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Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan

Takeji Umemura1, Kendo Kiyosawa

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.

Hepatology Research : the Official Journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology
|September 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality decreased in Japan in 2003, with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) being a major factor. Interferon therapy shows promise in reducing HCC risk.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Primary liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a significant cause of cancer death in Japan.
  • While HCC mortality rates increased until 2002, a notable decrease occurred in 2003.
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is implicated in 75% of HCC cases in Japan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in liver cancer mortality in Japan.
  • To investigate the epidemiological factors associated with HCC, including viral hepatitis prevalence.
  • To assess the impact of treatments like interferon therapy on HCC risk.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of national mortality data for liver cancer.
  • Correlation of HCC prevalence and death rates with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody prevalence.
  • Evaluation of the effect of interferon therapy on chronic hepatitis C and subsequent HCC risk.

Main Results:

  • Annual deaths and death rates from liver cancer decreased in 2003.
  • HCC death rates correlate geographically with anti-HCV prevalence, not HBsAg prevalence.
  • Interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C has demonstrated a reduction in HCC development risk, particularly with sustained virological response.

Conclusions:

  • The decrease in HCC mortality in 2003 may be linked to reduced risk factors and effective treatments.
  • HCV remains a primary driver of HCC in Japan, with geographical variations observed.
  • Interferon therapy represents a viable strategy for mitigating HCC risk in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

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