Risk Factors Including Hepatitis C & Alcohol for Developing Liver Cancer
Liver cancer incidence has increased over time in the United States, and chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus plays an important role in many cases according to research study results published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for over 500 functions, including the secretion of glucose, proteins, vitamins and fats, the production of bile, the processing of hemoglobin and the detoxification of numerous substances. The liver removes harmful substances from the blood, contributes to the digestion of food, and stores nutrients and energy.
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Historically, rates of HCC have been lower in the United States than in other countries, but the disease is on the rise.
Primary liver cancer, sometimes called hepatocellular cancer (HCC), is characterized by cancer that starts in cells of the liver and can spread through blood and lymph vessels to different parts of the body. Factors that increase the risk of developing HCC include long-term, heavy alcohol use and chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses.
To explore trends in HCC in a single, well-defined population, researchers collected information about liver cancer cases diagnosed in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Information was available about 104 people who had been diagnosed between 1976 and 2008.
Zenocutuzumab - the first approved systemic therapy for patients with NRG1 fusion–positive NSCLC or pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Zenocutuzumab targeted therapy approved for treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer with NRG1 fusions.
Immunotherapy After Chemoradiotherapy Promising in Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Adjuvant therapy with Imfinzi (durvalumab) significantly improved survival outcomes for patients with limited-stage SCLC
Breakthrough in Understanding Tamoxifen's Effectiveness in Breast Cancer: Gut Bacteria Play a Crucial Role
Since tamoxifen is taken orally and travels through the digestive system, variations in patient responses may be connected to the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria in our intestines that differ significantly from one person to another.
- The frequency of new cases increased over time. The number of new cases per 100,000 people per year was 3.5 during 1976-1990, 3.8 during 1991-2000, and 6.9 during 2001-2008.
- Alcohol use was the most common risk factor among cases diagnosed during the earliest two time periods. In the most recent time period (2001-2008), hepatitis C was the most common risk factor, and was found in close to 45 percent of the cases.
- Liver cancer survival also increased over time. Median survival increased from 3 months in the earliest time period to 9 months in the most recent time period.
These results provide additional evidence2 that the frequency of liver cancer has increased sharply in the US, and that chronic infection with hepatitis C is a major contributor.
Persons with chronic hepatitis C (a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver) combined with a heavy alcohol intake are at an increased chance for developing liver cancer. Persons with hepatitis C should talk to their physician about the use of an antiviral agent to eradicate the virus and halt their liver damage.
References:
- Yang JD, Kim B, Sanderson SO et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-2008. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2012;87:9-16.
- (Cancer, Vol 89, No 1, pp 53-59, 2000).
