Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) polymorphisms may influence HDV RNA load and early response to bulevirtide.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Sodium taurocholate cotransporting peptide (NTCP) genetic polymorphisms have been described, but their role in untreated and treated patients with Chronic Hepatitis Delta (CHD) remains unknown. Virological response (VR) to NTCP inhibitor Bulevirtide (BLV) was achieved at week 48 by >70% of CHD patients, but nearly 15% experienced virological nonresponse (VNR) or partial response (PR). This study aimed to evaluate whether NTCP genetic polymorphisms affect baseline HDV RNA load and response to BLV in CHD patients. METHODS: Untreated and BLV treated patients were enrolled in a retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Clinical and virological characteristics were collected at baseline and up to 96 weeks in the BLV-treated patients. NTCP genetic polymorphisms were identified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Of the 6 NTCP polymorphisms studied in 209 CHD untreated patients, carriers of rs17556915 TT/CC (N=142) compared to CT (N=67) genotype presented higher median HDV RNA levels (5.39 vs. 4.75 log10 IU/mL, p=0.004). 76 out of 209 patients receiving BLV monotherapy at 2 mg/day were evaluated at week 24 and 40 of them up to week 96. Higher mean baseline HDV RNA levels were confirmed in TT/CC (N=43) compared to CT (N=33) carriers (5.38 vs. 4.72 log10 IU/mL, p=0.010). Although 24-week VR was comparable between TT/CC and CT carriers (25/43 vs. 17/33, p=0.565), the former group presented VNR more often than PR (9/11 vs. 9/23, p=0.02) at week 24. 7/9 TT/CC genotype carriers remained VNR at week 48 of BLV treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The NTCP rs17556915 C>T genetic polymorphisms may influence baseline HDV RNA load both in untreated and BLV treated patients with CHD and may contribute to identify patients with different early virological responses to BLV.

Long-term endoscopic surveillance in HBV compensated cirrhotic patients treated with Tenofovir or Entecavir for 11 years.

BACKGROUND: Long-term administration of TDF/ETV in patients with HBV-related compensated cirrhosis reduces HCC and decompensation events but the effect of this regimen on development/regression of oesophageal varices (EV) is currently unknown. AIM: To assess the risk of EV development/progression in this population. METHODS: A total of 186 Caucasian HBV-monoinfected compensated cirrhotics were enrolled in a long-term cohort study from TDF/ETV introduction. Upper GI endoscopies were performed according to Baveno recommendations. Primary endpoint was development/progression of oesophageal/gastric varices over time. RESULTS: At TDF/ETV start, median age was 61 years, 80% males, 60% HBV-DNA undetectable, 63% NUCs previously exposed, 73% normal ALT, 40% platelets <150,000/mmc and 25 (13%) with low-risk varices (LRV). During 11 years of antiviral therapy and 666 endoscopies performed, 9 patients either developed or had a progression of oesophageal or gastric varices with an 11-year cumulative probability of 5.1% (95% CI 3-10%); no patient bled. Out of 161 patients without EV at baseline, the 11-year probably was 4.5% with all varices developing within the first six years of treatment. In 25 patients with LRV at baseline, the 11-year probability of progression or regression was 9.3% and 58%, respectively. Only baseline platelet count (HR 0.96, p = 0.028) was associated with LRV development at multivariate analysis: platelet ≤90,000/mmc (AUROC 0.70) had 98.1% specificity, 42.9% sensitivity, 50% PPV for LRV onset. CONCLUSIONS: In compensated cirrhotic patients under long-term effective TDF/ETV treatment, the 11-year risk of developing/progressing EV is negligible, thus challenging the current endoscopic surveillance recommendations in patients without EV at baseline.

