Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 2, 2025

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

5.8K

DIRECT-ACTING ANTIVIRALS FOR HEPATITIS C DO NOT AFFECT THE RISK OF DEVELOPMENT OR THE OUTCOME OF HEPATOCELLULAR

L Gogichaishvili1, G Lobjanidze1, T Tsertsvadze2

  • 11Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Medicine, Georgia.

Georgian Medical News
|November 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy effectively treats Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study found DAA regimens do not impact hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk or mortality, making HCC not a contraindication for DAA treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
  • Georgia launched a nationwide HCV elimination program in 2015, including DAA treatment for HCC patients.
  • The impact of different DAA regimens on HCC incidence, recurrence, and prognosis requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of various direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy regimens on the incidence or recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HCV patients.
  • To assess the impact of DAA treatment on the prognosis of patients with HCV and HCC.
  • To determine if HCC status is a contraindication for DAA treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 408 HCV patients aged 50-65 with advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) or cirrhosis were recruited between April 2015 and March 2016.
  • Patients received DAA treatment according to national protocols, initially with sofosbuvir/ribavirin (±pegylated interferon), and later with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (±ribavirin).
  • Clinical and biological parameters were recorded, with regular monitoring for adverse events.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in HCC incidence or recurrence was observed across different DAA regimens or treatment durations.
  • Mortality rates due to HCC did not significantly change between patient groups receiving different DAA therapies.
  • DAA treatment was found to be safe and effective, regardless of HCC status, particularly in early-stage, curable cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens and treatment duration do not influence the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after antiviral therapy for Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) status is not a contraindication for direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, especially for early-stage, curable cancers.
  • The national HCV elimination program in Georgia demonstrates the feasibility of treating HCV patients, including those with HCC, using DAAs.

More Related Videos

Transarterial Administration of Oncolytic Viruses for Locoregional Therapy of Orthotopic HCC in Rats08:55

Transarterial Administration of Oncolytic Viruses for Locoregional Therapy of Orthotopic HCC in Rats

Published on: April 15, 2016

9.8K
Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice07:25

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice

Published on: September 25, 2019

7.2K

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus 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...
48.7K
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment01:08

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
95
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
118
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
95
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms 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...
6.3K
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors01:16

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
394