Impact of hepatitis C cure on hepatitis C related liver morbidity and mortality

Introduction of universal access to hepatitis C curative treatment in Australia has revolutionised care for people living with hepatitis C. However, the impact of hepatitis C cure on liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and survival is not well described in Australia.

Objective

Primary objectives

We aim to describe the impact of universal access to hepatitis C treatment on:

• incidence of hepatitis C-related cirrhosis
• mortality from hepatitis C-related cirrhosis
• incidence of hepatitis C-related liver cancer
• mortality from hepatitis C-related liver cancer.

We aim to determine the proportion of people with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis who are:

• linked to specialist care
• enrolled in liver cancer surveillance.

We also aim to determine the impact of hepatitis C treatment availability in community settings on the timely referral of people with cirrhosis to specialist care and liver cancer surveillance.

Secondary objectives

We aim to determine factors associated with linkage of people with cirrhosis to specialist care and liver cancer surveillance.

Timeline

2021–2027.

Approach

This is a longitudinal cohort study with data linkage, combining several datasets from the HOMER2, PRECISE and ANZLITR registries and state hospital admissions, emergency admissions and Victorian Cancer registry databases.

Community impact

Understanding the impact of hepatitis C related health policies on clinical outcomes and mortality is essential to support ongoing investment in hepatitis C elimination activities.

It is also vital to understand potential gaps and barriers to people with hepatitis C cirrhosis receiving timely best-practice care, referral to specialist services and enrolment in liver cancer surveillance.