Impact of interferon-alpha therapy on the serum level of alpha-fetoprotein in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

PURPOSE

Assessment of the long-term effect of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment on the serum level of hepatocarcinogenesis marker--alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), in patients (pts) with chronic viral hepatitis (c.v.h.) type B and C.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty seven pts (21 with HCV and 16 with HBV infection; 20 women, 17 men, aged 24-62) were included in the study. The pts were administered IFN-alpha in the dose of 9-15 MU per week, thrice weekly, for 16 weeks (HBV group) and 24-52 weeks (HCV group). The effectiveness of IFN-alpha treatment was evaluated on the basis of the HBV DNA and HCV RNA level in the blood. The serum AFP values were determined before and 4-7 years after IFN-alpha treatment.

RESULTS

The baseline serum AFP level was increased in 26 out of 37 pts (70%) (14/21 from HCV group; 12/16 from HBV group). After the 4-7 years' follow-up it remained elevated only in 2 out of 37 pts (5%). AFP values significantly decreased after IFN-alpha treatment (17.58 +/- 19.09 IU/ml vs 7.95 +/- 21.78 IU/ml; p < 0.05; normal range 0-5 IU/ml) in both HBV and HCV, responder and non-responder groups.

CONCLUSIONS

IFN-alpha therapy significantly decreases the serum AFP level in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C. Its beneficial clinical effects have been observed both in responders and in non-responders. It could diminish the risk of liver carcinogenesis, however further studies are required to elucidate this issue.