Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer in adults. Hepatitis C infection is a known cause of hepatocellular carcinoma because the virus causes chronic inflammation and scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis. Newer anti-viral drugs offer highly effective cures for hepatitis C, leading to stabilization of hepatitis C-related liver disease and decreased rates of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although new infections can occur at any age, the “baby boomer” generation born between 1945-1965 represents the largest population affected by hepatitis C in the United States. Yale's new research looked at whether ongoing liver cancer screening for individuals who achieved hepatitis C cure improves their overall survival rates.
This study, led by Catherine Mezzacappa, MD, MPH, and Tamar Taddei, MD, professor of medicine (digestive diseases), analyzed data from 16,902 patients who had hepatitis C-related cirrhosis and were cured of the virus. The researchers found that continued liver cancer screening, which consists of ultrasound or other liver imaging done every 6 months, for patients who were cured of hepatitis C was associated with a survival benefit through 5 years after viral cure.
In addition, researchers linked having remained up to date with recommended screenings for at least half the time before a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma to better overall survival rates after cancer diagnosis. This research provides data for previously unclear screening outcomes in this population and supports the continued screening of eligible individuals who have achieved hepatitis C cure.
To learn more, read the paper, “Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Survival in Patients With Cirrhosis After Hepatitis C Virus Cure.”
Mezzacappa C, Kim NJ, Vutien P, Kaplan DE, Ioannou GN, Taddei TH. Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Survival in Patients With Cirrhosis After Hepatitis C Virus Cure. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Jul 1;7(7):e2420963. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.20963. PMID: 38985470; PMCID: PMC11238019.