Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) arise in patients with cirrhosis, who are chronically infected with hepatitis C or hepatitis B virus. The prevention of HCC in these patients is important. Vaccination is available against infection with hepatitis B virus, but not with hepatitis C virus. The therapy with interferon-?? appears to be effective in the prevention of HCC in patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection. Oral polyprenoic acid, which induces differentiation or apoptosis in hepatoma cell lines, prevents second primary HCC. The occurrence of HCC is also prevented by Sho-saiko-to or glycyrrhizin, which help to decrease inflammation of liver. It should be elucidated which combination of these drugs will be most effective in the prevention of HCC.