Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world, and the third cause of cancer-related death. Liver cirrhosis, mainly due to hepatitis B and C viruses, constitutes the main risk factor for HCC, the 5-year cumulative incidence ranging between 15% and 20%. Antiviral treatment with interferon associated to ribavirin may eradicate viral infection, and prevent progression to cirrhosis. However, there is still no evidence to support its preventive effect once cirrhosis is established.
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