Phenotypic CD8 T cell profiling in chronic hepatitis B to predict HBV-specific CD8 T cell susceptibility to functional restoration in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Exhausted hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8 T cells in chronic HBV infection are broadly heterogeneous. Characterisation of their functional impairment may allow to distinguish patients with different capacity to control infection and reconstitute antiviral function. DESIGN: HBV dextramer+CD8 T cells were analysed ex vivo for coexpression of checkpoint/differentiation markers, transcription factors and cytokines in 35 patients with HLA-A2+chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and in 29 control HBsAg negative CHB patients who seroconverted after NUC treatment or spontaneously. Cytokine production was also evaluated in HBV peptide-stimulated T cell cultures, in the presence or absence of antioxidant, polyphenolic, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and TLR-8 agonist compounds and the effect on HBV-specific responses was further validated on additional 24 HLA-A2 negative CHB patients. RESULTS: Severely exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cell subsets with high expression of inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1, TOX and CD39, were detected only in a subgroup of chronic viraemic patients. Conversely, a large predominance of functionally more efficient HBV-specific CD8 T cell subsets with lower expression of coinhibitory molecules and better response to in vitro immune modulation, typically detected after resolution of infection, was also observed in a proportion of chronic viraemic HBV patients. Importantly, the same subset of patients who responded more efficiently to in vitro immune modulation identified by HBV-specific CD8 T cell analysis were also identified by staining total CD8 T cells with PD-1, TOX, CD127 and Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility to distinguish patient cohorts with different capacity to respond to immune modulatory compounds in vitro by a simple analysis of the phenotypic CD8 T cell exhaustion profile deserves evaluation of its clinical applicability.

RESIST-HCV Criteria to Monitor Progression of Low-Risk Esophageal Varices in Patients With Compensated Cirrhosis After HCV Eradication: The SIMPLE Study: SIMPLE: Scoring Index to Monitor Progression of Low-risk Esophageal varices.

INTRODUCTION: Noninvasive criteria to predict the progression of low-risk esophageal varices (EV) in patients with compensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis after sustained virological response (SVR) by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are lacking. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic performance of Rete Sicilia Selezione Terapia-HCV (RESIST-HCV) criteria for EV progression compared with elastography-based criteria (Baveno VI, Expanded Baveno VI, and Baveno VII-HCV criteria). METHODS: All consecutive patients observed at 3 referral centers with compensated HCV cirrhosis with or without F1 EV who achieved sustained virological response by DAAs were classified at last esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) as RESIST-HCV low risk (i.e., low probability of high-risk varices [HRV]) if platelets were >120 × 10 9 /L and serum albumin >3.6 g/dL or RESIST-HCV high risk (i.e., high probability of HRV) if platelets were <120 × 10 9 /L or serum albumin <3.6 g/dL. The primary outcome was the progression to HRV. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis of noninvasive criteria were calculated. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 353 patients in Child-Pugh class A (mean age 67.2 years, 53.8% males). During a mean follow-up of 44.2 months, 34 patients (9.6%, 95% CI 6.7%-13.5%) developed HRV. At the last EGDS, 178 patients (50.4%) were RESIST-low risk, and 175 (49.6%) were RESIST-high risk. RESIST-HCV criteria showed the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.65-0.75), correctly sparing the highest number of EGDS (54.3%), with the lowest false-positive rate (45.7%), compared with elastography-based criteria. Decision curve analysis showed that RESIST-HCV had higher clinical utility than elastography-based criteria. DISCUSSION: Biochemical-based RESIST-HCV criteria are useful to easily predict HRV development after HCV eradication by DAAs in patients with compensated cirrhosis and low-risk EV.

Bulevirtide monotherapy for 48 weeks in patients with HDV-related compensated cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bulevirtide (BLV) has recently been conditionally approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) in Europe, but its effectiveness and safety in patients with compensated cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are unknown. METHODS: Consecutive patients with HDV-related compensated cirrhosis and CSPH who started BLV 2 mg/day were enrolled in this single-center study. Clinical/virological characteristics were collected at baseline, weeks 4, 8 and every 8 weeks thereafter. HDV RNA was quantified by Robogene 2.0 (lower limit of detection 6 IU/ml). RESULTS: Eighteen Caucasian patients with compensated cirrhosis and CSPH under nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment were enrolled: median (IQR) age was 48 (29-77) years, and 67% were male. Median (IQR) platelet count was 70 (37-227) x103/µl, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) 16.4 (7.8-57.8) kPa, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 106 (32-222) U/L, HBsAg 3.7 (2.5-4.3) log IU/ml, HDV RNA 4.9 (3.3-6.6) log IU/ml. During 48 weeks of BLV monotherapy, HDV RNA declined by 3.1 (0.2-4.3) log IU/ml (p <0.001 vs. baseline), becoming undetectable in 5 patients (23%). A virological response was observed in 14 (78%) patients while a non-response was observed in 2 (11%). ALT decreased to 35 (15-86) U/L (p <0.001 vs. baseline), normalizing in 83% of patients. A combined response was observed in 67% of patients. Aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels significantly improved. Concerning liver function parameters, albumin values significantly increased and bilirubin remained stable. LSM significantly improved in patients with virological response, while platelet count was unchanged. None of the patients developed decompensating events or hepatocellular carcinoma. BLV was well tolerated, no patient discontinued treatment and the increase in bile acids was fully asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: A 48-week course of BLV 2 mg/day monotherapy is safe and effective even for difficult-to treat patients with HDV-related compensated cirrhosis and CSPH. LAY SUMMARY: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is associated with the most severe form of viral hepatitis. A new treatment for HDV called bulevirtide has recently received conditional approval for patients with chronic HDV infection. However, its safety and effectiveness in patients with more advanced liver disease is not known. Herein, we show that it is safe and effective in patients with HDV-related cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension.

