Viral hepatocarcinogenesis: from infection to cancer

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Liver International 28 (2), 175–188.

doi:10.1111/j.1478-3231.2007.01652.x

Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE

Viral hepatocarcinogenesis: from infection to cancer

Tan11 Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan

University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei,

Taiwan, Shiou-Hwie Yeh22 Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University

College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,

Chun-Jen Liu33 Department of Internal Medicine and Graduate Institute of

Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National

Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Cheung11 Graduate Institute

of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and

National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan and Pei-Jer Chen11 Graduate

Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine

and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan1 Graduate Institute of

Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National

Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

2 Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and

National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

3 Department of Internal Medicine and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine,

National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University

Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Correspondence

Pei-Jer Chen, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan

University, and National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7 Chung-Shan South

Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: +886 2 23 123 456

Fax: +886 2 23 317 624

e-mail: peijerchen@...

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a worldwide health issue that has started

receiving attention but is still poorly understood. However, the hepatitis B

virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are known to be two major causative

agents of HCC. They differ in their modes of infection, their treatment options,

their genomes and their carcinogenic abilities. However, both share a link with

HCC through alterations of the host genome. In order to continue in our search

for the mechanisms behind viral hepatocarcinogenesis, the individual entities

(HBV, HCV, HCC and host), their natural history, treatment options and genomic

properties must be further understood. Additionally, an understanding of the

genomics, the link between the entities, is crucial for the success of the

ongoing search for therapeutic options for HCC. Similar to most types of cancer,

hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process involving different genetic

alterations that ultimately lead to malignant transformation of the hepatocyte.

As technology advances and research continues, the genetic changes and

influences among these entities will prove essential to improved diagnostic and

therapeutic options. It remains a challenge to provide a clear picture of the

connection between virus and cancer. We review (i) the epidemiological link

between HBV/HCV infection to HCC; (ii) prevention and control of chronic

hepatitis B or C in reducing HCC risk; and (iii) genetic characters of viruses

and hosts and the mechanisms associated with HCC susceptibilities, with the

intention of providing a direction for future research and treatment.

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1478-3231.2007.01652.x

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