October 31, 2012
Researchers at Copenhagen University, Denmark, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine whether antiviral therapy for treatment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection reduces the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Researchers performed electronic searches of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies that met their requirements. They performed additional searches, including scanning reference lists from relevant papers on chronic hepatitis C and liver cancer, conference proceedings, and the World Health Organization Trial Search Portal.
Eight randomized trials, and five prospective cohort studies comparing antiviral therapy (interferon or pegylated interferon alone or with ribavirin), placebo, or no intervention were analyzed. The treatment time varied from 1 to 5 years and follow-up ranged from 2 to 8.7 years.
The results indicate that antiviral therapy may reduce the risk of liver cancer in hepatitis C-related fibrosis and cirrhosis. The effect may be seen irrespective of the virological response, but is more pronounced among virological responders compared with non-responders.
The study was reported online in the journal BMJ Open 2012;2:e001313 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001313.
Adapted from:
BMJ Open
10.22.2012; Nina Kimer; Emilie Kristine Dahl; Lise Lotte Gluud; Aleksander Krag
No comments have been made.
|
The content on this page is free of advertiser influence and was produced by our editorial team. See our content and advertising policies.
![]() | Separate and Unequal Access Frames Discussion at CROI Panel on U.S. HIV Care Cascade |
![]() | CROI 2018: Highlights and What's Next for Advocates |
![]() | Reported PrEP 'Failure' Most Likely a Lack of Proper Testing and Adherence |
![]() | Injection Drug Use Among People Living With HIV: A Missed Opportunity to Save Lives |
![]() | Statin Use Might Reduce Risk of Cancer in HIV-Positive People |
![]() | Insurers and Pharmas Must Help Fix HIV Drug Pricing System, Advocates Say |