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Hepatitis C virus and hepatocellular carcinoma
1Department of Medicine, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa.
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is strongly linked to liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), with varying risk globally. This virus likely causes cancer indirectly through persistent liver inflammation and damage.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the primary cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis.
- Chronic HCV infection is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between hepatitis C virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- To investigate the geographical variations in this association.
Main Methods:
- Review of case/control studies, case series, and longitudinal studies.
- Analysis of antibody prevalence to hepatitis C virus in HCC patients across different geographical regions.
- Calculation of relative risks associated with HCV infection in HCC development.
Main Results:
- HCV antibody prevalence in HCC patients varies geographically, ranging from 6-83%.
- Higher relative risks for HCC associated with HCV were observed in Japan (52) and Italy (69).
- In regions endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV antibody prevalence in HCC patients was lower (6-39%), with lower relative risks.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus is a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, with geographical variations in prevalence and risk.
- HCV-associated HCC typically develops at an older age compared to HBV-associated HCC.
- The pathogenesis of HCV-related HCC is likely indirect, involving chronic necroinflammatory liver disease leading to malignant transformation.