Anti-viral medication to prevent HCC development: where are we now?

摘要

Hepatitis B virus was the first human virus unequivocally associated with malignancy. Long-term persistent infection with hepatitis B virus can result in the development of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Not surprising then, the main goal of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B is to prevent the development of these life-threatening complications. The clinical trial treatment data now indicates that these goals are beginning to be achieved. Unfortunately, treatment failure due to the emergence of drug-resistant hepatitis B viruses compromises the success of antiviral therapy. Furthermore, the majority of drug-resistant hepatitis B viruses have an altered envelope which may even serve to accelerate the progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. The treating physician needs to ensure that current treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis B prevent active replication, interrupt the progression of liver disease and prevent the emergence of drug resistance.