People treated for hepatitis C virus (HCV) who have had liver cancer have a high chance the cancer will recur. Italian researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of the records of 344 individuals with hep C–related cirrhosis who did not have active hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, the most common form of liver cancer). Findings were presented at the 51st International Liver Congress in Barcelona.

The individuals whose records were analyzed were treated with Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Olysio (simeprevir) (34 percent); Viekira Pak (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir; dasabuvir) (22 percent); Sovaldi and ribavirin (17 percent); Sovaldi and Daklinza (daclatasvir) (16 percent); and Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) (10 percent).

Eighty-nine percent of the cohort achieved a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after completing therapy (SVR12, considered a cure).

Twenty-four weeks after the individuals completed hep C treatment, 7.6 percent (22 people) who did not have a history of liver cancer had active HCC. The researchers considered this a standard rate. Out of the 59 people who did have a history of HCC, 29 percent (17 people)—considered a high rate—saw their cancer return.

To read a press release about the study, click here.