Incidence of liver- and non-liver-related outcomes in patients with HCV-cirrhosis after SVR.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: As the long-term benefits of a sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV-related cirrhosis following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment remain undefined, we assessed the incidence and predictors of liver-related events (LREs), non-liver-related events (NLREs) and mortality in DAA-treated patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Consecutive patients with cirrhosis and SVR were enrolled in a longitudinal, single-center study, and divided into 3 cohorts: Cohort A (Child-Pugh A without a previous LRE), Cohort B (Child-Pugh B or Child-Pugh A with prior non-hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] LREs), Cohort C (previous HCC). RESULTS: A total of 636 patients with cirrhosis (median 65 years-old, 58% males, 89% Child-Pugh A) were followed for 51 (8-68) months (Cohort A n = 480, Cohort B n = 89, Cohort C n = 67). The 5-year estimated cumulative incidences of LREs were 10.4% in Cohort A vs. 32.0% in Cohort B (HCC 7.7% vs. 19.7%; ascites 1.4% vs. 8.6%; variceal bleeding 1.3% vs. 7.8%; encephalopathy 0 vs. 2.5%) vs. 71% in Cohort C (HCC only) (p <0.0001). The corresponding figures for NLREs were 11.7% in Cohort A vs. 17.9% in Cohort B vs. 17.5% in Cohort C (p = 0.32). The 5-year estimated probabilities of liver-related vs. non-liver-related deaths were 0.5% vs. 4.5% in Cohort A, 16.2% vs. 8.8% in Cohort B and 12.1% vs. 7.7% in Cohort C. The all-cause mortality rate in Cohort A was similar to the rate expected for the general population stratified by age, sex and calendar year according to the Human Mortality Database, while it was significantly higher in Cohort B. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cirrhosis and an SVR on DAAs face risks of liver-related and non-liver-related events and mortality; however, their incidence is strongly influenced by pre-DAA patient history. LAY SUMMARY: In this large single-center study enrolling patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis cured by direct-acting antivirals, pre-treatment liver disease history strongly influenced long-term outcomes. In patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma was the most frequent liver-related complication after viral cure. Due to improved long-term outcomes, patients with cirrhosis after HCV cure are exposed to a significant proportion of non-liver-related events.

Prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II and alpha foetoprotein to predict development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Caucasian patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis treated with direct-acting antiviral agents.

BACKGROUND: Prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) are biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, their performance in patients with cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) is unknown. AIM: To evaluate PIVKA-II and AFP as HCC predictors in DAA-treated patients with HCV-related cirrhosis METHODS: In this single centre study, patients with cirrhosis from chronic HCV infection and with a sustained virological response (SVR) to DAA were tested for PIVKA-II and AFP (Fujirebio, Japan) at the start of DAA treatment (baseline), end of treatment (EOT) and at HCC diagnosis. RESULTS: We included 400 patients with mean age 65 (24-92); 56% were men. From baseline to EOT, PIVKA-II did not change (35 vs 35 mAU/mL, P = 0.43) while AFP significantly decreased (12 vs 6 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). After 52 (3-66) months from baseline, 34 (8.5%) patients developed de novo HCC; median AFP 9 (2-12 868) ng/mL and PIVKA-II 80 (22-1813) mAU/mL. EOT-PIVKA-II (HR 3.05, P < 0.0001) and AFP (HR 2.77, P = 0.001) independently predicted HCC together with diabetes (HR 6.12, P < 0.001) and GGT (HR 1.01, P = 0.03). The 4-year cumulative probability of HCC was 24% vs 2% in patients with EOT-PIVKA-II > or ≤41 mAU/mL (P < 0.0001), and 26% vs 9% for EOT-AFP > or ≤15 ng/mL (P = 0.02). By combining EOT-PIVKA-II and AFP, the 4-year probabilities of HCC were 3% in patients testing negative for both markers, 18% in patients positive for both, and 38% in patients positive for at least one (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HCV-related cirrhosis treated with DAA, PIVKA-II and AFP independently predicted HCC, while their combination improved risk stratification.

