Related Experiment Videos
Hepatitis B and C viruses in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma; a study in Greece using third-generation
H E Kuper1, A Tzonou, E Kaklamani
1Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are significant causes of liver cancer (HCC). In Greece, HBV was linked to 58% of HCC cases, HCV to 12%, and dual infections to 3%.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are primary etiological agents for HCC worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific roles of HBV and HCV in the development of HCC.
- To quantify the contribution of HBV and HCV infections to HCC incidence in Athens, Greece.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 333 HCC patients and 2 control groups (272 metastatic liver cancer patients, 360 hospitalized for other conditions) in Athens.
- Blood samples and questionnaire data were collected between 1995 and 1998.
- Sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) using enzyme immunoassays.
Main Results:
- High odds ratios were observed for HBV (48.8) and HCV (23.2) in HCC cases compared to controls.
- Concurrent HBV and HCV infection showed an odds ratio of 46.2.
- HBV accounted for 58% of HCC cases, HCV for 12%, and dual infection for 3% in this population.
Conclusions:
- Both HBV and HCV are critical contributors to HCC etiology in the studied population.
- The data suggest a strong association between these viral infections and liver cancer development.
- While interaction is not definitively proven, the findings highlight the significant public health impact of HBV and HCV in HCC.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to describe the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods:
During a 4-year period from January 1995 to December 1998, blood samples and questionnaire data were obtained from 333 incident cases of HCC from Athens, Greece, as well as from patients in two control groups, also from Athens. Controls were 272 metastatic liver cancer (MLC) patients and 360 patients hospitalized for injuries or eye, ear, nose or throat conditions. Coded sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) by third-generation enzyme immunoassays.
Results:
The odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) in logistic regression modeling comparing the HCC cases to the combined control series were 48.8 (30.5-78.3) for the presence of HBsAg and 23.2 (11.4-47.3) for the presence of anti-HCV. The odds ratio for concurrent infection with HBV and HCV was 46.2 (9.9-216.6) compared to infection with neither virus.
Conclusions:
Although HBV and HCV are both important causes of HCC in this study population the data do not suggest, neither do they conclusively refute, a super-additive interaction between the two infections in the development of this malignancy. In this population, 58% of HCC cases can be attributed to HBV, 12% to HCV, and 3% to dual infection with these viruses.