| Theme |
Non-B, Non-C Hepatocellular Carcinoma : The Latest Findings |
| Title |
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis |
| Author |
Atsumasa Komori |
Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Minoru Nakamura |
Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Hiromi Ishibashi |
Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs with increased frequency not only in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, but also in those with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The prevalence of HCC in patients with PBC is estimated to be between 2.4 % and 3.8 % through analysis of retrospective and prospective cohort studies, which were performed in Japan as well as in Western countries after 2000. Subjects over age 70, who were males, with a history of portal hypertension or advanced stage PBC, a history of blood transfusions, and who did not exhibit a response to UDCA were concidered to be at risk for HCC in relation to PBC. In daily practice, patients who should be screened for development of HCC may primarily be identified due to the extent of disease progression in conjunction with age. Response to UDCA may serve as a practical alternative and provide additional clues to the necessity of HCC surveillance. Utilization of appropriate imaging and tumor markers (AFP and PIVKA-II), components of the clinical guidelines for diagnosis of HCC in Japan, is recommended for patients with PBC. |