Lymphoblastoid alpha-interferon in the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk HbsAg-positive resected cirrhotic HCC cases: a 14-year follow-up.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is also a common long-term complication of chronic hepatitis B or C infections, with cirrhosis as a risk factor for premalignant development. Natural lymphoblastoid alpha-interferon (alpha N1-IFN) has been widely used in treating chronic HBV and HCV carriers. To investigate its long-term beneficial effect in reducing the development of HCC, 20 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive resected cirrhotic HCC patients who have undergone chemotherapy followed by long-term treatment of 3MU alpha N1-IFN daily for 10 days every 3 months were analyzed in a 14 year follow-up. Results indicated that these patients survived and remained free of HCC. In contrast, 10 other patients receiving chemotherapy alone after resection eventually had HCC recur. Similar recurrence of HCC was seen in patients who had either reduced dosage of alpha N1-IFN or stopped interferon therapy or received 30MU dose at 6-month intervals. Our findings indicate the therapeutic potential and long-term safety of alpha N1-IFN in suppressing the development of HCC in high-risk patients.