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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
Published on: July 16, 2012
Hepatocarcinogenesis following HCV RNA eradication by interferon in chronic hepatitis patients
Miharu Hirakawa1, Kenji Ikeda, Yasuji Arase
1Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo. ZXC00701@nifty.ne.jp
Objective:
Interferon (IFN) therapy reduces the incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection who achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of hepatocarcinogenesis and the risk factor in sustained virological responders.
Patients And Method:
The study subjects were 1,193 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and IFN- or IFN plus ribavirin-induced SVR. The age, male/female ratio, and liver fibrosis stage [(F0-F3)/LC] were 15-83 years, 808/385, and 1106/41, respectively. Patients were followed-up for 8.3 years (range, 0 to 19.0 years) and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was recorded.
Results:
Hepatocellular carcinogenesis was detected in 23 patients during the follow-up. The crude rates of hepatocarcinogenesis at 5, 10, and 15 years were 1.5%, 2.4% and 4.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified cirrhosis, male sex and age older than 50 years as determinants of hepatocarcinogenesis with hazard ratios of 12.9 (p<0.001), 6.45 (p=0.012), and 20.2 (p=0.004), respectively.
Conclusion:
Long-term follow-up of patients with chronic HCV infection is necessary even in those who show SVR, especially in male elderly patients with cirrhosis.
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