| [ Summary ] |
HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually develops in patients in the advanced stages of chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis and is the major cause of liver-related death in HBV carriers. The precise mechanisms by which hepatocytes are transformed into malignant cells and HCC develops remain unclear. However the integration of HBV DNA into the host genome and the transactivational activity of viral products such as HBx and preS proteins are thought to be involved in the development of HCC. The risk factors for HCC in HBV carriers have been investigated and viral factors, including higher viral loads, seropositive HBeAg, genotype C and variants in the core promoter region, various host factors including older age, male gender, progressive liver histology, persistent elevation of serum ALT values, diabetes, and heavy alcohol intake, have been found to be related to the development of HCC. |