Alpha-fetoprotein above normal levels as a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with hepatitis C virus

Clinical Significance of Fibrosis 4 Index in Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Received Ultrasound-guided Microwave Ablation

Recurrence is of utmost importance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (UGMWA) therapy. The fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) index is a valuable predictor of HCC recurrence after surgical resection. However, whether FIB-4 can predict the recurrence of HCC patients receiving UGMWA remains unclear. The FIB-4 index was detected in healthy controls, hepatitis patients, and HCC patients. The predictive value of FIB-4 in HCC occurrence and recurrence following UGMWA therapy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The associated factors of FIB-4 in HCC patients were compared between patients with high and low levels of FIB-4. A Kaplan-Meier plot was used to assess the impact of FIB-4 on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). FIB-4 levels were increased in HCC patients and could predict the occurrence of HCC. Meanwhile, it was associated with five factors, including recurrence. Furthermore, FIB-4 levels decreased in HCC patients after UGMWA therapy but increased in recurrent HCC patients following UGMWA therapy. Importantly, FIB-4 could predict recurrence after UGMWA. The HCC patients had shorter OS and RFS. FIB-4 was associated with HCC recurrence after UGMWA therapy. Specifically, it had a predictive value for HCC occurrence and recurrence following UGMWA therapy.

Schistosoma mansoni infection and hepatocellular carcinoma: a comorbidity study

Background

The implication of human Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection in concomitance with other risk factors such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still under controversy. This work aimed. to evaluate the role of S. mansoni infection in association with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other risk factors in the development and/or progress of HCC.

Methods

The present study was carried out on 90 HCC patients recruited from Kafr El-Sheikh Liver Disease Research Institute. After obtaining their informed consents, socio-demographic and clinical data were collected and patients were examined for S. mansoni by Kato-Katz and indirect hemagglutination (IHA) techniques. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was determined. The Child-Pugh scoring system and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system were used to evaluate the pathological features of the studied patients.

Results

All participants were negative for active S. mansoni by Kato-Katz. Based on IHA, the participants were categorized into two groups: group I: sixty-two patients negative for S. mansoni and group II: twenty-eight schistosomiasis positive. The patients' age ranged between 40->60, HCC was more prevalent in the age range of > 50-60 years in both groups. Males were more than females and rural participants were more than urban patients in both groups. Most of the patients (88.9%) had HCV while 7.8% had HBV. A higher proportion of HCC patients showed concomitant HCV and S. mansoni (92.6%) than the S. mansoni negative group. The frequency of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) was four-fold higher among HCC patients positive for schistosomiasis compared to negative schistosomiasis cases (64% vs. 16%). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was higher in group II than that in group I with no significant difference. Statistical analysis showed no difference between the two studied groups regarding Child scores. On the contrary, BCLC class D was significantly higher among HCC positive schistosomiasis cases compared to the negative group.

Conclusion

Concomitant S. mansoni with HCV and HBV potentiate HCC progression.

Human oncogenic viruses: an overview of protein biomarkers in viral cancers and their potential use in clinics

INTRODUCTION

Although the idea that carcinogenesis might be caused by viruses was first voiced about 100 years ago, today's data disappointingly show that we have not made much progress in preventing and/or treating viral cancers in a century. According to recent studies, infections are responsible for approximately 13% of cancer development in the world. Today, it is accepted and proven by many authorities that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), Human T-cell Lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV1) and highly oncogenic Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause or/and contribute to cancer development in humans.

AREAS COVERED

Considering the insufficient prevention and/or treatment strategies for viral cancers, in this review we present the current knowledge on protein biomarkers of oncogenic viruses. In addition, we aimed to decipher their potential for clinical use by evaluating whether the proposed biomarkers are expressed in body fluids, are druggable, and act as tumor suppressors or oncoproteins.

EXPERT OPINION

Consequently, we believe that this review will shed light on researchers and provide a guide to find remarkable solutions for the prevention and/or treatment of viral cancers.

RECK gene polymorphisms in hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A case-control study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The RECK gene is a critical tumor suppressor gene. This study aimed to assess the association between RECK gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the development of HCC in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis B.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

In this case-control study, we enrolled patients with CHB from the Gastroenterology Department, Benha University, from June 2016 to February 2018. The RECK gene SNP rs10814325 was identified using real-time PCR allelic discrimination via TaqMan SNP genotyping assays (Applied Biosystems, USA).

RESULTS

We enrolled 140 participants in this study. The participants were divided into Group I, which comprised 50 participants with CHB only, Group II, which comprised 50 participants with CHB and HCC, and Group III, which comprised 40 healthy participants. A significantly higher hepatitis B virus DNA viremia level was found in patients with HCC. The predominant RECK genotype was the T/T allele, followed by the T/C allele; however, no significant difference in the distribution of RECK gene SNPs was found between the study groups. No statistically significant difference in RECK gene SNPs was reported among patients with HCC of different Child classes or based on the number, site, size of HCC, and lymph node involvement. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that a serum alpha-fetoprotein level of 92 ng/ml was 96 % sensitive and 100 % specific for the detection of HCC, with an area under the operating characteristic curve of 0.98.

CONCLUSION

RECK gene SNPs have no significant association with the development and characteristics of hepatitis B-related HCC in Egyptian patients.

Impact of M2BPGi on the Hepatocarcinogenesis after the Combination Therapy with Daclatasvir and Asunaprevir for Hepatitis C

The clinical significance of mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) levels based on virological responses due to antiviral therapy has not been fully evaluated. We compared the change before and 24 weeks after the therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir (DCV+ASV) of M2BPGi levels with those of other fibrosis markers in 73 chronic hepatitis C cases. Moreover, we examined the association between M2BPGi levels and hepatocarcinogenesis in sustained virological response (SVR) and non-SVR cases. M2BPGi levels were significantly improved at post-treatment week 24 (PTW24) in SVR but not non-SVR cases, whereas the changes of other fibrosis markers showed the same tendency in both SVR and non-SVR cases. M2BPGi levels were well correlated with other fibrosis markers at baseline but not PTW24. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was significantly associated with M2BPGi levels at PTW24. The achievement of SVR significantly affected the improvement of M2BPGi levels that best reflected the effect of direct-acting antivirals among the fibrosis markers. Furthermore, M2BPGi levels at PTW24 were also associated with the incidence of HCC in only SVR cases. However, the rapid decrease of M2BPGi levels might reflect the amelioration of liver inflammation rather than the improvement of liver fibrosis, which should be further elucidated.

Cost-Utility of All-Oral Direct-Acting Antiviral Regimens for the Treatment of Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are entering the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment landscape in Hong Kong, prompting the need for cost-effectiveness evaluations of these interventions to enable optimal use of healthcare resources.

AIMS

This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of DAAs to standard-of-care pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (RBV) in treatment-naïve patients without significant liver fibrosis and to compare different DAAs in patients who are treatment-experienced and/or have advanced liver disease.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed to evaluate cost-effectiveness over a lifetime time horizon from the payer perspective. The target population was treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced HCV genotype 1 patients, stratified by degree of liver fibrosis. The model consists of 16 health states encompassing METAVIR fibrosis score (F0-F4), treatment success or failure, decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplant, and liver-related death. The proportions of patients achieving sustained virologic response were obtained from clinical trials. Other inputs were obtained from published and local data. The primary outcome was incremental cost-utility ratio for each DAA versus pegylated interferon + ribavirin and among different DAAs.

RESULTS

In treatment-naïve F0-2 HCV patients, all DAAs were cost-effective in genotype 1a and daclatasvir + asunaprevir, elbasvir/grazoprevir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir were cost-effective compared to pegylated interferon + ribavirin in genotype 1b. In genotypes 1a and 1b, treatment-experienced patients, and F3-4 patients, elbasvir/grazoprevir was the least costly DAA and economically dominant over most other DAAs.

CONCLUSIONS

DAAs can be a cost-effective option for the treatment of genotype 1 HCV patients in Hong Kong, and elbasvir/grazoprevir is cost-effective.

First evaluation of Neighbor of Punc E11 (NOPE) as a novel marker in human hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide and the search for clinically useful biomarkers is ongoing. Neighbor of Punc E11 (NOPE) is an established biomarker of murine HCC that remains undetectable in normal liver and at preneoplastic stages.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of NOPE in human HCC.

METHODS

Histologically confirmed HCC and corresponding non-tumor liver samples from 20 patients were analyzed for expression of NOPE using qRT-PCR and mRNA-in-situ technology in a conserved tissue context.

