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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 21, 2013; 19(47): 8887-8894
Published online Dec 21, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i47.8887
Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic viral hepatitis B and C infection
Tao Lu, Wai-Kay Seto, Ran-Xu Zhu, Ching-Lung Lai, Man-Fung Yuen
Tao Lu, Wai-Kay Seto, Ran-Xu Zhu, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, Guangdong Province, China
Wai-Kay Seto, Ching-Lung Lai, Man-Fung Yuen, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
Author contributions: Lu T and Seto WK did the literature search and wrote the manuscript; Zhu RX did the literature search and reviewed the manuscript; Lai CL reviewed the manuscript; Yuen MF designed the manuscript topic, reviewed the manuscript and supervised the study.
Correspondence to: Man-Fung Yuen, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China. mfyuen@hkucc.hku.hk
Telephone: +86-852-22553984 Fax: +86-852-28725828
Received: September 10, 2013
Revised: October 26, 2013
Accepted: November 12, 2013
Published online: December 21, 2013
Core Tip

Core tip: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the majority of cases associated with infection from hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), is the most common primary liver tumor. We introduced risk factors and risk predictive scores associated with HCC development among chronic HBV and HCV infection for its early diagnose and prevention. Vaccination plays a central role in the prevention of HBV-related HCC. Treatment of chronic HBV infection, especially by nucleoside analogue therapy, could reduce the risk of HBV-related HCC. Pegylated interferon and ribavirin could reduce the risk of HCV-related HCC. Chemopreventive agents in reducing HBV- and HCV-related HCC were also discussed.