Differences Between Hepatocellular Carcinoma Related to Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes B and C

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may develop serious liver damage over the course of several years, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of primary liver cancer. However, clinical and pathogenic differences exist between HBV genotypes B and C, and genotype C is associated with a higher risk of developing HCC.

As described in the January 2007 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, researchers from Taiwan investigated the influence of HBV genotypes B and C on the clinico-pathological features of patients with resectable HCC (tumors that are appropriate for surgical removal). Stored serum samples from 193 patients with resectable HBV-related HCC were tested for HBV genotypes using a molecular method.

Results

• Of 193 patients undergoing resection, 107 (55%) had genotype B and 86 (45%) had genotype C.

• Compared with genotype C patients, those with genotype B were less likely to have liver cirrhosis (33% vs 51; P = 0.01).

• Pathologically, genotype B patients had a higher rate of solitary tumors (94% vs 86%; P = 0.048) and more satellite nodules (22% vs 12%; P = 0.05) compared with genotype C patients.

Conclusion

"Our results indicate that genotype B-related HCC is less associated with liver cirrhosis and has a higher frequency of solitary [tumors] as well as more satellite nodules than genotype C-related HCC," the authors wrote in conclusion. "These characteristics may contribute to the recurrence patterns and prognosis of HBV-related HCC in patients with genotype B or C infection."

1/23/07

Reference
C L Lin, J D Chen, C J Liu, and others. Clinicopathological differences between hepatitis B viral genotype B- and C-related resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Journal of Viral Hepatitis 14(1): 64-69. January 2007.