Development of hepatocellular carcinoma after sustained response to interferon therapy: how long should sustained responders with risk factors be followed?

Kasahara, Akinori

doi:10.1007/s00535-005-1545-8

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 31 publications

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“…Chronic infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in many countries [1][2][3] . A large cohort study 4 carried out in Italy showed a significant presence of HCC among patients affected by viral hepatitis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occurrence of Diffuse, Poorly Differentiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma During Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C

Capanni

Lorefice²,

Benini³

et al. 2008

Journal of Chemotherapy

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SummaryInterferon therapy is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma. We describe the case of a 66-year-old Italian woman who received pegylated interferon α α-2a plus ribavirin combined therapy for HCV-related chronic liver disease. Preliminary hematochemical, ultrasound and bioptic investigations did not show liver cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma. After 24 weeks of treatment transaminase serum levels were in the normal range and circulating HCV-RNA was undetectable by PCR qualitative assay. On week 46 a serious adverse event occurred, with rapid transaminase increase, severe hyperpyrexia, and abdominal pain, leading to interruption of interferon and ribavirin. Liver biopsy was repeated and it revealed poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Only palliative care could be performed and the patient died of liver failure within 2 months. The present case underlines that hepatocellular carcinoma can be misdiagnosed in spite of laboratory and instrumental follow-up. More sensitive tools are needed for tumor detection, to avoid IFN impairment of the liver, even though it eradicates HCV.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%