Hepatocellular carcinoma after direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C virus therapy: A debate near the end

• Published in: World journal of gastroenterology : WJG 2020-11, Vol.26 (43), p.6770-6781
• Main Authors: Muzica, Cristina Maria, Stanciu, Carol, Huiban, Laura, Singeap, Ana-Maria, Sfarti, Catalin, Zenovia, Sebastian, Cojocariu, Camelia, Trifan, Anca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - adverse effects; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - drug therapy; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - epidemiology; Hepacivirus - genetics; Hepatitis C - complications; Hepatitis C - drug therapy; Hepatitis C - epidemiology; Hepatitis C, Chronic - complications; Hepatitis C, Chronic - drug therapy; Hepatitis C, Chronic - epidemiology; Humans; Liver Neoplasms - drug therapy; Liver Neoplasms - epidemiology; Minireviews; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - drug therapy
• ISSN: 1007-9327; 2219-2840
• DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i43.6770

Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, achieving high rates (≥ 95%) of sustained virological response, with a good safety profile and high compliance rates. Consequently, it had been expected that viral clearance will reduce morbidity and mortality rates, as well as the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, since 2016, concerns have been raised over an unexpected high rate of HCC occurrence and recurrence after DAA therapy, which led to an avalanche of studies with contradictory results. We aimed to review the most recent and relevant articles regarding the risk of HCC after DAA treatment and identify the associated risk factors.