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The British hepatic angiosarcoma register
Abstract:
A register of British cases of primary hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) was established in 1974 to monitor the occurrence of cases from 1963 onwards. Details of cases dying in 1963-77 have been obtained. Thirty-five cases were agreed as HAS by panel of liver pathologists, and occupational and medical information was obtained in the majority of these. Two cases were attributable to VCM exposure, and eight others had received intra-arterial Thorotrast. In 1978-79, two more cases were confirmed in VCM polymerization workers.
Insights
Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) cases were identified in Britain. Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) exposure and Thorotrast were linked to some HAS cases, highlighting occupational and medical risks.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary pathology
- Occupational epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) is a rare liver cancer.
- Environmental and occupational factors are suspected contributors.
- A British registry was established to investigate HAS occurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize cases of primary hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) in Britain.
- To investigate potential etiological factors, including occupational exposures.
- To update the registry with recent cases.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a national registry for primary hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) cases.
- Review of pathological data by expert liver pathologists.
- Collection of occupational and medical history for confirmed cases.
Main Results:
- Thirty-five cases of HAS were confirmed between 1963 and 1977.
- Two cases were linked to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) exposure.
- Eight cases had a history of intra-arterial Thorotrast administration.
- Two additional VCM-related cases were identified in 1978-1979.
Conclusions:
- Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is a confirmed occupational carcinogen for hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS).
- Thorotrast, a historical contrast agent, is also associated with HAS.
- Continued monitoring is essential for identifying new risk factors.