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Cohort study of familial viral hepatitis and risks of paediatric cancers

Julia E Heck1,2, Chia-Kai Wu3, Xiwen Huang2

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, College of Health and Public Service, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.

International Journal of Epidemiology
|December 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Parental hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections are linked to increased risks of certain childhood cancers, including hepatoblastoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Screening and antiviral treatment for parents could potentially prevent paediatric cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Oncology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Viral hepatitis, including hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), is a known cause of adult cancers.
  • Limited epidemiologic data exists on the association between parental viral hepatitis and paediatric cancer risks.
  • This study investigates the link between parental HBV and HCV infections and cancer development in offspring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between parental hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections and the risk of various cancers in children.
  • To assess the potential role of parental viral hepatitis as a risk factor for paediatric cancers.
  • To provide evidence for potential cancer prevention strategies through parental screening and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan (2,079,037 children, 2160 cancer cases) using Cox proportional-hazard regressions.
  • Validation of findings in a separate population-based case-control study in Denmark (6422 cases, 160,522 controls).
  • Ascertainment of cancer cases through national cancer registries.

Main Results:

  • Paternal HBV infection was associated with an increased risk of childhood hepatoblastoma (HR=1.77, 95% CI=1.05-2.97).
  • Paternal HCV infection showed a significant association with childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR=2.06, 95% CI=1.13-3.74).
  • Maternal HCV infection demonstrated a weak association with an increased risk of all childhood cancers combined (HR=1.45, 95% CI=0.95-2.22).

Conclusions:

  • Parental HBV and HCV infections may represent risk factors for both hepatic and non-hepatic cancers in children.
  • If causal, parental screening and antiviral therapy could be strategies to prevent certain paediatric cancers.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm causality and explore intervention effectiveness.
Abstract

Keywords:
Hepatitis Cchildhood-cancer epidemiologyhepatitis Bhepatoblastomanon-Hodgkin lymphomapregnancy

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