RESULTS

In our cohort, 30% of HCC samples were expressing NOPE which proved particularly useful in non-cirrhotic HCC samples with up to 155-fold higher expression than in adult liver. Using mRNA-in-situ technology, NOPE was clearly identified within epithelial tumor cells of NOPE positive human HCCs. In our analyzed cohort, the combination of AFP with NOPE did not reach more than 40% sensitivity while GPC-3 and NOPE were complementary to each other reaching a combined sensitivity of 85.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first characterization of NOPE as a potential biomarker for human HCC. Our results underline the value of NOPE as a complementing biomarker for human HCC.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Direct-Acting Antivirals for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 and 6 in Vietnam

OBJECTIVE

Very few cost-utility analyses have either evaluated direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 patients or undertaken societal perspective. Recently, DAAs have been introduced into the Vietnamese health insurance drug list for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment without empirical cost-effectiveness evidence. This study was conducted to generate these data on DAAs among CHC patients with genotypes 1 and 6 in Vietnam.

METHODS

A hybrid decision-tree and Markov model was employed to compare costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of available DAAs, including (1) sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, (2) sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, and (3) sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir, with pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin (PR). Primary data collection was conducted in Vietnam to identify costs and utility values. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated from societal and payer perspectives. Uncertainty and scenario analyses and value of information analyses were performed.

RESULTS

All DAAs were cost-saving as compared with PR in CHC patients with genotypes 1 and 6 in Vietnam, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was the most cost-saving regimen, from both societal and payer perspectives. From the societal perspective, DAAs were associated with the increment of quality-adjusted life-years by 1.33 to 1.35 and decrement of costs by $6519 to $7246. Uncertainty and scenario analyses confirmed the robustness of base-case results, whereas the value of information analyses suggested the need for further research on relative treatment efficacies among DAA regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Allocating resources for DAA treatment for HCV genotype 1 and 6 is surely a rewarding public health investment in Vietnam. It is recommended that the government rapidly scale up treatment and enable financial accessibility for HCV patients.

M. van Baarsen L. Human Lymph Node Stromal Cells Have the Machinery to Regulate Peripheral Tolerance during Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACKGROUND

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the cause for loss of tolerance and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) production remains unidentified. Mouse studies showed that lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs) maintain peripheral tolerance through presentation of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs). We hypothesize that dysregulation of peripheral tolerance mechanisms in human LNSCs might underlie pathogenesis of RA.

METHOD

Lymph node (LN) needle biopsies were obtained from 24 RA patients, 23 individuals positive for RA-associated autoantibodies but without clinical disease (RA-risk individuals), and 14 seronegative healthy individuals. Ex vivo human LNs from non-RA individuals were used to directly analyze stromal cells. Molecules involved in antigen presentation and immune modulation were measured in LNSCs upon interferon γ (IFNγ) stimulation (n = 15).

RESULTS

Citrullinated targets of ACPAs were detected in human LN tissue and in cultured LNSCs. Human LNSCs express several PTAs, transcription factors autoimmune regulator (AIRE) and deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1 (DEAF1), and molecules involved in citrullination, antigen presentation, and immunomodulation. Overall, no clear differences between donor groups were observed with exception of a slightly lower induction of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) and programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) molecules in LNSCs from RA patients.

CONCLUSION

Human LNSCs have the machinery to regulate peripheral tolerance making them an attractive target to exploit in tolerance induction and maintenance.

Chronic hepatitis B exhibited higher rate of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence than hepatitis C in cirrhotic patients after effective antiviral treatment

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Effective antiviral-therapy can reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis related hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Yet, the difference of hepatocellular carcinoma development in chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis after effective antiviral therapy treatment is unknown. In this study, We comprehensive explored the difference among them.

METHODS

1363 patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis B virus treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) with completely suppressed virus, and patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis C virus treated with pegylated interferon (peg-IFN)/ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy who achieved sustained virologic response were enrolled.

RESULTS

Total 261 developed hepatocellular carcinoma within a median follow-up of 4.25 years. Univariate analysis, patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma tended to be of older age, and had lower platelet counts, were chronic hepatitis B carriers, and had higher serum alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) (≥20 ng/mL), FIB-4 index and APRI scores. Subsequent multivariate analysis revealed older age, lower platelet counts, high AFP levels and chronic hepatitis B carriers were independent risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Our findings identify that chronic hepatitis B patients were with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to chronic hepatitis C patients after achieving virological response. Special attention should be paid to those patients.

Screening for Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

IMPORTANCE

A 2013 review for the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening found interferon-based antiviral therapy associated with increased likelihood of sustained virologic response (SVR) and an association between achieving an SVR and improved clinical outcomes. New direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are available.

OBJECTIVE

To update the 2013 review on HCV screening to inform the USPSTF.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through February 2019, with surveillance through September 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized treatment studies of HCV screening and DAA therapy; cohort studies on screening, antiviral therapy, and the association between an SVR after antiviral therapy and clinical outcomes.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

One investigator abstracted data; a second checked accuracy. Two investigators independently rated study quality.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Mortality, morbidity, quality of life, screening and treatment harms, and screening diagnostic yield.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs of DAA therapy vs placebo or an outdated antiviral regimen, 48 other treatment studies, and 33 cohort studies, with a total of 179 230 participants, were included. No study evaluated effects of HCV screening vs no screening. One new study since the 2013 review (n = 5917) found similar diagnostic yield of risk-based screening (sensitivity, 82%; number needed to screen to identify 1 HCV case, 15) and birth cohort screening (sensitivity, 76%; number needed to screen, 29), assuming perfect implementation. Ten open-label studies (n = 3292) reported small improvements in some quality-of-life and functional outcomes (eg, less than 3 points on the 0 to 100 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summary scales) after DAA treatment compared with before treatment. Two cohort studies (n = 24 686) found inconsistent associations of antiviral therapy vs no therapy with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Forty-nine treatment studies (n = 10 181) found DAA regimens associated with pooled SVR rates greater than 95% across genotypes, and low short-term rates of serious adverse events (1.9%) and withdrawal due to adverse events (0.4%). An SVR after antiviral therapy was associated with decreased adjusted risk of all-cause mortality (13 studies, n = 36 986; pooled hazard ratio [HR], 0.40 [95% CI, 0.28-0.56) and hepatocellular carcinoma (20 studies, n = 84 491; pooled HR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.23 to 0.38]) vs no SVR.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Direct evidence on the effects of HCV screening on clinical outcomes remains unavailable, but DAA regimens were associated with SVR rates greater than 5% and few short-term harms relative to older antiviral therapies. An SVR after antiviral therapy was associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with no SVR.

Clinical impact of serum α-fetoprotein and its relation on changes in liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus patients receiving direct-acting antivirals

BACKGROUND

α-Fetoprotein (AFP) is used widely as a serological marker for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the AFP value is elevated in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients without hepatocellular carcinoma. Yet, data on the impact of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy on AFP levels after viral eradication are still lacking.

AIM

The aim of this study was to elucidate the changes in the serum AFP level in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with DAA-based therapy and their relation to response and liver fibrosis parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 456 chronic HCV patients who received different DAAs-based treatment regimens were enrolled. Laboratory data including serum AFP, transient elastography values, and fibrosis scores were recorded at baseline and sustained virological response at 24 weeks after treatment (SVR24). The outcome was the changes in the AFP level from baseline to SVR24 and its relation to changes in liver fibrosis parameters at SVR24 using Spearman's rank correlation test.

RESULTS

Overall, 96.9% of enrolled patients were responders. A statistically significant improvement in serum transaminases, albumin, transient elastography values, and fibrosis scores at SVR24 was reported. The AFP level was significantly decreased from a median (interquartile range) of 6 (3.2-10.8) ng/ml before DAAs to 4 (2.3-6) ng/ml at SVR24 (P < 0.0001). Only 22.6% of patients showed an increase in the AFP level after treatment. On multivariate analysis, the only independent baseline variable associated with an increase in the AFP level after treatment was baseline AFP (odds ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91-0.99, P = 0.02). There is a significant correlation between changes in AFP and liver fibrosis parameters at SVR24.

CONCLUSION

DAAs-based regimens are a highly efficient antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients that resulted in improvements in the serum AFP level.

Projected impact of elbasvir/grazoprevir in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 and chronic kidney disease in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to predict the impact of EBR/GZR on the incidence of liver and kidney related complications compared with no treatment (NoTx) and pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (pegIFN/RBV) in patients with CKD stage 4/5 in Vietnam.

METHODS

We developed a mathematical model of the natural history of chronic HCV, CKD, and liver disease. Efficacy of EBR/GZR and pegIFN/RBV were derived from the C-SURFER trial and a meta-analysis, respectively. We calculated lifetime cumulative morbidity and mortality rates, including incidence of decompensated cirrhosis (DC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and life expectancy.

RESULTS

Estimated lifetime incidence of DC was significantly reduced in patients receiving EBR/GZR (3.47%) compared to NoTx (18.14%) and pegIFN/RBV (9.01%). Estimated incidence of HCC was 1.02%, 21.64%, and 8.90%, and 1.02% in patients receiving EBR/GZR, NoTx, and pegIFN/RBV. EBR/GZR was estimated to extend life expectancy by 4.2 and 2.0 years compared with NoTx and pegIFN/RBV.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model predicted that EBR/GZR will significantly reduce the incidence of liver-related complications and prolong life in patients with chronic HCV GT1 infection and CKD compared with NoTx or pegIFN/RBV.

