Abstract

HBV: A HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA (LIVER CANCER) CAUSING VIRUS ITS MECHANISM AND PREVENTION

Asiyabi M.*, Dr. K. B. Ilango, Dr. Sonal Anto, Karthik S., Prakash A., Ramesh and Sathish Kumar K.

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Abstract

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), commonly referred to as liver cancer, stands as a global health concern. According to recent statistics by the World Health Organization (WHO), HCC ranks as the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related fatalities. Predominantly prevalent in Asia and Africa, HCC is intimately associated with chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection, high alcohol consumption, and type 2 diabetes. A staggering 50 to 80% of HCC cases are attributed to HBV infection, underscoring the urgency of addressing this viral threat. HBV, a double-stranded DNA virus, presents ten distinct genotypes and encodes five essential proteins, including the pivotal HBx protein. Understanding the HBV life cycle, from attachment to hepatocytes to the release of mature virions, is crucial in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Primary prevention strategies primarily revolve around vaccination, with the hepatitis B vaccine demonstrating remarkable efficacy in reducing HBV-related HCC risk. Safe sex practices, needle exchange programs, and antiviral treatments form the pillars of secondary prevention, offering further hope in curbing HCC incidence. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, a balanced diet, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, prove pivotal in reducing HCC risk. tertiary prevention strategies are vital due to high recurrence rates post-treatment. Adjuvant interferon therapy remains a subject of debate, with mixed evidence on its effectiveness in preventing recurrence.

Keywords: A staggering 50 to 80% of HCC cases are attributed to HBV infection, underscoring the urgency of addressing this viral threat.