Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Mariño Z, Lens S, et al. - Patients with hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and non-characterized liver nodules (NCLN) prior to direct acting antivirals (DAA) are noted to be at increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers sought to report on this risk in F3/F4 patients in whom NCLN have been ruled-out before starting DAA and at sustained virological response (SVR).

• A total of 185 (63/122, F3/F4) HCV-infected patients, without history of HCC, and who achieved SVR after DAA are included in this prospective study.

• HCC risk remains high after HCV cure in F4 patients without non-characterized liver nodules.

• Development of HCC occurred only in patients with a history of decompensation and/or clinically significant portal hypertension.

• HCC did not develop in any of the 63 F3 cured patients without non-characterized liver nodules