Association of use of H1-antihistamines with HCC risk in patients with HBV and/or HCV infection

H1-antihistamines (AHs) may exert protective effects against cancer. Analysis of the National Health Insurance Research database in Taiwan investigated the association of AH use with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) of dual HBV-HCV infection. In all three groups AH use was associated with significantly lower HCC risk in a dose-dependent manner. The authors conclude that AH use is a potential strategy for preventing HCC in patients with HBV, HCV, or dual infections.