Direct-acting antivirals lower mortality and recurrence in HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma post liver resection: A multicenter international study.

Background: The impact of treatment on hepatitis C virus with direct-acting antivirals on 90-day postoperative outcomes, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival in patients after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study. Adults who underwent liver resection for hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2000 and December 2018 were included from 7 international institutions. Groups included direct-acting antiviral treated, non-direct-acting antiviral treated, and untreated hepatitis C virus infection. We used a multivariable model to evaluate the association between receipt of preoperative direct-acting antivirals and 90-day postoperative major complications (Clavien-Dindo class ≥III).

Results: We identified 738 patients, including 206 (28%) direct-acting antiviral treated, 241 (33%) non-direct-acting antiviral treated, and 291 (39%) untreated patients. The sustained virologic response rate was 92% in the direct-acting antiviral and 71% in the non-direct-acting antiviral treatment groups. The median follow-up was 7.6 years (95% confidence interval 6.1, 8.6) after surgery for the entire cohort. Patients who received direct-acting antiviral therapy had better 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival than those without antiviral therapy (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.26 [0.19, 0.35] and 0.52 [0.43, 0.64], respectively). Patients who received direct-acting antiviral therapy had better 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival than those who received non-direct-acting antiviral therapy (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.49 [0.36, 0.66] and 0.78 [0.63, 0.96], respectively). There was no significant association between preoperative direct-acting antiviral therapy and 90-day postoperative major complications (adjusted odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.08, 1.01).

Conclusion: Direct-acting antiviral therapy is associated with improved 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival, without significantly increased risk of 90-day postoperative complications, in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.