Necessity for surveillance for hepatocellualr carcinoma in older patients with chronic hepatitis C who achieved sustained virological response.

Background And Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in low-risk patients (annual incidence <1.5%) is not recommended per the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines. Because patients with chronic hepatitis C with non-advanced fibrosis who have achieved sustained virological response (SVR) have a low risk of HCC, HCC surveillance is not recommended for them.

Effects of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C following treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: survey findings of the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group.

Aim: To investigate, in a large number of cases at multiple institutions, the effects and limitations of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C following treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical practice.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of 112 patients who had received interferon (IFN) for treating hepatitis C following treatment of HCC and were registered with the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group. Factors that may influence recurrence and survival rates were investigated.