Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of death among patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis [1]. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most frequent etiological factors for cirrhosis and accounts for approximately 50 and 25 % of all HCC cases, respectively [2]. Other important risk factors for HCC include alcohol consumption and HIV infection. Both are susceptible to exerting a more rapid progression from cirrhosis to HCC due to a synergistic effect in individuals with HBV and/or HCV infections [3]. Accordingly, 80-90 % of patients with HCC have an established background of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis [4]; consequently, both conditions should be considered components of the HCC-associated multistep process.
展开▼
