Correlation Between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Long-Term Occurrence of HCV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and long-term occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and the HCC stage. Two groups with HCV-related liver cirrhosis and HCC were included: group 1, HCC following DAAs; group 2, HCC did not receive DAAs. The serum level of VEGF and HCC staging was evaluated. The duration between DAAs and HCC was 21.81 ± 11.66 months. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was observed more in group 1 (31%). VEGF was relatively elevated in group 1 compared to group 2. HCC patients after DAAs, showed elevated VEGF with frequent PVT.

Keywords:

• VEGF
• HCV
• hepatocellular carcinoma
• angiogenesis
• liver cirrhosis

Disclosure statement

The authors declare they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.