Decompensation in Direct-Acting Antiviral Cured Hepatitis C Virus Compensated Patients With Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension: Too Rare to Warrant Universal Β-Blocker Therapy.

Nonselective ß-blockers improve decompensation-free survival in viremic hepatitis C virus compensated cirrhotic patients with clinically significant portal hypertension, but their protective role after sustained virological response by direct-acting antiviral (DAA) is undefined. We evaluated the incidence of decompensation in DAA-cured Child-A patients without high-risk varices. During the 49-month (12-60) follow-up, only one of 148 patients decompensated (ascites), with a 4-year cumulative risk of 1%, but decompensation was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of decompensation in DAA cured hepatitis C virus compensated Child-A cirrhotic patients with clinically significant portal hypertension but without high-risk varices is negligible; thus, questioning the need for nonselective ß-blocker treatment in this setting (see Visual abstract, Supplemental Digital Content, 1, http://links.lww.com/AJG/B861). JOURNAL/ajgast/04.03/00000434-202106000-00035/inline-graphic1/v/2021-05-28T144026Z/r/image-tiff.

Functional reconstitution of HBV-specific CD8 T cells by in vitro polyphenol treatment in chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In chronic HBV infection, mitochondrial functions and proteostasis are dysregulated in exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cells. To better characterise the potential involvement of deregulated protein degradation mechanisms in T cell exhaustion, we analysed lysosome-mediated autophagy in HBV-specific CD8 T cells. Bioactive compounds able to simultaneously target both mitochondrial functions and proteostasis were tested to identify optimal combination strategies to reconstitute efficient antiviral CD8 T cell responses in patients with chronic HBV infection. METHODS: Lysosome-mediated degradation pathways were analysed by flow cytometry in virus-specific CD8 T cells from patients with chronic HBV infection. Mitochondrial function, intracellular proteostasis, and cytokine production were evaluated in HBV-peptide-stimulated T cell cultures, in the presence or absence of the polyphenols resveratrol (RSV) and oleuropein (OLE) and their metabolites, either alone or in combination with other bioactive compounds. RESULTS: HBV-specific CD8 T cells from patients with CHB showed impaired autophagic flux. RSV and OLE elicited a significant improvement in mitochondrial, proteostasis and antiviral functions in CD8 T cells. Cytokine production was also enhanced by synthetic metabolites, which correspond to those generated by RSV and OLE metabolism in vivo, suggesting that these polyphenols may also display an effect after transformation in vivo. Moreover, polyphenolic compounds improved the T cell revitalising effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants and of programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneously targeting multiple altered intracellular pathways with the combination of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants and natural polyphenols may represent a promising immune reconstitution strategy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. LAY SUMMARY: In chronic hepatitis B, antiviral T lymphocytes are deeply impaired, with many altered intracellular functions. In vitro exposure to polyphenols, such as resveratrol and oleuropein, can correct some of the deregulated intracellular pathways and improve antiviral T cell function. This effect can be further strengthened by the association of polyphenols with antioxidant compounds in a significant proportion of patients. Thus, the combination of antioxidants and natural polyphenols represents a promising strategy for chronic hepatitis B therapy.

Hepatitis Delta Virus Acts as an Immunogenic Adjuvant in Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Hepatocytes.

