Comparison between phlebotomy and IFN-based therapy in hepatitis C patients aged 70 years or older: hepatocarcinogenesis and overall survival, multicenter study

Abstract

In this retrospective multicenter study, we compared the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), survival rate, and tolerability between chronic hepatitis C patients aged 70 years or older receiving phlebotomy (n=48) or IFN-based therapy (n=161). Among the phlebotomy group, 18 patients (38%) showed BR (biochemical response), and, among the IFN group, 74 and 47 patients showed SVR (sustained viral response) and BR, respectively. According to the response to hepatitis therapy, HCC patients with SVR had shown significantly stronger inhibitory effects against carcinogenesis. The higher post-treatment AFP levels was identified as independent factor significantly associated with liver-related mortality (p<0.01). AFP levels decreased significantly after treatment in patients with SVR and BR induced by IFN-based therapy. Based on these results, it is strongly recommended to adopt IFN-based therapy for hepatitis C patients, including those aged 70 years or older.