Hepatology/Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, accounting for around 85% of cases. It is a major health problem particularly in areas endemic with hepatitis B viral infection (HBV). It is the second most common leading cause of death due to cancer worldwide.

Epidemiology

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Geographic Distribution

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The rates of HCC are highest at Subsaharan Africa and Far East Asia.

Pathogenesis

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SOCS-1 can be considered a tumour suppressor gene that is epigenetically silenced through methylation of its promotor region. A recent meta-analysis showed the SOCS-1 promotor was found to be methylated in HCC cases around 3 times more frequently than in surrounding normal tissue or in benign tumours.[1]

Treatment

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Evaluation of response to sorafenib

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A study that was done in Japan suggested the use of contrast-based ultrasound to assess the arrival time of the contrast to the liver, and used those measurements as an indicator for response to sorafenib.[2]

References

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  1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26934227
  2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26934227