Changes in the presentation and characteristics OF HCV related hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of direct acting antiviral therapy: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth common malignancy worldwide. In Egypt, the main cause of HCC is hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. After the successful mass treatment program of HCV in 2018 with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy, a large percentage of patients have been treated and effectively achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Recently, some studies claimed that HCCs that developed after treatment with DAAs have more aggressive behavior. Purpose of the study is to detect the possible change of HCC pattern before and after DAAs era and its effect on overall survival (OS).

Methods

428 naïve HCC patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I HCC patients not treated with DAAs and Group II HCC patients treated with DAAs. Then we compared demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics between both groups.

Results

Group II had improved liver function tests, including serum bilirubin, albumin, and international normalized ratio, than Group I (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). They had a lower level of liver aminotransferases. Group II showed a larger infiltrative pattern of HCC, with a high incidence of portal vein thrombosis (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.048, respectively). Group II received more curative or palliative treatment options, while 55 % of Group I received the best supportive care. There was no significant difference in 1-year and 2-years OS between both group, except that group II patients had better 2-year OS in subgroup BCLC stage C.

Conclusion

The tumor pattern has changed into a more aggressive phenotype after DAAs. DAAs have succeeded in preserving the liver condition. However, they did not demonstrate any protective effect on the OS of the patients. There is a strong need for strict screening program for early detection of HCC in the early stages, that are eligible for curative options, after HCV treatment of DAAs.