Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
07:25
Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Does antiviral therapy prevent hepatocellular carcinoma?
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Antiviral Therapy
|September 9, 2011
Summary
Antiviral therapies can reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections. While effective in prevention, these treatments do not completely eliminate HCC risk.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic infections with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are primary drivers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) development.
- Key risk factors for HBV-related HCC include persistent Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), high HBV DNA levels, and cirrhosis.
- Cirrhosis is the principal risk factor for HCV-related HCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of antiviral therapies in preventing HCC in patients with chronic HBV and HCV infections.
- To assess the impact of antiviral treatment on disease progression and HCC incidence.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses investigating antiviral therapies (e.g., lamivudine for HBV, interferon for HCV).
- Analysis of outcomes based on patient response to treatment, including sustained virological response.
Main Results:
- Antiviral therapy, demonstrated in an RCT of lamivudine, prevented disease progression and reduced HCC incidence in HBV patients with HBeAg and/or high HBV DNA.
- Cohort studies and meta-analyses confirm a beneficial effect of antiviral therapy on HCC risk, especially in responders.
- RCTs of interferon showed a lower HCC incidence in HCV patients with cirrhosis, with a greater benefit observed in those achieving sustained virological response.
Conclusions:
- Antiviral therapies for HBV and HCV can prevent, but not entirely eliminate, the risk of HCC.
- Enhanced identification of infected individuals, improved healthcare accessibility, and affordable treatments are crucial for maximizing the global impact of antiviral therapy on HCC incidence.
More Related Videos
11:34A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
Published on: May 10, 2022
08:55Transarterial Administration of Oncolytic Viruses for Locoregional Therapy of Orthotopic HCC in Rats
Published on: April 15, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:22Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...