Traditionally treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reserved for people who have abstained from alcohol—in some cases for as long as 12 months—largely due to concerns about adherence to treatment protocols, which stemmed from experience with previously used interferon-based regimens.
VA Researchers Spotlight Racial, Ethnic Disparities in Liver Cancer Care
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related death in the United States. But a new study points out that the burden of the often deadly cancer is not spread equally.
Liver Cancer Risk Low for Veterans Who Clear HCV Without Treatment
The risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, is low for veterans who spontaneously clear hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Advanced Liver Fibrosis Increases Risk of HCC Diagnosis
While it is well-understood that both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection commonly result in hepatic fibrosis and might lead to cirrhosis, it has not been clear whether advanced fibrosis, determined by measurements of liver stiffness, increases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in veterans.
Hepatitis C Drugs Show Promise in Reducing PTSD Symptoms in Veterans
Direct-acting antivirals used in the treatment of the hepatitis C virus might improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), potentially offering a new therapeutic option for a prevalent disease with few approved medications, according to a new study.
BCG Vaccine Doesn’t Protect Against COVID-19 Infection, Severity
At an earlier point in the COVID-19 pandemic, hopes were raised that the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine, which stimulates innate immunity, could provide protection against SARS-CoV-2.
No Link Between AMI, Two-Dose HBV Vaccine
The overall prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection in the United States is estimated to be around 1.59 million That’s one of the reasons the DoD, which has required hepatitis B vaccination for new recruits for nearly 20 years, added the mandate for existing servicemembers to receive the vaccine in 2014.
Benefit Found for Testing Veterans With Hepatitis B for Liver Cancer
The most common risk factors worldwide for liver cancer are chronic infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus, according to the American Cancer Society.
Benefit Found for Testing Veterans With Hepatitis B for Liver Cancer
SEATTLE, WA – The most common risk factors worldwide for liver cancer are chronic infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus, according to the American Cancer Society. Both of those infections lead to cirrhosis of the liver, but, in the United States, ...
Veteran Homelessness Likely to Increase With End of Eviction Moratorium
While the last decade has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of veterans who are homeless on any given night, that trend has stalled in the last two years with numbers, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, starting to move upward again.
An Interview with George Ioannou, MD, MS
The VA’s unparalleled success in treating and curing hepatitis C infections (HCV) in veterans changed the leading risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in the nation’s largest health care system.
Primary Causes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Differ Among Men and Women
If you think of a patient at risk for hepatitis C infection (HCV), a man likely comes to mind, and for good reason. HCV occurs in men at four times the rate it does in women.
Despite Significant Victories, Battles Against HCC Continue at the VA
Hepatocellular carcinoma stands out as one of the few cancers that increased in prevalence over the last decade in the United States.
Statins Reduce Risk of Acute Liver Injury in Veterans With HIV or HCV
In 2013, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association issued updated guidelines significantly expanding the number of patients who should be considered candidates for statin therapy.
Direct Acting Antivirals Cure More than 90% of Older Patients with HCV
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend that nearly all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection receive treatment with direct-acting antiviral therapy.
Weight Gain May Endanger Some Benefits of Hepatitis C Cure
NEW HAVEN, CT—A year ago the VA announced it had eliminated chronic infections with hepatitis C virus in all veterans willing and able to be treated. More than 100,000 veterans achieved sustained virological response or a cure with the help of direct-acting antivirals...
Hepatitis C ‘Cure’ Doesn’t Always Prevent Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development
More than 100,000 VA patients have been cured of hepatitis C with direct-acting antiviral treatment. Even though HCV is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States, curing the infection only reduces the risk; it doesn’t entirely eliminate it. That’s why the VA has continued with research to determine who is at greatest risk of HCC and is looking at expanding screening.
Current Treatment Halves Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Hep C Patients
PITTSBURGH—In more good news for veterans who have received treatment for hepatitis C virus, VA researchers have found that treatment not only reduces the risk of complications from liver disease, it also dramatically reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. VA...
VA Models Allow Earlier Identification of HCV Patients at Risk of Progression
ANN ARBOR, MI—New prognostic models developed by VA researchers can help clinicians identify which patients who have or have had chronic hepatitis C virus infection will develop cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. While the VA has nearly eliminated HCV among...
Hepatitis C Declines Among Active Military; Highest Rates for Baby Boomers
New cases of acute and chronic hepatitis C (HCV) have dropped sharply among U.S. servicemembers since 2008, bucking the nationwide trend.
HCV Complications Rise in Women Veterans While Beginning Decline in Men
VA researchers expect complications from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in women veterans to continue to rise for a decade or longer after rates begin to decline in men.