Real-world efficacy and safety of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection: a nationwide multicenter study by the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group

BACKGROUND

We aimed to describe the real-world efficacy and safety of combination therapy with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1) infection.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry included GT1-infected patients treated with LDV/SOF for 12 weeks. We assessed the rate of sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12), incidence of adverse events, and serum markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

RESULTS

Among the 1461 patients included (mean age, 69 years; 29.5% aged > 75 years; cirrhosis, 23.8%; history of treatment for HCC, 10.9%), the overall SVR12 rate was 98.4% (1438/1461). Factors associated with treatment failure were cirrhosis (odds ratio, 4.19; p = 0.014) and resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in NS5A at baseline (odds ratio, 7.78; p = 0.0004). The SVR12 rate in patients with cirrhosis and NS5A RASs was 93.0% compared to 100% in patients without cirrhosis or NS5A RASs. In patients with SVR, the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AFP-L3, and Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) decreased from baseline to end of treatment (from 13.4 ± 37.6 to 6.0 ± 10.6 ng/mL, p < 0.0001; from 2.2 ± 4.9 to 1.5 ± 6.3%, p < 0.005; and from 3.6 ± 3.7 to 2.0 ± 3.5 cut-off index, p < 0.0001; respectively). Adverse events were rare and not associated with age. No decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in patients with baseline chronic kidney disease stage 3.

CONCLUSIONS

LDV/SOF therapy is highly effective and safe in elderly Japanese patients with HCV GT1, even in the presence of cirrhosis or NS5A RASs. Patients with SVR may have a lower risk of HCC.

Mac-2 binding protein glycan isomer (M2BPGi) is a new serum biomarker for assessing liver fibrosis: more than a biomarker of liver fibrosis

Assessing liver fibrosis is important for predicting the efficacy of antiviral therapy and patient prognosis. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing liver fibrosis, despite its invasiveness and problematic diagnostic accuracy. Although noninvasive techniques to assess liver fibrosis are becoming important, reliable serum surrogate markers are not available. A glycoproteomics study aimed at identifying such markers discovered Mac 2-Binding Protein Gylcan Isomer (M2BPGi), which is a reliable marker for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with viral hepatitis and other fibrotic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis, biliary atresia, autoimmune hepatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. M2BPGi predicts the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients infected with hepatitis B and C as well as the prognosis of liver cirrhosis in those with HCC after therapy. The unique features of M2BPGi are as follows: (1) cut-off values differ for the same stages of fibrosis according to the cause of fibrosis; and (2) M2BPGi levels rapidly decrease after patients achieve a sustained antiviral response to hepatitis C virus. These observations cannot be explained if M2BPGi levels reflect the amount of fibrotic tissue. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) secrete M2BPGi, which may serve as a messenger between HSCs and Kupffer cells via Mac-2 (galectin 3) that is expressed in Kupffer cells during fibrosis progression. Here we show that M2BPGi is a surrogate marker for assessing HSC activation. These findings may reveal the roles of HSCs in extrahepatic fibrotic disease progression.

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite new technologies in diagnosis and treatment, the incidence and mortality of HCC continue rising. And its pathogenesis is still unclear. As a highly conserved protein of the Golgi apparatus, Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis of HCC. This study aimed to explore the exact oncogenic mechanism of GOLPH3 and provide a novel diagnose biomarker and therapeutic strategy for patients with HCC.

METHODS

Firstly, the expression of GOLPH3 was detected in the HCC tissue specimens and HCC cell lines. Secondly, RNA interference was used for GOLPH3 gene inhibition. Thirdly, cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT; cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin-V/PI staining, Hoechst 33,342 staining and caspase 3/7 activity assay. Fourthly, xenograft tumor model was used to study the function of GOLPH3 in tumor growth in vivo. Finally, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the role of GOLHP3 in the mTOR signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Data showed that the mRNA and protein expression of GOLPH3 were up-regulated in HCC tumor tissue and cell lines compared with those of control (P < 0.05). Correlation analyses showed that GOLPH3 expression was positively correlated with serum alpha-fetoprotein level (AFP, P = 0.006). Knockdown GOLPH3 expression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in HCC cell lines. What's more, knockdown GOLPH3 expression led to tumor growth restriction in xenograft tumor model. The expression of phosphorylated mTOR, AKT and S6 K1 were significantly higher in HCC tumor tissue and cell lines compared with those in normal liver tissues (p < 0.05). While the phosphorylated mTOR, AKT and S6 K1 were much lower when diminished GOLPH3 expression in HCC cell lines both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The current study suggests that GOLPH3 contributes to the tumorigenesis of HCC by activating mTOR signaling pathway. GOLPH3 is a promising diagnose biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC. Our study may provide a scientific basis for developing effective approaches to treat the HCC patients with GOLPH3 overexpression.

Predictors of treatment efficacy and liver stiffness changes following therapy with Sofosbuvir plus Ribavirin in patients infected with HCV genotype 2

While the combination therapy of ribavirin (RBV) and sofosbuvir (SOF) is effective in genotype 2 HCV infection, the predictors of treatment efficacy and posttreatment changes in α-fetoprotein (AFP) and liver stiffness (markers of hepatocellular carcinoma), remain unclear. In this study, 302 patients with chronic HCV genotype 2 infection were treated with SOF (400 mg) plus RBV (400-1000 mg; based on body weight) for 12 weeks. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment, as well as measured serum AFP, liver stiffness, and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP, a surrogate marker of steatosis) at baseline and within 48 weeks of treatment completion. The intention-to-treat analysis showed a sustained virological response (SVR) rate of 95.7%. None of the patients discontinued treatment due to side effects. Multivariate analysis identified pretreatment (no treatment with interferon), level of AFP (AFP; <10 μg/L), and RBV/body weight (BW) ratio (≥9.0 mg/kg) as independent predictors of SVR. The SVR rate in patients with two predictors of poor response (AFP ≥10 μg/L and RBV/BW ratio <9.0 mg/kg) was significantly lower than in other patients. In the SVR group, posttreatment AFP level and liver stiffness were significantly lower than at baseline. CAP tended to be higher after treatment than at baseline in all patients. SOF plus RBV combination therapy achieved a high SVR rate and was safe in HCV genotype 2 infected patients. Treatment reduced AFP levels and improved liver stiffness, but increased CAP.

Dynamic noninvasive markers predict hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C patients without sustained virological response after interferon-based therapy: Prioritize who needs urgent direct-acting antiviral agents

Some patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections who fail to achieve sustained virological responses (SVRs) after interferon (IFN) therapy do not develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Risk stratification of these patients may help identify those who would benefit most from treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).A total of 552 HCV-infected patients with non-SVR status were enrolled. Laboratory data before and after IFN treatment were analyzed to determine the relationship of changes in serum markers with development of HCC during the 7-year study period.HCC developed in 93 patients. The risk factors for HCC were pre-existing liver cirrhosis, low hemoglobin level at baseline, low pretreatment platelet count, high post-treatment alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (≥15 ng/mL), and high post-treatment Fibrosis 4 (FIB4) index (>3.25). For patients without pre-existing cirrhosis, those with high post-treatment AFP level and FIB4 index had the highest risk of HCC (1 year: 6.7%; 3 years: 10.9%; 5 years: 29.7%), followed by those with high post-treatment AFP level and low post-treatment FIB4 index (5 years: 25%), and those with low post-treatment AFP level and high post-treatment FIB4 index (1 year: 3.7%; 3 years: 5.2%; 5 years: 10.6%). The risk was even lower for patients with low post-treatment AFP level and FIB4 index (1 year: 0%; 3 years: 0.4%; 5 years: 2.5%). None of the patients with FIB4 indexes consistently below 1.45 developed HCC.The combined use of post-treatment AFP level and FIB4 index was useful for risk stratification of HCV-infected patients with non-SVR status after IFN therapy. These data may help clinicians to identify patients who most urgently need DAA treatment.

Interferon-free therapy with direct acting antivirals for HCV/HIV-1 co-infected Japanese patients with inherited bleeding disorders

Introduction

Almost 30 years ago, about 30% of Japanese hemophiliacs became infected with HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) after receiving contaminated blood products. While several studies have reported the high efficacy and safety of direct acting antivirals (DAA) in HIV-1 co-infected patients, such data are limited in hemophiliacs.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, open-label study involving 27 Japanese patients (median age; 45 years) with inherited bleeding disorders who were co-infected with HCV/HIV-1. Patients with HCV genotype 1 (GT1) and GT4 received ledipasvir (90 mg) plus sofosbuvir (400 mg), those with HCV GT2 received sofosbuvir plus weight-based ribavirin, and those with HCV GT3 received daclatasvir (60 mg) plus sofosbuvir. Treatment was continued for 12 weeks in all patients. The primary endpoints were rate of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after end of therapy (SVR12) and occurrence of adverse events during DAA therapy.

