De novo hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in hepatitis C cirrhotics treated with direct-acting antiviral agents

Author(s): Kuftinec, Gabriela; Loehfelm, Thomas; Corwin, Michael; Durbin-Johnson, Blythe; Candido, MarieChristi; Hluhanich, Rebecca; Sarkar, Souvik | Abstract: AimRecent studies raise concerns for higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV).MethodsIn this study, using analysis of liver imaging pre- and post-DAA treatment, we queried new occurrence or 'de novo' of HCC in patients with HCV-cirrhosis treated with DAAs. Of 150 patients who met study criteria, 7 (4.7%; 95% CI: 2.1-9.5%) patients developed de novo HCC which did not differ from historical rates of 3% (pn=n0.22).ResultsNotably, patients with decompensated cirrhosis had significantly higher rate of de novo HCC (9.3%; 95% CI: 3.12-22.2%; pn=n0.04).ConclusionOur data support the need for continued surveillance for HCC in HCV cirrhotics even after successful therapy.