Researchers from Yonsei University, Medical Department report details of new studies and findings in the area of hepatitis B virus
2008 JAN 14 -- According to a study from Seoul, South Korea, "Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant cancer and third major cause of death in Korean. It is more prevalent among men in the sixth to seventh decades." "HCC is particularly prevalent in Korea where the age-standardized incidence rate is 45.0/100 000 population in males and 12.0/100 000 population in females. The death rate from HCC is 20.0/ 100 000 population. Approximately 65-75% of HCC patients were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), where 10-20% of patients were anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive. The high incidence rate of HCC in Korea is thought to be related to the high carrier rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population. For primary prevention, a nationwide HBV vaccination program has been conducted since the late 1980s in Korea. Although advances have been made in the various methods of management of HCC, there has been little overall survival improvement during the past 20 years. Only few patients are candidates for potentially curative forms of treatment. Therefore, the early detection of HCC is a key issue," wrote K.H. Han and colleagues, Yonsei University, Medical Department. The researchers concluded: "When compared with clinical outcomes of HCC based on recent 10-year institutional data, our screening and surveillance programs might enable early detection and increased applicability of curative treatments." Han and colleagues published their study in Hepatology Research (Liver cancer in Korea. Hepatology Research, 2007;37(Suppl. 2):S106-S109). For more information, contact K.H. Han, Yonsei University, College Medical, Dept. of Internal Medical, 134 Shinchondong, Seoul 120752, South Korea. Publisher contact information for the journal Hepatology Research is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England. Keywords: South Korea, Seoul, Antigens, Gastroenterology, HBV, HCV, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatocellular Cancer, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hepatology, Infectious Disease, Liver Cancer, Liver Carcinoma, Oncology, Vaginal Candidiasis, Virology, Yonsei University, Medical Department. This article was prepared by Hepatitis Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Hepatitis Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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