Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
A cohort study to investigate hepatocellular carcinoma risk in hepatitis C patients
Chun-Hsiang Wang1, Lein-Ray Mo, Kuo-Kwan Chang
1Department of Hepato-gastroenterology, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan. chunhsiang@gmail.com
Insights
Male gender, older age, and hepatitis C virus genotype 1b are key factors in developing liver cancer (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). These risk factors are crucial for understanding HCC progression in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Viral Hepatitis
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common complication of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection.
- Identifying risk factors for HCC development in HCV patients is crucial for proactive management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical and laboratory factors associated with HCC development.
- To analyze risk factors in a longitudinal follow-up of chronic HCV patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of 164 chronic HCV patients from 2000-2008.
- Regular monitoring included liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasounds.
Main Results:
- HCC developed in 11.6% of patients over the follow-up period.
- Significant risk factors for HCC included male gender, HCV genotype 1b, cirrhosis, and age over 65.
- Patients with HCV RNA levels >= 1 million copies/mL had a 2.7-fold increased risk of HCC.
Conclusions:
- Male gender, older age, and HCV genotype 1b are significant predictors of HCC development.
- These factors are important for risk stratification in chronic HCV patients.
- Understanding these risk factors aids in managing HCC progression, particularly in hepatitis B-endemic regions.
Background/Aims:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently occurs with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. This study tried to identify clinical and laboratory factors affecting development of HCC in a longitudinal follow-up of chronic HCV patients.
Methodology:
A total of 373 patients with CHC who were HCV RNA-seropositive were recruited during 2000-2003. The remaining 164 patients after application of exclusion criteria (90 males; 74 females; mean age: 58.2 +/- 14y/o) were prospectively recruited and followed-up with periodic liver function tests, alfa-fetoprotein and abdominal ultrasound examinations.
Results:
During follow-up between January 2000 and May 2008, HCC was identified in 19 (11.6%) patients. The incidence rate of HCC was 14.5/1,000 person-years. Fifteen patients (9.1%) developed a cirrhotic liver. Male gender (p=0.018), genotype 1b (p=0.034), cirrhosis (p<0.001) and older age (> or = 65y/o) (p=0.02) are significant risk factors for HCC. Overall, there was 2.7-fold increased risk in patients with HCV RNA > or = 1 million copies/mL to develop HCC. The incidence rate of HCC was 8.8% for pegIFNa/RBV-treated patients with sustained viral response and 14.3% for untreated patients (p=0.352).
Conclusions:
This cohort study highlights the roles of male gender, older age and genotype 1b in the progression from chronic HCV to HCC in an area endemic for hepatitis B.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction