated that sustained suppression of HBV DNA by antiviral therapy may improve the long term prognoses for chronic hepatitis B patients. In fact, several studies have demonstrated that the incidence of progression to liver cirrhosis and the incidence of developing hepatocellular carcinoma is suppressed in patients with sustained virological response to antiviral therapy (interferon or lamivudine) compared to those who are non-responsive to antiviral therapy or untreated control groups. Furthermore, overall survival rates may be improved in those patients. A large scale study with a longer observation period is warranted to further confirm the beneficial effects of antiviral therapy in the modification of the natural history of chronic hepatitis B. |