Figure 5.

We postulate that there are three modifiable components to the risk for HCC in patients with HBV. Antiviral therapy may affect the components on a different time scale. The first to be affected is injury and inflammation as viral replication comes under control. Over time, regression of fibrosis (and cirrhosis) may substantially alter the risk. Finally, in patients in whom viral genetic templates are cleared, the risk may decrease further. Emerging data indicate the risk in some of these patients may fall below the criteria for HCC surveillance.