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) to complete its infection cycle and causes severe hepatitis, with limited therapeutic options. To determine the prospect of T cell therapy in HBV/HDV co-infection, we study the impact of HDV on viral antigen processing and presentation. Using in vitro models of HBV/HDV co-infection, we demonstrate that HDV boosts HBV epitope presentation, both in HBV/HDV co-infected and neighboring mono-HBV-infected cells through the upregulation of the antigen processing pathway mediated by IFN-ß/λ. Liver biopsies of HBV/HDV patients confirm this upregulation. We then validate in vitro and in a HBV/HDV preclinical mouse model that HDV infection increases the anti-HBV efficacy of T cells with engineered T cell receptors. Thus, by unveiling the effect of HDV on HBV antigen presentation, we provide a framework to better understand HBV/HDV immune pathology, and advocate the utilization of engineered HBV-specific T cells as a potential treatment for HBV/HDV co-infection.

Hepatic Fat-Genetic Risk Score Predicts Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhotic HCV Treated With DAAs.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Genetic factors and steatosis predispose to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus; however, their impact in patients with cirrhosis cured by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is still undefined. We assessed the association between a genetic risk score (GRS) of hepatic fat accumulation, combining variants in PNPLA3 (patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3), MBOAT7 (membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7), TM6SF2 (transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2), GCKR (glucokinase regulator), and HCC in patients treated with DAAs. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We considered 509 consecutive patients with HCV cirrhosis (defined histologically or when liver stiffness ≥12 kPa) treated with DAAs. HCC was diagnosed according to international recommendations. GRS was calculated from the weighted impact of single variants on hepatic fat content quantified by H1 spectrometry in the general population (Dallas Heart Study). During a median follow-up of 43 (3-57) months after DAA start, 36 of 452 (8%) patients developed de novo HCC, 4-year cumulative probability being 9% (95% confidence interval 7%-12%). Male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 2.54, P = 0.02), diabetes (HR 2.39, P = 0.01), albumin (HR 0.35, P = 0.001), and GRS score >0.597 (HR 2.30, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of de novo HCC. In contrast, single genetic risk variants were not useful in stratifying HCC risk. The proportion of patients who developed HCC according to the combination of the independent risk factors ranged from 11% to 67%. HCC recurred in 28 of 57 (49%) patients with previous history; diabetes and ethnicity were the only independent predictors of HCC recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of DAA-treated patients with cirrhotic HCV, GRS was associated with de novo HCC independently of classical risk factors, including liver disease severity. These data suggest that hepatic fat (i.e., lipotoxicity) promotes HCC in this setting and may represent a target for chemoprevention. Combination of clinical and genetic predictors may improve HCC risk stratification.

High rate of sustained virological response with direct-acting antivirals in haemophiliacs with HCV infection: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic hepatitis C is the main co-morbidity in adult patients with haemophilia (PwH). It causes progressive liver damage leading to end-stage liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Eradication of HCV was possible with interferon (IFN)-based regimens in the past and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) more recently. PwH have been considered "difficult-to-treat" because of several bad predictors of response. The advent of DAAs has provided high rates of sustained virological response (SVR) despite bad prognostic factors. Here, we present the results of antiviral treatment with DAAs in PwH treated in 2 large Italian Hemophilia Treatment Centers. METHODS: PwH and chronic hepatitis C sustained by any HCV genotype were eligible for therapy with DAAs, including those with compensated cirrhosis, HIV infection and/or previous failure to IFN-based antiviral therapy. Patients received DAAs for 8-24 weeks according to existing guidelines. SVR was defined as persistent negative serum HCV-RNA at 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12). RESULTS: Between January 2015 and November 2018, 200 patients aged 21-84 years (median: 50.5) received DAAs. HCV genotype 1 was the most prevalent (158, 79%). Forty patients (20%) were HIV positive, 56 (28%) had cirrhosis and 91 (46%) previously failed interferon-based treatment. Ribavirin was used in 70 (35%). HCV-RNA was undetectable at week 4 in 124/192 (65%) and SVR12 was achieved in 193/195 (99%). No patient had serious side effects related to DAAs. CONCLUSIONS: DAAs were safe and highly effective in PwH irrespective of HIV status, stage of liver disease severity and/or previous failure to IFN-based therapy.

