This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

SVR improves overall survival, lowers risk of recurrence of HCC

HONOLULU — Patients with hepatitis C virus infection who achieved a sustained virologic response after curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma had increased overall survival with a decreased rate of recurrence, according to findings presented at ACG 2015.

“Antiviral therapy with interferon-based therapies in patients that have undergone resection and/or locoregional therapy among subjects with hepatitis C-associated hepatocellular carcinoma has been shown to confer a survival benefit,” Swathi Paleti, MD, University of Kansas Medical Center, said during her presentation. “However, due to the small sample size and low sustained viral response with interferon-based therapies, the hazard ratios have varied widely.”

Data of 843 patients with HCV and HCC from seven studies were evaluated in a systematic review and meta-analysis by Paleti and colleagues, to determine the impact of SVR on cancer recurrence and overall survival. Hazard ratios measured the association of SVR with overall survival and cancer recurrence, which were used in a meta-analysis.

The researchers found that SVR was associated with improved overall survival (pooled HR = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.36) with moderate heterogeneity. In addition, SVR was associated with lower rates of cancer recurrence (pooled HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.36-0.74) with no heterogeneity (I² = 43%, P for Chi² = 0.12).

“Achievement of SVR is associated with decreased risk of recurrence and improved overall survival in patients with HCV-induced HCC who have undergone resection or locoregional therapy,” Paleti concluded. “Given the dramatic improvement in SVR with the new direct-acting antiviral agents, prospective studies evaluating their use as adjuvant therapy are needed to better define subpopulations likely to obtain greatest benefit.” – by Melinda Stevens

Reference: 

Swathi P, et al. Abstract 2. Presented at: ACG; Oct. 16-21, 2015; Honolulu.

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.