Role of hepatitis B virus in primary liver cancer.
There is an excess prevalence of markers of active infection with hepatitis B virus in patients with primary liver cancer in many parts of the world. Early age of infection with hepatitis B virus is likely to be an important factor, resulting in persistent infection that may progress to chronic liver damage. Results of recent experimental studies are consistent with integration of hepatitis B viral DNA with host cell DNA molecules. It is likely that primary liver cancer is the cumulative result of several cofactors including infection with hepatitis B virus; genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and nutritional factors; and environmental factors including mycotoxins and chemical carcinogens.
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000032:analysis / Q000209:etiology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis / Q000209:etiology*
D004279:DNA, Viral