Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with HIV. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming an important cause of mortality in patients with HIV, attributed to coinfection with hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and the longer survival advantage these patients are achieving after introducing the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens. RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to hepatitis infection, immunosuppression secondary to HIV infection, direct impact of the virus on liver parenchyma, and the use of hepatotoxic antiretroviral drugs, all contribute to HCC pathogenesis. Screening is very important in this particular population; data on population-specific guidelines are still controversial and scarce. Liver transplantation remains the treatment of choice in eligible patients. Trials on sorafenib have not included patients with HIV; yet, we know from small retrospective series that it might be safe and effective. SUMMARY: In the HAART era, HCC is arising as a common non-AIDS defining cancer with high impact on morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected patients. Candidates for liver transplantation should be offered this option regardless of HIV infection. Safety and efficacy of sorafenib and other treatment modalities should be further studied and offered as deemed applicable to HIV patients diagnosed with HCC.

publication date

  • January 1, 2017

Research

keywords

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
  • Coinfection
  • HIV Infections
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84991434380

PubMed ID

  • 27755152

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 12

issue

  • 1