Hepatocellular neoplasia in fish, rats and man: a selected comparative review

Liver cancer is a common neoplasm of man that is especially frequent in parts of the world where hepatitis B virus is endemic and high aflatoxin ingestion is experienced. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a very aggressive behavior, is quite resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and is often inoperable, all of which lead to a five-year patient survival of less than 5 percent. Studies in lower animals (e.g. fish, rats) lend themselves to preplanned manipulations aimed at answering specific questions which are intended to elucidate the biology of HCC. Information derived from these studies can be applied to the human condition with the hope of earlier diagnosis, improved treatment and possibly prevention. This review touches on selected areas of similarity and dissimilarity in the histology, histochemistry, metastasis, etiology and molecular biology of HCC in fish, rats and man.