Prevention of hepatitis C virus infection and liver cancer

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death, and its incidence is increasing. The majority of HCC cases are associated with chronic viral hepatitis. With over 170 million individuals chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide, HCV is currently a serious global health concern, leading to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC, thereby causing significant morbidity and mortality. With the incidence of HCV infection increasing, the problem of HCV-associated HCC is expected to worsen as well, with the majority of HCCs developing in the setting of cirrhosis. Thus, it is imperative to provide antiviral therapy..