Changes in Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Direct-Acting Antiviral Drugs (DAAs)-Treated Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Patients.

Background There is ongoing debate regarding the impact of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) on the occurrence of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in the development and angiogenesis of HCC. Aim This study aims to evaluate dynamic changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels at different point times during and after treatment of HCV to evaluate the risk of de novo HCC in DAAs-treated HCV patients. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted on 60 HCV-infected patients; 30 patients had early fibrosis (F1-F2) and 30 patients had advanced fibrosis (F3-F4). HCV-RNA, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis-4 index scores, liver function tests, serum VEGF, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and abdominal ultrasound were done at baseline, 4 weeks after starting treatment, at the end of treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment. Results VEGF was significantly decreased after completion of treatment (78.94± 10.03) compared to its baseline level (103.17 ± 33.89 pg/ml). Conclusion No de-novo hepatic focal lesion was detected during and up to 12 weeks after completion of treatment. The treatment of HCV by DAAs was associated with a significant decrease in VEGF and AFP levels and an improvement in liver enzymes and fibrosis scores.