| [ Summary ] |
In patients chronically infected with HBV, reduction of HCC risk by antiviral therapy is one of the most important goals. Treatment with interferon or nucleoside/nucleotide analogs has been shown to reduce the risk of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the suppressive effect of antiviral therapy on HCC development is influenced by the clinical background, host and virological factors, and the therapeutic efficacy of antiviral therapy. In addition, even if suppression of viral replication by antiviral therapy is achieved, the development of HCC is not completely abrogated. Careful surveillance is necessary, especially, in patients with advanced fibrosis, higher post‒treatment levels of serum AFP, and those with metabolic syndromes. It is important to identify the important risk factor for HCC development under suppression of viral replication, and to elucidate mechanisms responsible for hepatocarcinogenesis. |