| Abstrakt: |
Primary liver cancer, of which hepatocellular carcinoma HCC is the dominant histological subtype, is the third most common cancer in males and the sixth most common cancer in females worldwide. The differing geographical prevalence of HCC in high and low incidence areas of the world reflects the varying prevalence of HBV and HCV infection. Chronic infection with the hepatitis virus types B and C is an important cause of HCC accounting for approximately 77 of cases. HCC is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis with most tumours diagnosed at an advanced stage. The pathogenesis of both HBV and HCVrelated HCC is poorly understood, restricting the identification of targets for treatment. Primary or secondary prevention of HBV through vaccination should dramatically reduce the number of cases of HBVassociated liver disease and HCC. Unfortunately no vaccine exists for the prevention of HCV. Treatment of individuals already chronically infected with hepatitis B or C is important from the perspective of public health to limit spread, and to the individual to prevent progression to cirrhosis or carcinogenesis. However, because of the high cost of the currently available agents, the restrictive eligibility criteria usually used for their use and the extensive adverse effects associated with them, this will remain a challenge to the medical and allied professions. |