Factors Associated With Increased Risk of De Novo or Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhosis Treated With Direct-Acting Antivirals for HCV Infection.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are still at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify features of de novo or recurrent HCCs in these patients, and factors associated with HCC development, in a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis who received treatment with DAAs. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we collected data from 565 patients with cirrhosis (median age, 64 years; range, 28-87 years; 60% male, 49% infected with HCV genotype 1; median liver stiffness measurement [LSM], 19.1 kPa; 87% Child-Pugh-Turcotte score A) treated with DAAs at a single center in Italy, from December 2014 through 2016. Cirrhosis was defined based on clinical features, histologic factors (METAVIR F4), or LSM >11.9 kPa. Patients were assessed (complete blood analysis and HCV-RNA quantification) every 4 weeks during treatment; at weeks 4, 12, and 24 afterward; and at 6-month intervals thereafter. HCC surveillance was performed by ultrasound or CT scans every 3-6 months, based on history of HCC. Non-invasive markers of fibrosis, such as ratio of aspartate aminotransferase to platelets, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, and LSMs were assessed. RESULTS: During a median 25 months of follow up (range, 3-39 months), HCC developed in 28/505 patients without a history of HCC (de novo HCC); the 3-year estimated cumulative probability for HCC was 6% (95% CI, 4%-9%). Of patients with de novo HCC, 75% had a single tumor and 82% of these were Barcelona liver cancer stage 0-A; the median level of alpha-fetoprotein was 6 ng/mL (range, 1.0-9240 ng/mL). Male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 6.17; 95% CI, 1.44-26.47; P = .01), diabetes (HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.08-5.87; P = .03), LSM (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P = .01), and FIB-4 score (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14; P = .01) were independently associated with de novo HCC. HCC developed in 20/60 patients with a history of HCC (HCC recurrence); the 3-year cumulative probability for recurrence was 43% (95% CI, 20%-61%). In the 20 patients with HCC recurrence, 11 had a single tumor and 90% were Child-Pugh-Turcotte score A. Diabetes was independently associated with HCC recurrence (HR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.55-10.93; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: In a large, single-center cohort of consecutive patients with cirrhosis and who received DAA treatment for HCV infection, most liver tumors were identified at early stages. Male sex, diabetes, and non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis can be used to identify patients at increased risk for HCC following DAAs therapy.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in 723 patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have only been investigated in clinical trials, with no real-world data currently available. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of G/P in a real-world setting. METHODS: All patients with HCV consecutively starting G/P between October 2017 and January 2018 within the NAVIGATORE-Lombardia Network were analyzed. G/P was administered according to drug label (8, 12 or 16 weeks). Fibrosis was staged either histologically or by liver stiffness measurement. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 723 patients (50% males) were treated with G/P, 89% for 8 weeks. The median age of our cohort was 58 years, with a median body mass index of 23.9 kg/m2, and median liver stiffness measurement of 6.1 kPa; 84% were F0-2 and 16% were interferon-experienced. Median HCV-RNA was 1,102,600 IU/ml, and 49% of patients had HCV genotype 1 (32% 1b), 28% genotype 2, 10% genotype 3 and 13% genotype 4. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 90.2 ml/min, platelet count 209x103/mm3 and albumin 4.3 g/dl. The SVR rates were 94% in intention-to-treat and 99.3% in per protocol analysis (8-week vs. 12 or 16-week: 99.2% vs. 100%). Five patients failed therapy because of post-treatment relapse; a post-treatment NS5A resistance-associated substitution was detected in 1 case. SVR rates were lower in males (p = 0.002) and in HCV genotype-3 (p = 0.046) patients treated for 8 weeks, but independent of treatment duration, fibrosis stage, baseline HCV-RNA, HIV co-infection, chronic kidney disease stage and viral kinetics. Mild adverse events were reported in 8.3% of the patients, and 0.7% of them prematurely withdrew treatment. Three patients died of drug-unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS: In a large real-world cohort of Italian patients, we confirmed the excellent effectiveness and safety of G/P administered for 8, 12 or 16 weeks. LAY SUMMARY: A large number of patients with hepatitis C virus have been treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) within the NAVIGATORE-Lombardia Network, in Italy. This is the first real-world study evaluating effectiveness and safety of G/P in patients with hepatitis C virus treated according to international recommendations. This study demonstrated excellent effectiveness (with sustained virological response rates of 99.3%) and safety profiles.