Chemoprevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Summary of a Satellite Symposium

Abstract

Discovery of the antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a specific antibody seen among the patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis was a turning point in medical history. Since this discovery, much information has been obtained on both diagnosis and treatment of type C hepatitis and various liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In Japan, it has been estimated that 90% of HCC cases are related to persistent infection with either or both of HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV): 70% with HCV and 20% with HBV. Prevention of infection with these two viruses is therefore clearly important to prevent HCC. However, to prevent development of HCC in patients already infected with these viruses, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogensis and the specific role of these viruses. In addition, we need effective drugs or surgical measures to treat patients in whom HCC has already developed. In a Satellite Symposium: ‘Chemoprevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma’, seven speakers presented their recent results on several topics in this field.