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A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
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Environmental Exposures and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Regina M Santella1, Hui-Chen Wu2
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA ; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology
|September 11, 2015
Summary
Hepatitis B and C infections are major causes of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Limiting exposure to other risk factors like smoking and certain chemicals is crucial for prevention, especially since no vaccine exists for Hepatitis C.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B and C virus infections are established risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Occupational, environmental, and lifestyle factors also contribute to liver cancer development.
- Known contributing factors include smoking, alcohol, vinyl chloride, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and aflatoxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established and emerging risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To highlight the role of infectious agents, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices in HCC development.
- To emphasize preventive strategies for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic studies and biomarker data.
- Inclusion of findings from animal studies on chemical carcinogens.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on HCC etiology and prevention.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B and C viruses are significant causes of HCC.
- Smoking, alcohol, vinyl chloride, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and aflatoxins are identified risk factors.
- Other infectious and chemical agents may also contribute to HCC.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B vaccination is key for HCC prevention where it's endemic.
- No vaccine currently exists for Hepatitis C, necessitating exposure limitation.
- Reducing exposure to identified occupational, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors is vital for HCC prevention.
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