HCV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Introduction of Unrestricted Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals

Data on long-term outcomes after hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection eradication in large populations suggest improvement in survival and reduction in liver-related complications. In the current study, researchers assessed trends in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence between 2002 to 2018 in a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) population who received unrestricted access to HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals as of 2014.

The study comprised all patients with an HCC diagnosis during the study period. Patients were categorized based on HCV status at time of HCC diagnosis: viremic, cured, or no history of HCV. Results include the following:

• The overall incidence of HCC in patients with viremic or cured HCV infection increased betwee…