Characterization and Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic HCV or HBV Monoinfection

Abstract

Background and study aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents prevalent form of primary liver cancer and is among the frequently occurring malignancies globally due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and /or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed to distinguish between HBV and HCV-caused HCC in characterization and outcomes. Patients and Methods: One hundred and sixty HCC patients diagnosed by characteristic radiological pattern on multislice triphasic spiral computed tomography (CT) scan and /or dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in the study. They were divided into 2 groups: 80 had HCV-related HCC patients and 80 had HBV-related HCC patients. Results: Mean ± SD of age was 54.94±12.75, 59±7.95 years in HBV-related HCC and HCV-related HCC patients respectively with significant difference in age between two studied groups (P= 0.003). Male patients with HBV-related HCC represented 65% and they represented 64% in HCV-related HCC patients. All HCV-related HCC patients were cirrhotic while 2.5% of HBV-related HCC patients were not cirrhotic. Mean survival in HCV-related HCC compared to with HBV related HCC showed significant difference between both groups (6.7 and 4.84 respectively; P< 0.001). Age (p=0.037), PS (p=0.026) and creatinine (p=0.019) were associated with a negative impact on overall survival in HBV-related HCC patients. On the other hand, there was significant positive impact of increased albumin on survival (p=0.009). Conclusions: HCC associated with HBV and HCV exhibits unique both pathological and clinical traits. Such distinctions underscore the need for tailored screening as well as management approaches that enhance surveillance of HCC, prompt identification and treatment efficacy.