Hepatitis B virus in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important etiologic agent of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the mechanism whereby HBV causes HCC is not fully understood, it is likely that there are many relevant molecular pathways that contribute to the development of HBV-associated HCC. This review provides an overview of some of these proposed pathways and their relative importance. It also raises questions on basic and translational research that will signficantly contribute to the better understanding of underlying mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of this tumor type.
Feitelson
M A
MA
Department of Pathology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. feitels1@jeflin.tju.edu
D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology