Title Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic viral hepatitis B and C infection

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with the majority of cases associated with persistent infection from hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Natural history studies have identified risk factors associated with HCC development among chronic HBV and HCV infection. High-risk infected individuals can now be identified by the usage of risk predictive scores. Vaccination plays a central role in the prevention of HBV-related HCC. Treatment of chronic HBV infection, especially by nucleoside analogue therapy, could also reduce the risk of HBV-related HCC. Concerning HCV infection, besides the advocation of universal precautions to reduce the rate of infection, pegylated interferon and ribavirin could also reduce the risk of HCV-related HCC among those achieving a sustained virologic response. Recently there has been mounting evidence on the role of chemopreventive agents in reducing HBVand HCV-related TOPIC HIGHLIGHT Online Submissions: http://www.wjgnet.com/esps/ [email protected] doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i47.8887 8887 December 21, 2013|Volume 19|Issue 47| WJG|www.wjgnet.com World J Gastroenterol 2013 December 21; 19(47): 8887-8894 ISSN 1007-9327 (print) ISSN 2219-2840 (online) © 2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved. WJG 20 Anniversary Special Issues (1): Hepatocellular carcinoma HCC. The continued advances in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC would hold promise in preventing this highly lethal cancer. © 2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights