Interferon for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

This chapter discusses the use of interferon (IFN) for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interferon has been considered for the primary and secondary prevention of HCC in patients with chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Recognition of the risk factors for HCC makes possible the specific health interventions in the populations at risk. A careful assessment of the risk factors should be made when studying IFN-treated and untreated cohorts of patients or when designing and analyzing randomized controlled trials of IFN. IFN administered in patients with chronic HBV infection can reduce the viral load and result in conversion to antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe), reflecting the elimination of active viral replication. Pharmacologic approaches that are used under investigational protocols for the prevention of recurrence of HCC after the treatment include retinoids, selective radiation by injection of lipiodol-I131, adaptive immunotherapy, and IFN. The antiproliferative effects of IFN prompted its evaluation in treating several neoplasms, including HCC.