Simultaneous presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma in identical twin brothers.
Family history and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been identified as risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma. We report hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed at the same time in identical twin brothers. Serological analyses of the patients showed that both were chronically infected with HBV. Molecular analyses of the tumor specimens confirmed loss of heterozygocity of the Rb gene region. Both of the patients were unresponsive to chemotherapy and died within the same month with an interval of I wk. With a review of the current literature, we discuss the role of HBV infection and genetic factors on hepatic carcinogenesis.
Demir
Gokhan
G
Medical Oncology Department, Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, Turkey. gdemir@turk.net
Belentepe
Sedef
S
Ozguroglu
Mustafa
M
Celik
Aykut Ferhat
AF
Sayhan
Nur
N
Tekin
Salim
S
Mandel
Nil Molinas
NM
Buyukunal
Evin
E
Serdengecti
Suheyla
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic / Q000235:genetics*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents