Characteristics and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma detected in patients with chronic hepatitis C after the eradication of hepatitis C virus: A multicenter study from Japan

Aim We investigated the characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed after sustained virological response (SVR) to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, namely, the eradication of HCV, according to surveillance status after SVR. Methods In this multicenter study, liver function at HCC diagnosis and progression of HCC among patients with HCC diagnosed after SVR were compared. Outcomes were also investigated. Results In patients not under surveillance after SVR, HCC was significantly more advanced at diagnosis, with tumors that were larger in size and of higher stage than in patients who continued under surveillance after SVR. Survival rates were significantly lower in patients not under surveillance (P