— Christine M. Kukka, Project Manager, HBV Advocate
Researchers know antivirals, which meddle with the virus' genetics to stop it from reproducing, lower viral load, but how effective are they in preventing liver cancer and prolonging the lives of hepatitis B patients?
Researchers compared cancer and survival rates in 135 patients treated with antivirals and 135 untreated patients over several years and found that survival was "significantly improved in those who received (antiviral) therapy compared with those who did not," according to the report published in the November issue of the Journal of Gastroenterology.
About 40% of all patients died from non-liver-related diseases. However, among patients who required antiviral therapy, "antiviral therapy improved survival and mortality from liver cancer."
Labels: antivirals and HCC, survival rates