Results

Eighteen (67%) patients had had received interferon-based therapy, and 11 (41%) had compensated cirrhosis. HCV genotypes were GT1a 4 (15%), GT1b 16 (59%), GT1 undetermined 2 (7%), GT2a 1 (4%), GT3a 3 (11%) and GT4a 1 (4%). All patients were on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and had undetectable HIV-1 viral load (<20 copies/μL) at baseline. All patients achieved SVR12. Serious adverse events were observed in 3 patients: arteritis of the leg, which resolved after completion of DAA therapy, asymptomatic QT prolongation and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. cART failure was noted in one patient due to emergence of raltegravir resistance during ledipasvir/sofosbuvir treatment. Although α-fetoprotein, Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi), and Fibro Scan (FS) scores decreased in most patients during DAA therapy, M2BPGi (>2.0 cutoff index) and FS scores (>15.0 kPa) were still high in 6 patients at week 36.

Conclusions

DAA therapy is effective in all patients. However, adverse events and efficacy of cART should be monitored closely.

Cost-Utility of Elbasvir/Grazoprevir in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-utility of treatment with elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) regimens compared with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir ± ribavirin (3D ± RBV), and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype (GT) 1 infection.

METHODS

A Markov cohort state-transition model was constructed to evaluate the cost-utility of EBR/GZR ± RBV over a lifetime time horizon from the payer perspective. The target population was patients infected with chronic hepatitis C GT1 subtypes a or b (GT1a or GT1b), stratified by treatment history (treatment-naive [TN] or treatment-experienced), presence of cirrhosis, baseline hepatitis C virus RNA (< or ≥6 million IU/mL), and presence of NS5A resistance-associated variants. The primary outcome was incremental cost-utility ratio for EBR/GZR ± RBV versus available oral direct-acting antiviral agents. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model.

RESULTS

EBR/GZR ± RBV was economically dominant versus LDV/SOF in all patient populations. EBR/GZR ± RBV was also less costly than SOF/VEL and 3D ± RBV, but produced fewer quality-adjusted life-years in select populations. In the remaining populations, EBR/GZR ± RBV was economically dominant. One-way sensitivity analyses showed varying sustained virologic response rates across EBR/GZR ± RBV regimens, commonly impacted model conclusions when lower bound values were inserted, and at the upper bound resulted in dominance over SOF/VEL in GT1a cirrhotic and GT1b TN noncirrhotic patients. Results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that EBR/GZR ± RBV was cost-effective in more than 99% of iterations in GT1a and GT1b noncirrhotic patients and more than 69% of iterations in GT1b cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with other oral direct-acting antiviral agents, EBR/GZR ± RBV was the economically dominant regimen for treating GT1a noncirrhotic and GT1b TN cirrhotic patients, and was cost saving in all other populations.

Double- and Triple-Positive Tumor Markers Predict Early Recurrence and Poor Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma within the Milan Criteria and Child-Pugh Class A

The prognostic implications of the expression patterns of three tumor markers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), the Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), have been evaluated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From January 1994 to December 2014, 1182 consecutive patients underwent hepatic resection and surgical microwave ablation for HCC at our institution. This study analyzed 475 patients within the Milan criteria and Child-Pugh class A. Cumulative overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were analyzed relative to the number of positive tumor markers. OS and DFS at 5 years postoperatively were 85.3 and 44.2% in triple-negative patients, 79.4 and 48.0% in single-positive patients, 56.2 and 32.9% in double-positive patients, and 61.7 and 35.7% in triple-positive patients with statistical significance. OS in triple-negative or single-positive patients was 85.3%, and that in all double- or triple-positive patients was 58.0% (P < 0.0001); DFS at 5 years postoperatively in these two groups was 45.9 and 34.0%, respectively (P < 0.0013). Both double- and triple-positive tumor markers are associated with early recurrence and poor survival in HCC patients within the Milan criteria and Child-Pugh class A.

Impact of antiviral therapy on hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis C: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The long-term clinical outcomes of antiviral therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C are uncertain in terms of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related morbidity and mortality according to the response to antiviral therapy. This study aimed to assess the impact of antiviral treatment on the development of HCC and mortality in patients with chronic HCV infection.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for studies that evaluated the antiviral efficacy for patients with chronic hepatitis C or assessed the development of HCC or mortality between SVR (sustained virologic response) and non-SVR patients. The methodological quality of the enrolled publications was evaluated using Risk of Bias table or Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effect model meta-analyses and meta-regression were performed. Publication bias was assessed.

Results

In total, 59 studies (4 RCTs, 15 prospective and 40 retrospective cohort studies) were included. Antiviral treatment was associated with reduced development of HCC (vs. no treatment; OR 0.392, 95% CI 0.275–0.557), and this effect was intensified when SVR was achieved (vs. no SVR, OR: 0.203, 95% CI 0.164–0.251). Antiviral treatment was associated with lower all-cause mortality (vs. no treatment; OR 0.380, 95% CI 0.295–0.489) and liver-specific mortality (OR 0.363, 95% CI 0.260–0.508). This rate was also intensified when SVR was achieved [all-cause mortality (vs. no SVR, OR 0.255, 95% CI 0.199–0.326), liver-specific mortality (OR 0.126, 95% CI 0.094–0.169)]. Sensitivity analyses revealed robust results, and a small study effect was minimal.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic hepatitis C, antiviral therapy can reduce the development of HCC and mortality, especially when SVR is achieved.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-017-0606-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cost-effectiveness of elbasvir/grazoprevir use in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection and chronic kidney disease in the United States

Among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States, HCV infection causes significant morbidity and mortality and results in substantial healthcare costs. A once-daily oral regimen of elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) for 12 weeks was found to be a safe and efficacious treatment for HCV in patients with CKD. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of EBR/GZR in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced CKD patients compared with no treatment (NoTx) and pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (peg-IFN/RBV) using a computer-based model of the natural history of chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, CKD and liver disease. Data on baseline characteristics of the simulated patients were obtained from NHANES, 2000-2010. Model inputs were estimated from published studies. Cost of treatment with EBR/GZR and peg-INF/RBV were based on wholesale acquisition cost. All costs were from a third-party payer perspective and were expressed in 2015 U.S. dollars. We estimated lifetime incidence of liver-related complications, liver transplantation, kidney transplantation, end-stage live disease mortality and end-stage renal disease mortality; lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALY); and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR). The model predicted that EBR/GZR will significantly reduce the incidence of liver-related complications and prolong life in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection and CKD compared with NoTx or use of peg-IFN/RBV. EBR/GZR-based regimens resulted in higher average remaining QALYs and higher costs (11.5716, $191 242) compared with NoTx (8.9199, $156 236) or peg-INF/RBV (10.2857, $186 701). Peg-IFN/RBV is not cost-effective, and the ICUR of EBR/GZR compared with NoTx was $13 200/QALY. Treatment of a patient on haemodialysis with EBR/GZR resulted in a higher ICUR ($217 000/QALY). Assuming a threshold of $100 000 per QALY gained for cost-effectiveness, use of elbasvir/grazoprevir to treat an average patient with CKD can be considered cost-effective in the United States.

Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The HCC diagnosis is usually achieved by biomarkers, which can also help in prognosis prediction. Furthermore, it might represent certain therapeutic interventions through some combinations of biomarkers. Here, we review on our current understanding of HCC biomarkers.

The cost-effectiveness of testing for NS5a resistance-associated polymorphisms at baseline in genotype 1a-infected (treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced) subjects treated with all-oral elbasvir/grazoprevir regimens in the United States

BACKGROUND

The presence of baseline NS5A resistance-associated variants (RAVs) impacted treatment response in HCV genotype 1a (GT1a)-infected patients treated with elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) for 12 weeks, but not patients treated with EBR/GZR and ribavirin (RBV) for 16 weeks.

AIMS

To assess the cost-effectiveness of baseline testing for NS5A RAVs in EBR/GZR-treated patients compared without testing, and with current treatments for GT1a patients.

METHODS

We simulated the course of treatment with EBR/GZR, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir+dasabuvir (3D) with or without RBV and natural history of disease of GT1a patients. Treatment-related data from clinical trials were used in a state-transition model of the natural history of chronic HCV GT1a infection and liver disease to project lifetime costs (US$2015) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Other clinical and economic inputs were estimated from published sources. We conducted base case and sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

RAVs testing-guided treatment with EBR/GZR resulted in more QALYs than EBR/GZR without testing, 3D+RBV, or LDV/SOF8. This strategy was cost-saving relative to 3D+RBV or LDV/SOF8 and was cost-effective compared with EBR/GZR without testing. LDV/SOF12 was not cost-effective compared with the EBR/GZR RAVs testing-based strategy. Treatment with EBR/GZR guided by RAVs testing is the most effective regimen among treatment-experienced patients without cirrhosis and cirrhotic patients. In sensitivity analysis, RAVs testing was cost-effective in 48-55% and 63-85% among noncirrhotic and cirrhotic patients respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RAVs testing before treatment with EBR/GZR is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to the use of EBR/GZR without testing, LDV/SOF, or 3D among GT1a treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced patients.

