Meta-analysis: interferon improves outcomes following ablation or resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

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Meta-analysis: interferon improves outcomes following ablation or resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Bottom-line conclusion: Interferon treatment after curative resection or ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhotics prevents HCC recurrence and improves survival.

Background and aims: HCC is third most common cause of tumour-related death in the US with HCV the most common aetiology. Surgical resection and tumour ablation are curative in patients who cannot be transplanted. With native liver having cirrhosis, HCC recurrence is a potential problem. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating efficacy of IFN to prevent HCC recurrence after its curative treatment in HCV-related cirrhosis.

Method: Ten studies (n = 645, 301 treated with IFN) on the use of IFN after resection or ablation of HCV-associated HCC were analysed.

Results: Pooled data showed benefit of IFN for HCC prevention with OR (95% CI) of 0.26 (0.15–0.45); P < 0.00001. The proportion of patients surviving at 5 years (n = 505 in 6 studies) was in favour of IFN with OR of 0.31 [(95% CI 0.21–0.46); P < 0.00001]. Data were homogeneous for HCC recurrence (?2 12.05, P = 0.21) and survival (?2 6.93, P = 0.44). The benefit of IFN was stronger with sustained virological response compared with nonresponders for HCC recurrence [0.19 (0.06–0.60); P = 0.005] and survival [0.31 (0.11–0.90); P = 0.03].

Citation: Singal AK, Freeman DH Jr, Anand BS. Meta-analysis: interferon improves outcomes following ablation or resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010;32(7):851-8.

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Note: This article has been included in the Specialist Collection as it is a systematic review published in a reputable journal in the field. It has not been appraised for quality by NHS Evidence staff.

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