Benefit of Antiviral Therapy for HBV-Related HCC with Undetectable HBV DNA Is Still Dubious

Excerpt

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as it can lead to the development of HCC even in the absence of cirrhosis [1]. In the development of HCC, treatment for HBV will depend on the stage of the disease. Most patients will require antiviral therapy (AVT) as they have underlying cirrhosis. Management strategies for HCC are associated with the reactivation of HBV, which can lead to liver decompensation. Hence, the APASL guideline recommends starting AVT 1–2 weeks prior, during, and after locoregional therapies, resection, or LT in case of HBV-related HCC with detectable HBV DNA levels [2]. However, for HBV-related HCC patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA levels, limited data exist on the incidence and risk factors for HBV reactivation. …