Evaluation of alpha-fetoprotein as a screening marker for hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis prevalent areas

The objective of this study was to establish modified cutoff values of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) according to hepatitis status. While AFP is used as a serum marker in the diagnosis or monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its use as a screening method to the general population is controversial. We evaluated its screening performance in a hepatitis prevalent East Asian population, and suggest different cutoff values according to the individual's hepatitis status. We evaluated the performance of AFP as a screening test in 48,123 consecutive Koreans during the period from March, 2012 to August, 2013 who underwent routine health checks at a single institution. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated with fixed cutoff and with modified cutoffs according the individual's hepatitis status. A total of 24 out of 48,123 subject (0.05%) were newly diagnosed with HCC after screening. Among the 1,874 subject with positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), 17 (0.91%) developed HCC, compared with two out of 393 (0.51%) individuals with hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV). Five out of 45,855 (0.01%) subject with neither HBsAg nor anti-HCV developed HCC. Compared to the performance of a fixed cutoff, specificity, PPV, and NPV improved without sacrificing sensitivity when applying modified cutoff. In conclusion, our findings suggest that AFP with modified cutoffs according to the individual's hepatitis status might be a useful screening marker for HCC in hepatitis prevalent areas.

Daclatasvir and asunaprevir treatment improves liver function parameters and reduces liver fibrosis markers in chronic hepatitis C patients

AIM

Although interferon (IFN)-free antiviral therapy is expected to improve the treatment response for chronic hepatitis C, the effect on liver function and liver fibrosis is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the long-term follow up of liver function parameters and liver fibrosis markers in genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients treated with daclatasvir and asunaprevir.

METHODS

Thirty patients were treated with daclatasvir and asunaprevir for 24 weeks, and 26 patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR). We measured liver function parameters, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and albumin levels and liver fibrosis markers, hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen and Mac-2-binding protein (M2BPGi) before and after (median, 27 months; range, 17-47) completion of the treatment in SVR and non-SVR patients. We also measured serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels during the therapy and follow-up period.

RESULTS

Pretreatment serum ALT and albumin levels and liver fibrosis markers were similar between SVR and non-SVR patients. Twenty-seven months after treatment, serum ALT and albumin levels significantly improved only in SVR patients. Although there was no change in non-SVR patients, platelet count and serum liver fibrosis markers significantly improved in SVR patients. Serum AFP levels rapidly decreased during the treatment in both SVR and non-SVR patients, but the change was significant only in SVR patients.

CONCLUSION

Successful viral eradication by IFN-free daclatasvir and asunaprevir therapy could lead to improved liver function parameters and reduced liver fibrosis markers and AFP levels. This treatment has the potential to improve liver fibrosis and decrease the incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Dynamic α-fetoprotein, platelets and AST-to-platelet ratio index predict hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response after antiviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients who achieve viral eradication may still develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Little is known about the impact of dynamic change of serum markers on HCC development.

METHODS

We enrolled 1351 HCV-infected patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Laboratory data were collected at least 1 year after IFN-based therapy and to the latest follow-up. Data on α-fetoprotein (AFP) were obtained >6 months prior to HCC development to exclude HCC-related AFP elevation.

RESULTS

HCC developed in 49 patients. Risk factors for HCC in SVR patients were old age, liver cirrhosis, higher pre- and post-treatment AFP and high post-treatment AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). Patients with pre-AFP ≥15 ng/mL → post-AFP ≥15 ng/mL (at 1 year, 23.1%; 5 years, 42.3%) and pre-AFP <15 ng/mL → post-AFP ≥15 ng/mL (at 1 year, 25%; 5 years, 50%) had the highest risk of HCC development, followed by pre-AFP ≥15 ng/mL → post-AFP <15 ng/mL (at 1 year, 5.2%; 5 years, 7.6%) and pre-AFP <15 ng/mL → post-AFP ng/mL <15 ng/mL (at 1 year, 0.5%; 5 years, 0.9%) (P < 0.001). The pattern was similar for platelets and APRI (P < 0.001). SVR patients with pre-APRI ≥0.7 → post-APRI ≥0.7 had the highest risk of HCC development, followed by comparable risks among the other three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SVR patients with a persistently high AFP level (≥15 ng/mL) and a high APRI (≥0.7) before and after treatment had the highest incidence of HCC development. Patients with a reduction of AFP and APRI to the normal range after treatment had a markedly decreased risk of HCC. The risk was lowest for patients who kept persistently normal AFP and APRI before and after treatment.

Evaluation of Fucosylated Haptoglobin and Mac-2 Binding Protein as Serum Biomarkers to Estimate Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Fucosylated haptoglobin (Fuc-Hpt) and Mac-2 binding protein (Mac-2 bp) are identified as cancer biomarkers, based on the results from a glyco-proteomic analysis. Recently, we reported that these glyco-biomarkers were associated with liver fibrosis and/or ballooning hepatocytes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluated the ability of these glycoproteins to estimate liver fibrosis in 317 patients with chronic hepatitis C. We measured the serum Fuc-Hpt and Mac-2 bp levels using a lectin-antibody ELISA and ELISA, respectively. The serum levels of both Fuc-Hpt and Mac-2 bp increased with the progression of liver fibrosis. The multivariate analysis revealed that Mac-2 bp was an independent factor associated with moderate liver fibrosis (F ≥ 2). In contrast, Fuc-Hpt was an independent factor associated with advanced liver fibrosis (F ≥ 3). In terms of evaluating liver fibrosis, the serum levels of these glycomarkers were correlated with well-known liver fibrosis indexes, such as the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB4) index. An assay that combined the APRI or FIB4 index and the Fuc-Hpt or Mac-2 bp levels increased the AUC value for diagnosing hepatic fibrosis. Interestingly, the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was significantly higher in the patients with elevated serum levels of Fuc-Hpt and Mac-2 bp. In conclusion, both Fuc-Hpt and Mac-2 bp could be useful glyco-biomarkers of liver fibrosis and predictors of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Elevated serum α-fetoprotein levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4: not the end of the story

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) is not uncommonly seen among patients with chronic hepatitis C. This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics, histological characteristics, and biochemical markers associated with increased serum AFP levels in hepatitis C virus genotype 4-infected patients with no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and to determine the effect of lifestyle modification on these parameters.

METHODS

The study included 447 chronic hepatitis C patients with no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and 100 healthy controls. They underwent liver biopsies, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), measurement of serum insulin, leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and assessment of AFP levels. Eighty patients with HOMA-IR greater than 3 received prospective longitudinal lifestyle intervention.

RESULTS

In a multivariate analysis, platelet count less than 140×10/cm, a mean platelet volume of at least 9.5 fl, a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of at least 2, an aspartate transaminase level of at least 55 IU/l, a γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level of at least 40 IU/l, an albumin level of up to 3.8 g/dl, HOMA-IR greater than 3, a leptin level of at least 10 pg/ml, an iron level of at least 165 μg/dl, a ferritin level of at level 175 ng/ml, and hepatic fibrosis F3-F4 were found to be independently associated with elevated AFP levels. The lifestyle intervention significantly improved BMI, platelet indices, NLR, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, leptin, leptin/adiponectin ratio, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, HOMA-IR, and AFP levels.

CONCLUSION

Elevated insulin resistance, leptin, serum iron, ferritin, mean platelet volume, NLR, and advanced fibrosis, as well as decreased platelet count and serum albumin, are independently associated with an elevated AFP level. Lifestyle modification can improve (reduce) insulin resistance, leptin, leptin/adiponectin ratio, platelet count and their indices, NLR, and AFP level.

Significance of variants associated with resistance to NS5A inhibitors in Japanese patients with genotype 1b hepatitis C virus infection as evaluated using cycling-probe real-time PCR combined with direct sequencing

BACKGROUND

Dual oral therapy with daclatasvir plus asunaprevir yielded an SVR rate of 85% among patients with genotype 1b HCV. Treatment failure mainly occurred in patients with pre-existing HCV with NS5A-Y93H mutation. The significance of the mutation was evaluated.

METHODS

The percent of serum NS5A-Y93H strains relative to the total strains was quantified using cycling-probe real-time PCR combined with direct sequencing in 444 patients with genotype 1b HCV, and the factors associated with mutation were analyzed. The mutation rates during interferon therapy were measured sequentially.

