RT Journal
A1 Chan AY, Chok KH, Yuen W, et al
T1 IMpact of antiviral therapy on the survival of patients after major hepatectomy for hepatitis b virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2011
FD June 1
VO 146
IS 6
SP 675
OP 681
DO 10.1001/archsurg.2011.125
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2011.125
AB Objectives 
    To assess whether commencement of antiviral therapy after hepatectomy improves the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in preoperatively antiviral-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.Design 
    Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database.Setting 
    University teaching hospital.Main Outcome Measures 
    Disease-free and overall survival rates.Results 
    One hundred thirty-six patients received major hepatectomy for HBV-related HCC from September 1, 2003, through December 31, 2007. Among them, 42 patients received antiviral therapy (treatment group) after hepatectomy, whereas 94 did not (control group). Patient demographics, preoperative liver function, tumor characteristics, and liver function at the time of tumor recurrence were comparable between the 2 groups. Disease-free and overall survival rates were significantly prolonged in the treatment group. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates in the treatment group were 88.1%, 79.1%, and 71.2%, respectively; in the control group, 76.5%, 47.5%, and 43.5%, respectively (P = .005). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates in the treatment group were 66.5%, 51.4%, and 51.4%, respectively; in the control group, 48.9%, 33.8%, and 33.8%, respectively (P = .05). Subgroup analysis stratified against tumor stage and major vascular invasion showed that posthepatectomy antiviral treatment conferred a significant survival benefit in stages I and II tumors or HCCs without major venous invasion.Conclusions 
    Antiviral therapy improves the prognosis of HBV-related HCC. It should be considered after hepatectomy for HBV-related HCC, especially in early-stage tumors.