Can cirrhosis heal?

[GP7852]

I have stage 4 cirrhosis.Just started treatment for 24 weeks with Harvoni.If I clear and stay clear after treatment can the cirrhosis heal?Can I ever get back to having a normal liver without the worry of tumors?
                                                     Glen

[GP7852]

Thanks Dee
I stopped the drinking a long time ago and have no desire for it at all.I find a vanilla milkshake a lot more enjoyable.I didn't know about the red meat but I hardly touch it due to family history.Guess I should cut it out completely even though it is just a filet mignon maybe once a month.My goal is to be at my twins weddings (they are 23) whenever that happens and since one of them is a girl I must be healthy enough to dance with her.I am 60 and would love to hang around for at least another 10 years.There is still so much to do if you know what I mean.
                                         Glen

[Dee1956]

Thanks Glenn, I was told back in 2007/8 that it would not heal.  Over time with research they are starting to find different.
I was shocked when I had my US in June and they stated "no sign of cirrhosis" That is not to say that I don't have scarring and fibrosis.  I do.  I do think that once getting to SVR you have to be diligent in watching the diet no drinking.  I don't eat red meat, haven't in many many years when I found out how long it takes to digest.
My sons taught me that :)

[GP7852]

Thank you Hector
       Glen

[GP7852]

You made my day Dee,your reply was great to hear

                                                Glen

[Dee1956]

Thank you so much for the invaluable information.
I am getting checked yearly.  It was every 6 months before I got to SVR.  Now he said once a year for US, blood work and to see the doctor, unless I have a problem. i.e. I have a huge gallstone.
I think I remember at one time it was said this should continue for 8 years after getting to SVR.

Thank you again, really happy to see you posting. :)  I hope this means you are feeling a little better
My best to you
Dee

[HectorSF]

Regarding the development of liver cancer (HCC) after achieving SVR in patients with either F3 or F4 liver disease. There still exists an increased risk in these patients. A higher risk than in someone who has never developed advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.

The current recommendations are that doctors should monitor patients (ultrasound + AFP blood test) for a number of years after achieving SVR. This is a case of "a ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Since liver cancer (HCC) has no symptoms until its final and fatal stage, surveillance with imaging and tumor marker blood levels are the only way to catch the cancer early when it is still treatable.

Since we are now in a new era in regards to advanced liver disease caused by hepatitis C where now most people even with advanced liver disease can be cured and the progression of their liver disease stopped, further studies are being done to clarify the ongoing cancer risk post SVR.

Here is the current recommendations for HCC risk in post SRV patients.

From the AASLD/ ISDA Hepatitis C guidelines.
THE source for all of the latest information on hepatitis C.
"Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C"

MONITORING PATIENTS WHO ARE STARTING HEPATITIS C TREATMENT, ARE ON TREATMENT, OR HAVE COMPLETED THERAPY
....
"Patients who have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis continue to be at risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma after achieving an SVR, although the risk in these patients is lower than the risk in persistently viremic patients. (Morisco, 2013); (Morgan, 2010); (George, 2009); (Morgan, 2013); (Singal, 2010) Patients with cirrhosis who achieve SVR experience increased survival (compared with patients with cirrhosis who are untreated or in whom treatment fails), but still may be at some risk for hepatocellular carcinoma; thus, they should continue to undergo regular surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma despite the lowered risk that results after viral eradication. (Bruix, 2011) The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with advanced fibrosis prior to treatment but who have regression to minimal fibrosis after treatment is not known. In the absence of data to the contrary, such patients remain at some risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and should be monitored at regular intervals for hepatocellular carcinoma."

Good luck with your treatment!
Hector