The role of hepatitis B virus in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in Australia.
Fifty-three patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) from three Sydney teaching hospitals were examined for possible evidence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis Surface Antigen (HBsAg) was positive in 38% of those in whom it was sought, a higher incidence than previously reported in an Australian series. A further 13 patients had antibody to Hepatitis B core (Anti-HBc), but negative HBsAg, confirming past exposure to HBV. Where serum was available evidence of HBV infection was obtained in 62% of patients. It is argued that the incidence of HBV infection may be shown to be higher still with the advent of new technology as applied to HBV assays and tissue stains. The need to be aware of the growing evidence of a strong association between Hepatitis B virus and the development of HCC is stressed and the clinical implications are discussed.
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001315:Australia; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*
D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens