Optimize nucleot(s)ide analogues’ to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a lesson from real-world evidence

Abstract

The goal of antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to reduce the risk of liver-related complications, including liver cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is not possible to eliminate hepatitis B virus from the host with currently available antiviral treatments; hence, a realistic goal is to decrease the risk of HCC as much as possible with an appropriate and timely antiviral treatment. For the past decades, real-world evidence has enlarged the field of CHB research. Presently, there is mounting evidence that randomized clinical trials are not technically and ethically possible to conduct. In this review, we focus on secondary prevention by antiviral treatment in patients with CHB, mainly based on real-world evidence.

Keywords

Hepatitis B virus / hepatocellular carcinoma / antiviral agent

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