Effect and safety of interferon for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The effect of interferon(IFN) in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, and no clear recommendations have been proposed.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect and safety of IFN for HCC.

Methods

PubMed, OvidSP, and Cochrane Library were searched from their establishment date until August 30, 2012. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically evaluated and then subjected to meta-analysis.

Results

Thirteen randomized control trials (RCTs) involving 1344 patients were eligible for this study. When IFN was used as an adjuvant therapy for HCC patients after curative therapy, the meta-analysis showed that IFN reduced the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year recurrence rates. Subgroup analysis showed that IFN reduced the 2-,

SUBMITTER: Zhuang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3775819 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature