| Theme |
Up‒to‒date of the Protection of Gastroenterological Cancers |
| Title |
Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocarcinogenesis |
| Author |
Hiroshi Aikata |
Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University |
| Author |
Daiki Miki |
Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University |
| Author |
Masataka Tsuge |
Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University |
| Author |
Michio Imamura |
Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University |
| Author |
Kazuaki Chayama |
Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University |
| [ Summary ] |
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of liver fibrosis and subsequent liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In Japan, approximately 70 % of HCC patients have chronic HBV‒ or HCV‒infection. Development of HCC in chronic HBV‒ or HCV‒infected patients is associated with various host and environmental factors such as age, sex, race and viral factors such as viral load, viral genotype, and viral proteins. Recent genome wide association studies (GWAS) identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the development of HCC in chronic HBV‒ or HCV‒infected patients. Elucidation of the function of the genes identified in these GWAS studies may lead a development of new treatments for HCC. Eradication or control of hepatitis viruses with anti‒viral drugs reduces the risk of HCC incidence and recurrence after HCC treatment. However, HCC occasionally develops even after viral eradication ; therefore, long‒term surveillance is required in chronic viral hepatitis patients. |