Hepatitis Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Advances

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health challenge. Hepatitis virus infection (including HBV, HCV and HDV) is one of the major risk factors for HCC development. These viruses induce hepatocyte cancer by causing chronic hepatitis and by a variety of complex mechanisms. Here we discuss the mechanisms by which several hepatitis viruses induce HCC, as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HCC based on the findings of these mechanisms. Finally, we also discuss the potential relationship between HEV and HCC. ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, causing 600,000 deaths each year. Infectious factors, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), have long been considered the major risk factors for the development and progression of HCC. These pathogens induce hepatocyte transformation through a variety of mechanisms, including insertional mutations caused by viral gene integration, epigenetic changes, and the induction of long-term immune dysfunction. The discovery of these mechanisms, while advancing our understanding of the disease, also provides targets for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In addition, the discovery and research of chronic HEV infection over the past decade indicate that this common hepatitis virus also seems to have the potential to induce HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the link between hepatitis virus and HCC, as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HCC based on these findings. Finally, we also discuss the potential relationship between HEV and HCC. In conclusion, these associations will further optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infection-associated HCC and call for better management policies.