RESULTS

NS5A-Y93H strains (1-100% of the total strains) were detected in 87 patients (19.6%). Mutant strains were detected more frequently among women than among men, in patients with a favorable allele in the IL28B-related gene SNP than among those with unfavorable alleles, and among patients without HCC and/or with serum AFP levels less than 6.0 ng/ml than among those with HCC and/or levels of 6.0 ng/ml or more. A multivariate analysis revealed that IL28B-related gene polymorphisms were significant factors associated with mutant strains. Although the frequency of patients with mutant strains was equivalent among patients depending on their previous interferon therapies, a sequential analysis during the interferon administrations revealed that the mutant strains disappeared earlier than the wild-type strains.

CONCLUSIONS

NS5A-Y93H mutation was associated with sex, serum AFP levels, and IL28B-related gene polymorphisms in patients infected with genotype 1b HCV. The indications for NS5A inhibitor use should be determined based on these factors, since mutant strains seem to be sensitive to interferon.

King's score as a novel prognostic model for patients with hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

King's score (KS) has been developed to predict the presence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver diseases. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the KS in hepatitis B-associated HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 319 hepatitis B-associated HCC patients. Preoperative data were collected to calculate the KS (age × aspartate aminotransferase × international normalized ratio/platelet count). The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), which was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Then, we carried out a multivariate Cox analysis to assess the independent significance of the KS. Additional analyses were carried out after patients were stratified on the basis of cirrhosis status and therapy methods to investigate the significance of KS in different subgroups.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 44 months, 199 (62.4%) patients died and 144 (45.1%) experienced recurrence. The cut-off value for the KS was determined to be 33.31 with 56.8% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity. Compared with patients with low KS, the high group showed a higher probability of cirrhosis and worse Child-Pugh class (both P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified older age, tumor size 5 or more, palliative therapy, high Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, and high KS as significant factors for predicting poor OS and DFS. A combination of the KS and tumor size showed better discrimination ability for survival than Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage.

CONCLUSION

The KS is an effective index for predicting OS and DFS in hepatitis B-associated HCC. Larger cohorts are needed to validate our finding.

Utility of the FIB-4 Index for hepatocarcinogenesis in hepatitis C virus carriers with normal alanine aminotransferase levels

The FIB-4 index is a simple formula using age, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and platelet count to evaluate liver fibrosis. We investigated the ability of the FIB-4 index for hepatocarcinogenesis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with normal ALT levels. A total of 516 patients with ALT levels persistently at or below 40 IU/L during an observation period of over 3 years were included. Factors associated with the development of HCC were determined. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 60 of 516 patients (11.6%). The incidence rate of HCC at 5 and 10 years was 2.6% and 17.6%, respectively. When patients were categorized according to the FIB-4 index as ≤ 2.0 (n = 226), >2.0 and ≤ 4.0 (n = 169), and > 4.0 (n = 121), the cumulative incidence of HCC at 5 years was 0.5%, 1.3% and 8.0%, respectively, and 2.8%, 25.6% and 37.1% at 10 years, respectively. Patients with FIB-4 index >4.0 were at the highest risk (P < 0.001). Factors that were significantly associated with HCC in the multivariate analysis were FIB-4 index >2.0 (hazard ratio (HR), 7.690), FIB-4 index >4.0 (HR, 8.991), α-fetoprotein (AFP) >5 ng/mL (HR, 2.742), AFP >10 ng/mL (HR, 4.915) and total bilirubin >1.2 mg/dL (HR, 2.142). A scoring system for hepatocarcinogenesis that combines the FIB-4 index and AFP predicted patient outcomes with excellent discriminative ability. The FIB-4 index is strongly associated with the risk of HCC in HCV carriers with normal ALT levels.

Serum Wisteria Floribunda Agglutinin-Positive Mac-2 Binding Protein Values Predict the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C after Sustained Virological Response

Measurement of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2 binding protein (WFA+-M2BP) in serum was recently shown to be a noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of serum WFA+-M2BP values to predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) by interferon treatment. For this purpose, we retrospectively analyzed 238 patients with SVR who were treated with interferon in our department. Serum WFA+-M2BP values were measured at pre-treatment (pre-Tx), post-treatment (24 weeks after completion of interferon; post-Tx), the time of HCC diagnosis, and the last clinical visit. Of 238 patients with SVR, HCC developed in 16 (6.8%) patients. The average follow-up period was 9.1 years. The cumulative incidence of HCC was 3.4% at 5 years and 7.5% at 10 years. The median pre-Tx and post-Tx WFA+-M2BP values were 1.69 (range: 0.28 to 12.04 cutoff index (COI)) and 0.80 (range: 0.17 to 5.29 COI), respectively. The WFA+-M2BP values decreased significantly after SVR (P < 0.001). The median post-Tx WFA+-M2BP value in patients who developed HCC was significantly higher than that in patients who did not (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis disclosed that age (> 60 years), sex (male), pre-Tx platelet count (< 15.0×10(3)/μL), and post-Tx WFA+-M2BP (> 2.0 COI) were associated with the development of HCC after SVR. Conclusion: Post-Tx WFA+-M2BP (> 2.0 COI) is associated with the risk for development of HCC among patients with SVR. The WFA+-M2BP values could be a new predictor for HCC after SVR.

Boceprevir for Chronic Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus in the Current Health Care Setting in Greece: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis

PURPOSE

Boceprevir, as an add-on to the standard of care (SOC) for chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (G1 HCV), pegylated interferon + ribavirin for 48 weeks (PEG + RBV), has been reported to have a clinical profile superior to that of SOC alone. The objective of the present study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of triple therapy with PEG + RBV + boceprevir to that of SOC in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with G1 HCV in Greece.

METHODS

A Markov model that simulated the quality-adjusted life expectancy and corresponding costs of treating G1 HCV infection provided the basis of the analysis. Treatment strategies under consideration were those in the Phase III boceprevir trials: (1) boceprevir response-guided therapy (shortened treatment duration for early responders); (2) fixed-duration (4-week) SOC plus 44 weeks of triple therapy; and (3) 48-week SOC. Efficacy data and the baseline characteristics of the study population were based on data from the SPRINT-2 (Serine Protease Inhibitor Therapy 2) and RESPOND-2 (Retreatment with HCV Serine Protease Inhibitor Boceprevir and PegIntron/Rebetol 2) clinical trials. Health care resource utilization and costs reflect the local clinical setting, with a 3% discount per annum, and were assessed from a third-party payer perspective.

FINDINGS

Triple therapy was projected to reduce liver complications (eg, decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, need for liver transplantation, and liver-related death) by 44% to 45% and 49% to 53% in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, respectively, over a lifetime horizon, leading to corresponding gains of 0.87 and 1.25 quality-adjusted life-years gained per patient. Taking into account the costs of medications, treatment, and outcomes management, the estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of triple therapy versus SOC were €10,003 and €10,852 per quality-adjusted life-years gained in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients. Extensive sensitivity analyses suggested that the findings were robust over a wide range of inputs.

IMPLICATIONS

Based on the findings from the present analysis, the addition of boceprevir to PEG + RBV for the treatment of patients with G1 HCV may be a cost-effective alternative in the health care setting in Greece.

Direct-acting antiviral-based triple therapy on alpha-fetoprotein level in chronic hepatitis C patients

AIM: To investigate the impact of telaprevir-based triple therapy on the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of chronic hepatitis C patients.

METHODS: A total of 210 patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 of high viral load (baseline serum hepatitis C virus RNA > 5.0 log₁₀ IU/mL) were divided into two groups by type of treatment: triple therapy with telaprevir, pegylated-interferon-α (PEG-IFNα), and ribavirin (RBV) for 24 wk (n = 88), or dual therapy with PEG-IFNα and RBV for 48 wk (n = 122). The relationship between virological response and the change in the serum AFP level from baseline to 24 wk after the end of treatment was examined.

RESULTS: No significant difference in mean baseline AFP level was found between the triple and dual therapy groups (8.8 ng/mL vs 7.8 ng/mL). Triple therapy produced significant declines in the AFP level in sustained virological response (SVR) and non-SVR patients (7.8 ng/mL at baseline to 3.5 ng/mL at 24 wk after the end of treatment, P < 0.001 and 14.3 ng/mL to 9.5 ng/mL, P = 0.004, respectively). In contrast, dual therapy resulted in a significant decline in AFP level only in SVR patients (4.7 ng/mL to 2.8 ng/mL, P < 0.001), but not in non-SVR patients (10.2 ng/mL to 10.1 ng/mL). Among patients with a high-baseline AFP level (≥ 10 ng/mL), the decline in the AFP level was significantly higher in the triple therapy than in the dual therapy group (15.9 ng/mL vs 1.6 ng/mL, P = 0.037).

CONCLUSION: Regardless of virological response, telaprevir-based triple therapy reduced the serum AFP level.

