Oncogenic Viruses: Volume 1: Fundamentals of Oncoviruses: Chapter 14 - Hepatitis C virus and hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of the liver that originates in the liver. It is unlike other secondary cancers that migrate from other organs to the liver. It is a primary malignancy of the hepatic cells that occurs mainly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Numerous factors, including chemical, viruses, and inborn and metabolic diseases, are responsible for its progression. HCC is also closely associated with the hepatitis B virus and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV infection is a foremost cause of advanced hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis, which increase the risk for HCC. HCV carcinogenesis is arbitrated by viral-induced factors and host-induced immunological response. To date, the HCV-based oncogenic effect on the liver has been limited to animal models and evidence that HCV core protein drives lipogenesis and impairs oxidative stress metabolism. The current antiviral therapy is a long-term goal for chronic HCV and to reduce the complication from cirrhosis, including HCC. Long-term surveillance of the infected patient will help us in understanding the connection between HCV and HCC and its related complications.