The Role of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) in Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. An estimated 15–30% of individuals with chronic HCV infection progress to cirrhosis, which may subsequently develop into hepatocellular carcinoma. Beyond liver disease, HCV is associated with a broad spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, particularly mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Persistent viral infection induces chronic antigenic stimulation of B lymphocytes, a key pathogenic mechanism underlying the progression from MC to overt B-NHL. These observations have important therapeutic implications and support the use of antiviral therapy as a cornerstone of treatment. The efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has been well established in patients with HCV-related MC and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Several studies have shown that DAAs achieve sustained virologic response rates exceeding 90%, often approaching 100% in contemporary cohorts. Viral eradication is frequently associated with clinical and immunological improvement, as well as regression of cryoglobulinemia. Encouraging outcomes have also been reported in patients with HCV-associated indolent B-NHL, particularly marginal zone lymphoma, although confirmation in larger studies with longer follow-up is needed. In patients with HCV-positive aggressive lymphomas, DAAs have been safely administered in combination with immunochemotherapy, yielding promising results. This review summarizes the current evidence on HCV-associated MC and B-NHL and discusses the impact of DAA therapy on the clinical course and management of these disorders.