Tumor Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Simple and Significant Predictors of Outcome in Patients with HCC

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of tumor markers in evaluating outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be clarified.

SUMMARY

The usefulness of the HCC tumor markers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) was reviewed. Elevations in these tumor markers at the time of HCC diagnosis correlate with disease progression as assessed by both imaging studies and pathologic examinations. The combination of these three tumor markers results in good predictive ability for patient survival after diagnosis. In addition, combination at the time of HCC diagnosis of these three tumor markers (as a measure of tumor progression) and serum albumin and bilirubin levels (as indicators of remnant liver function) can be used for HCC staging and further predicts prognosis in patients with HCC.

KEY MESSAGE

The prognosis of patients with HCC can be well discriminated based solely on serum markers. Staging of HCC with serum markers is objective; if stored serum samples are available, HCC stages can be standardized across different countries and time periods.

Long-term follow-up of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon-alpha: risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a single center over 10 years

OBJECTIVES

Interferon (IFN)-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is cost-effective and is associated with reduced risk of disease progression. We aimed to assess the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify risk factors associated with disease progression.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 280 CHC patients who were registered at our hospital between 2001 and 2010.

RESULTS

About 80% of patients received antiviral treatment. The 10-year cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was significantly lower among patients who received antiviral therapy than among those who did not (8.3 vs. 44.0%; p = 0.001). Among them, patients with sustained virological response (SVR) had a significantly lower incidence of cirrhosis than those without SVR (0.6 vs. 33.9%; p < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression showed that SVR was the significant independent factor for reducing the risk of cirrhosis (hazard ratio, HR = 0.03; p = 0.034). The 10-year cumulative incidence of HCC was higher among patients who did not receive antiviral therapy than among those who did (43.9 vs. 6.1%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that underlying cirrhosis was the only independent risk factor associated with HCC development (HR = 7.70; p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

SVR secondary to IFN-based therapy could reduce cirrhosis development in CHC patients. Underlying cirrhosis was the strongest predictor of HCC development.

Suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma development in hepatitis C patients given interferon-based antiviral therapy

The advance of antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C has brought a high sustained virological response (SVR) rate. In this review article, the suppressive effect of interferon (IFN)-based therapy on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), risk factors for developing HCC and the characteristics of HCC development after SVR among chronic hepatitis C patients given IFN-based therapy were studied. The HCC incidence has been revealed to decrease with IFN-based antiviral therapy, especially in SVR, and the risk factors for developing HCC were older age, advanced liver fibrosis and male sex. α-Fetoprotein levels at 24 weeks after the end of IFN-based treatment was associated strongly with HCC incidence irrespective of virological response. In patients with SVR, other risk factors were glucose metabolism disorders, lipid metabolism disorders and alcohol intake. Extra attention to the possibility of HCC incidence should be required for these SVR patients. Antiviral therapy with a combination of HCV-specific direct-acting antivirals (DAA) is expected to be utilized in the future. However, it is not known whether DAA-based treatment can suppress HCC to the level of IFN-based treatment. Further research is required to clarify this.

The prognostic values of 12 cirrhosis-relative noninvasive models in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinogenesis is associated with the progression of cirrhosis, and the latter further aggravates tumor development and prognosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic values of 12 cirrhosis-relative noninvasive models in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 363 HCC patients who either underwent partial hepatectomy (PH) or received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TCAE). Preoperative data were collected to calculate these indices using the original formulas. Diagnostic accuracy of these models in detection of cirrhosis was evaluated by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess the independent prognostic significance of the 12 indicators.

RESULTS

Aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Goteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI) were found to be significant in discriminating cirrhotic patients from non-cirrhotic individuals. When the indices were expressed as continuous variables, multivariate analyses indicated that APRI and GUCI were independent indices to predict overall survival in patients underwent PH, with a hazard ratio (HR) value 1.04 (p = 0.005) and 1.07 (p = 0.001), respectively. In the cohort of TACE, APRI and GUCI were independently associated with survival as well.

CONCLUSION

Of the 12 indices, APRI and GUCI were relatively accurate predictors of cirrhosis status as well as outcome of HCC. As only a limited study population was enrolled in the current study, larger cohorts are needed to validate our results.

Hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C patients achieving a sustained virological response to interferon: significance of lifelong periodic cancer screening for improving outcomes

BACKGROUND

Due to advances in interferon (IFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis C, most elderly patients, and even many of those with advanced hepatic fibrosis, now achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). However, carcinogenesis remains problematic in these patients. Hence, we aimed to elucidate risk factors for hepatocarcinogenesis in SVR patients and to present an appropriate follow-up protocol for improving outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 562 consecutive SVR patients for a median observation period of 4.8 years.

RESULTS

Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in 31 patients (5.5%). Respective cumulative incidences were 3.1, 10.1, and 15.9% at 5, 10, and 15 years after completion of IFN therapy. The proportional hazards model identified moderate or advanced fibrosis stage, advanced age, habitual alcohol consumption, and alpha-fetoprotein elevation as determinants of carcinogenesis, with hazard ratios of 10.7 (p < 0.001), 4.1 (p < 0.01), 3.9 (p < 0.01), and 2.6 (p < 0.05), respectively. Carcinoma was diagnosed in 26% of patients more than 10 years after completion of IFN therapy. Unexpectedly, F2 fibrosis was detected in 42% of these patients. The 5-year survival rate was 93% in the patients who had received periodic cancer screening but only 60% in those who had not.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that SVR patients be observed at 6-month intervals, at a minimum, to facilitate diagnosis at an early stage, for as long as possible after completion of therapy even if not at an advanced stage of fibrosis.

Elevated serum levels of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2 binding protein predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C patients

The Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2-binding protein (WFA+-M2BP) was recently shown to be a liver fibrosis glycobiomarker with a unique fibrosis-related glycoalteration. We evaluated the ability of WFA+-M2BP to predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who were infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 707 patients who had been admitted to our hospital with chronic HCV infection without other potential risk factors were evaluated to determine the ability of WFA+-M2BP to predict the development of HCC; factors evaluated included age, sex, viral load, genotypes, fibrosis stage, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, bilirubin, albumin, platelet count, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), WFA+-M2BP, and the response to interferon (IFN) therapy. Serum WFA+-M2BP levels were significantly increased according to the progression of liver fibrosis stage (P<0.001). In each distinctive stage of fibrosis (F0-F1, F2, F3, and F4), the risk of development of HCC was increased according to the elevation of WFA+-M2BP. Multivariate analysis identified age>57 years, F4, AFP>20 ng/mL, WFA+-M2BP ≥4, and WFA+-M2BP 1-4 as well as the response to IFN (no therapy vs. sustained virological response) as independent risk factors for the development of HCC. The time-dependent areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the WFA+-M2BP assay predicted the development of HCC with higher diagnostic accuracy than AFP.

CONCLUSION

WFA+-M2BP can be applied as a useful surrogate marker for the risk of HCC development, in addition to liver biopsy.

Diagnostic value of alpha-fetoprotein-L3 and Golgi protein 73 in hepatocellular carcinomas with low AFP levels

This study aimed to investigate the clinical values of serum alpha-fetoprotein-L3 (AFP-L3) and Golgi protein 73 (GP73) in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with low alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). From January 2011 to December 2013, 50 low-AFP HCC patients confirmed by the color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and pathological examinations were collected. Forty-five patients with chronic liver diseases were also selected, including 29 liver cirrhosis patients, 15 chronic hepatitis B patients, and one severe hepatitis patient. Furthermore, 100 health volunteers with no evidence of benign or malignant liver diseases were included. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was applied to the GP73 quantitative assay. Serum AFP concentrations were determined using immunoassays utilizing enhanced chemiluminescence. Diagnostic accuracy of GP73 and AFP-L3 assays for low-AFP HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted with the GraphPad Prism 5.0 software. Low-AFP HCC patients (35/50) exhibited higher positive rates of AFP-L3 than non-HCC patients (5/45) and healthy controls (2/100) (both P < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the positive rate of GP73 of low-AFP HCC patients (40/50) compared to those of non-HCC patients (3/45) and healthy controls (1/100) (both P < 0.05). However, no obvious differences in the positive rates of AFP-L3 and GP73 were observed between non-HCC patients and healthy controls (both P > 0.05). ROC curves showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of AFP-L3 for the diagnosis of low-AFP HCC was 0.6994 (sensitivity [Sen] = 70.0 %, specificity [Spe] = 95.2 %, accuracy = 88.7 %), while the AUC of GP73 was 0.8411 (Sen = 80.0 %, Spe = 97.2 %, accuracy = 92.8 %). Compared with single detection, the combination of AFP-L3 and GP73 levels for the diagnosis of low-AFP HCC showed higher Sen (94.0 %), Spe (93.1 %), and better accuracy (93.3 %). Our findings provide empirical evidence that the combination of AFP-L3 and GP73 is a good diagnostic strategy for low-AFP HCC.

