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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
04:11
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
Hepatitis B virus and cancer prevention
1Department of Pediatrics and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. changmh@ntu.edu.tw
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination significantly reduces liver cancer incidence. This cancer-preventive vaccine
Area of Science:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research.
- Vaccine efficacy and public health.
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading global cancer.
- HBV is the primary etiological agent for liver cancer, especially in high-prevalence regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term impact of the universal HBV vaccination program in Taiwan on HCC incidence.
- To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of HBV vaccination in preventing HCC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HCC incidence trends in vaccinated birth cohorts since the 1984 universal HBV vaccination program in Taiwan.
- Assessment of risk factors for HCC development in vaccinated individuals, including vaccination completeness and maternal seropositivity.
Main Results:
- The universal HBV vaccination program in Taiwan has reduced HBV infection prevalence by approximately 90%.
- Significant reduction in HCC incidence observed in vaccinated children (aged 6-14 years) and extending into early adulthood.
- Incomplete vaccination, and prenatal maternal hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg seropositivity were associated with increased HCC risk.
Conclusions:
- The HBV vaccine is the first human cancer-preventive vaccine, demonstrating that preventing infectious agent transmission can prevent cancer.
- Continued efforts in global HBV immunization coverage and interrupting mother-to-infant transmission are crucial for enhancing cancer prevention.
- The HBV vaccination program has proven effective in reducing HCC incidence, with ongoing research to address residual risks.
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