New Insights in the Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatitis B- and C-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most lethal cancer worldwide. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection are the principal risk factors for its developing. We conducted a review of articles concerning the latest advances in hepatitis B- and C-related hepatocellular carcinoma. We performed an electronic search from January 1, 2011 to July 1, 2013 and 728 abstracts were reviewed. The main areas of research were advances in understanding pathogenesis, new diagnosis methods and treatment of hepatitis B- and C-related HCC. We conclude that despite basic and important advances have occurred during the past years, the topic requires more investigation and the application of new technologies for molecular analysis directed to diagnosis and therapeutics of hepatitis B- and C-related HCC. This is mainly because HBV and HVC related hepatocellular carcinoma incidence is expected to increase, so that new strategies directed to early detection and prevention are of extreme importance.