Cost-effectiveness of boceprevir co-administration versus pegylated interferon-α2b and ribavirin only for patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 in Singapore

BACKGROUND

Patients infected with chronic HCV genotype 1 experience liver complications as the disease progresses. This study aims to project the long-term reduction of liver complications and cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies, including co-administrating boceprevir (BOC) with pegylated interferon-α2b (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin compared with standard of care (SOC) of PEG-IFN and ribavirin only.

METHODS

A Markov model was created to estimate the expected costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with treatment strategies outlined in the BOC package insert in Singapore. Patient characteristics were from pivotal trials, the transition probabilities and QALYs were estimated from publications, and the pharmaceutical and health status costs were obtained from a public hospital in Singapore. The threshold of cost-effectiveness was chosen as 65,000 SGD for this study.

RESULTS

For treatment-naive patients, BOC is highly cost-effective compared with SOC (179 SGD/QALY) and cost-saving for patients who have failed prior treatment, due to higher QALYs from better sustained virological response (SVR) and lower costs from avoidance of complications. Sub-group analyses show that BOC is cost-effective for non-cirrhotic treatment-experienced patients and null responders. It out-performs SOC for treatment-naive non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients who have failed prior treatment. Even after adjusting for higher prevalence of favourable IL28B genotype in Asians, BOC is cost-effective compared with SOC. Only untreated cirrhotic patients showed inconclusive cost-effectiveness for BOC.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with SOC, BOC prevents more HCV liver complications from HCV genotype 1, particularly in patients who have failed previous SOC. Improved SVR and shortened duration of treatment result in BOC being potentially cost-saving or cost-effective in an Asian population.

α-Fetoprotein is a surrogate marker for predicting treatment failure in telaprevir-based triple combination therapy for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C Japanese patients with the IL28B minor genotype

Even when treated with telaprevir-based triple therapy, some patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response. This study identified factors related closely to treatment failure. A total of 146 Japanese genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter study and received a 24-week regimen of triple therapy. The end-of-treatment response rate was significantly lower in patients with the interleukin 28B (IL28B) (rs8099917) non-TT genotype (85.2%) than in those with the TT genotype (100%, P = 0.0002). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified high α-fetoprotein levels as an independent factor related to non-end-of-treatment response in patients with the non-TT genotype. A cut-off value of 20 ng/ml was determined for a non-end-of-treatment response; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 75.0%, 95.7%, 75.0%, 75.0%, and 92.6%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis for a sustained virological response identified the IL28B TT genotype, low α-fetoprotein levels, non-responders, and a rapid virological response. The sustained virological response rate was significantly lower in patients with the non-TT genotype (59.3%) than in those with the TT genotype (96.7%, P < 0.0001). In patients with the non-TT genotype, α-fetoprotein was the most significant predictor for non-sustained virological response by univariate analysis. A cut-off value of 7.4 ng/ml α-fetoprotein was determined for non-sustained virological response; sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 63.6%, 87.5%, 77.8%, 77.8%, and 77.8%, respectively. For the non-TT patients, serum α-fetoprotein levels may be a surrogate marker for predicting treatment failure in telaprevir-based therapy for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C.

α-fetoprotein levels after interferon therapy and risk of hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C

The effects of interferon (IFN) treatment and the post-IFN treatment α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels on risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are unknown. To determine the relationship between AFP and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and HCC risk, a cohort consisting of 1,818 patients histologically proven to have CHC treated with IFN were studied. Cumulative incidence and HCC risk were analyzed over a mean follow-up period of 6.1 years using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard analysis. HCC developed in 179 study subjects. According to multivariate analysis, older age, male gender, advanced fibrosis, severe steatosis, lower serum albumin levels, non sustained virological response (non-SVR), and higher post-IFN treatment ALT or AFP levels were identified as independent factors significantly associated with HCC development. Cutoff values for ALT and AFP for prediction of future HCC were determined as 40 IU/L and 6.0 ng/mL, respectively, and negative predictive values of these cutoffs were high at 0.960 in each value. The cumulative incidence of HCC was significantly lower in patients whose post-IFN treatment ALT and AFP levels were suppressed to less than the cutoff values even in non-SVR patients. This suppressive effect was also found in patients whose post-IFN treatment ALT and AFP levels were reduced to less than the cutoff values despite abnormal pretreatment levels.

CONCLUSION

Post-IFN treatment ALT and AFP levels are significantly associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Measurement of these values is useful for predicting future HCC risk after IFN treatment. Suppression of these values after IFN therapy reduces HCC risk even in patients without HCV eradication.

Frequency of elevated biomarkers in patients with cryptogenic hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to increase in Japan, but the clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with HCC have not been well described. The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies and utilities of elevated α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels as biomarkers in cryptogenic HCC.

Material/Methods

A total of 2638 patients with HCC diagnosed between 1999 and 2010 in the Nagasaki Association Study of Liver (NASLD) were recruited for this study. The cause of HCC was categorized into 4 groups; HCC-B, HCC-C, HCC-BC, and HCC-nonBC. The significance of factors was examined for HCC-nonBC using logistic regression analysis in all patients.

Results

Multivariate analysis identified age, sex, BMI, alcohol consumption, platelet count, AST, ALT, AFP, DCP, and TNM stage as independent and significant risk factors for HCC-nonBC. According to TNM stage, the median AFP levels in HCC-nonBC with TNM stages I, II, and III were significantly lower than in either HCC-B or HCC-C. In TNM stage IV, the median AFP level in HCC-nonBC was significantly lower than in either HCC-B or HCC-BC. The median DCP levels in HCC-nonBC with TNM stages I and II were significantly higher than those in either HCC-B or HCC-C. In TNM stage III, the median DCP level in HCC-nonBC was significantly higher than that in HCC-C.

Conclusions

DCP was more sensitive than AFP for the diagnosis of early stage cryptogenic HCC. DCP should be used as the main serum test for cryptogenic HCC detection.

Cost-effectiveness of boceprevir in patients previously treated for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in the United States

OBJECTIVES

The phase 3 trial, Serine Protease Inhibitor Boceprevir and PegIntron/Rebetol-2 (RESPOND-2), demonstrated that the addition of boceprevir (BOC) to peginterferon-ribavirin (PR) resulted in significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) in previously treated patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype-1 infection as compared with PR alone. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of treatment with BOC in previously treated patients with chronic hepatitis C in the United States using treatment-related data from RESPOND-2 and PROVIDE studies.

METHODS

We developed a Markov cohort model to project the burden of HCV disease, lifetime costs, and quality-adjusted life-years associated with PR and two BOC-based therapies-response-guided therapy (BOC/RGT) and fixed-duration therapy for 48 weeks (BOC/PR48). We estimated treatment-related inputs (efficacy, adverse events, and discontinuations) from clinical trials and obtained disease progression rates, costs, and quality-of-life data from published studies. We estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for BOC-based regimens as studied in RESPOND-2, as well as by patient's prior response to treatment and the IL-28B genotype.

RESULTS

BOC-based regimens were projected to reduce the lifetime incidence of liver-related complications by 43% to 53% in comparison with treatment with PR. The ICER of BOC/RGT in comparison with that of PR was $30,200, and the ICER of BOC/PR48 in comparison with that of BOC/RGT was $91,500. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000, the probabilities of BOC/RGT and BOC/PR48 being the preferred option were 0.74 and 0.25, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients previously treated for chronic HCV genotype-1 infection, BOC was projected to increase quality-adjusted life-years and reduce the lifetime incidence of liver complications. In addition, BOC-based therapies were projected to be cost-effective in comparison with PR alone at commonly used willingness-to-pay thresholds.

Recent topics on α-fetoprotein

Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) and zinc-finger and BTB domain containing 20 (ZBTB20) repress the postnatal expression of α-fetoprotein (AFP) by interacting with the AFP gene promoter regions. ZHX2 inhibits the expression of AFP and cyclins A and E. ZBTB20 is negatively regulated by CUX1, which promotes cell-cycle progression, suggesting that AFP reactivation is closely linked to hepatocyte proliferation. A slight elevation in the serum AFP level often occurs in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the absence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is an independent risk factor for HCC development to complement the fibrosis stage. In addition, the sustained elevation of AFP after interferon therapy is a risk factor of HCC development. AFP levels are clinically useful in predicting the outcomes of liver transplantation and sorafenib therapy for HCC patients. A low preoperative AFP level is a predictor of long-term survival and is associated with a low recurrence rate of HCC after liver transplantation. AFP response (≥20% decrease in AFP during 6-8 weeks of treatment) rather than radiological outcomes is a significant prognostic factor for survival in sorafenib-treated HCC patients. Highly sensitive Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP (AFP-L3) is 5-10 times more sensitive than conventional AFP-L3, and useful for early detection of HCC in patients with total AFP below 20 ng/mL.