Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development After Hepatitis C Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Mashitani Tsuyoshi, Yoshiji Hitoshi, Yamazaki Masaharu, Ikenaka Yasuhide, Noguchi Ryuichi, Ishikawa Masatoshi, Kawaratani Hideto, Matsuo Norihide, Uemura Masahito, Yamao Junichi, Fujimoto Masao, Mitoro Akira, Toyohara Masahisa, Yoshida Motoyuki, Sawai Masayoshi, Morioka Chie, Tsujimoto Tatsuhiro, Kitade Mitsuteru, Kaji Kosuke, Aihara Yosuke, Fukui Hiroshi
Primary Institution: Nara Medical University
Hypothesis
Can hepatocellular carcinoma develop more than 10 years after achieving a sustained virological response to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients?
Conclusion
Careful follow-up for more than 10 years is necessary for patients with chronic hepatitis C who achieve a sustained virological response to interferon therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient achieved a sustained virological response 13 years prior to the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Tumor markers were significantly elevated at the time of diagnosis.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma.
Takeaway
Even if someone gets better from hepatitis C, they still need to be checked for liver cancer for a long time because it can show up many years later.
Methodology
The patient was treated with interferon therapy, followed by monitoring for liver cancer, and later diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma through imaging and biopsy.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 73-year-old Japanese man with chronic hepatitis C.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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