Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyCombination therapy with transarterial chemoembolization and interferon-alpha compared with transarterial chemoembolization alone for hepatitis B virus related unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment would reduce or postpone the recurrence rate and improve the overall survival rate in patients after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) related unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ IFN-alpha treatment reduced recurrence and improved the survival of patients after TACE treatment of HBV-related HCC, with acceptable toxicities.
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J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Aug 2009
ReviewPrevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus infection.
Chronic hepatitis B is the main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asia. The most important preventive strategy's adoption of the universal hepatitis B vaccination program is now in its third decade. There is a clear reduction in both chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (hepatitis B surface antigen "carriage") but also in childhood HCC in Taiwan. ⋯ Interferon therapy appears to confer benefit but the evidence is weaker. First-generation oral antiviral (lamivudine) reduces HCC risk, particularly in cirrhotics. Long-term outcome data with newer, more potent HBV antivirals that have a higher genetic barrier to drug resistance are eagerly awaited.