| [ Summary ] |
This review article summarizes the suppressive effect of interferon (IFN)‒based therapies on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the risk factors for developing HCC, and the characteristics of HCC development after sustained virologic response (SVR) among chronic hepatitis C patients administered an IFN‒based therapy. The HCC incidence decreases with IFN‒based antiviral therapy, especially in patients with SVR, and the risk factors for developing HCC included ageing, development of advanced liver fibrosis, and gender (with an increased prevalence in men). Alfa‒fetoprotein levels in the patient at 24 weeks after IFN‒based treatment was strongly associated with HCC incidence, irrespective of the virologic response. In patients with SVR, other risk factors for developing HCC included the development of glucose metabolism disorders or lipid metabolism disorders and alcohol consumption by patients. In case of patients with SVR, it is necessary to be extra vigilant against the risk of developing HCC. However, whether IFN‒free treatment using HCV‒specific direct‒acting antivirals (DAAs) can suppress HCC to the same levels as IFN‒based treatment is not well understood ; further research is required to clarify this point. |