Hepatitis B genotype C correlated with poor surgical outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Genotype B and C are the predominant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains in Taiwan. We aimed to investigate the role of genotype in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection.


METHODS
From October 2005 to November 2008, 64 patients who underwent liver resection for HBV-related HCC were enrolled. HBV genotypes were determined by molecular method. Patient characteristics, biochemical, tumor, and viral factors were evaluated for their prognostic significance.


RESULTS
During a mean follow-up of 26.6 ± 13.2 months, patients infected with genotype C had higher HBV viral load (p = 0.007) and worse disease-free survival rate (p = 0.028) than patients with genotype B. By univariate analysis, genotype C, alanine transaminase >50 U/L, tumor size ≥5 cm, and microvascular invasion were associated with tumor recurrence. Further multivariate analysis demonstrated genotype C remained a significant risk factor (p = 0.034).


CONCLUSIONS
Genotype C is a strong risk factor for HCC recurrence after resection. More intensive monitoring for recurrence should be considered in patients with genotype C.
Liang
Tsung-Jung
TJ
Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veteran General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Mok
King-Tong
KT
Liu
Shiuh-Inn
SI
Huang
Shiu-Feng
SF
Chou
Nan-Hua
NH
Tsai
Cheng-Chung
CC
Chen
I-Shu
IS
Yeh
Ming-Hsin
MH
Chen
Yu-Chia
YC
Wang
Being-Whey
BW
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology*; D015984:Causality; D002423:Cause of Death; D015897:Comorbidity; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010382:Peliosis Hepatis; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019562:Viral Load
D004279:DNA, Viral