Alpha-fetoprotein before and after pegylated interferon therapy for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma development.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To investigate factors that accurately predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development after antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods

CHC patients who received pegylated interferon and ribavirin were enrolled in this cohort study that investigated the ability of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to predict HCC development after interferon (IFN) therapy.

Results

Of 1255 patients enrolled, 665 developed sustained virological response (SVR) during mean follow-up period of 5.4 years. HCC was occurred in 89 patients, and 20 SVR patients were included. Proportional hazard models showed that HCC occurred in SVR patients showing AFP ≥ 5 ng/mL before therapy and in non-SVR patients showing AFP ≥ 5 ng/mL before and 1 year after therapy besides older age, an

SUBMITTER: Takeuchi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4561777 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature