Epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic impact of hepatitis B and D virus infection on hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for >90% of primary liver cancer cases, and chronic infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) are major contributors.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE (PubMed) database, focusing on studies related to HBV, HDV, and HCC.

Results: HBV contributes to HCC through mechanisms like viral integration into the host genome, chronic inflammation, and immune modulation, leading to genomic instability and altered cell signaling. HDV exacerbates HBV-induced liver damage, accelerating fibrosis and cirrhosis, and significantly increasing HCC risk. Antiviral therapies and vaccinations have majorly reduced the burden of HBV-related HCC, but HDV remains challenging to treat due to limited therapeutic options. Emerging treatments like Bulevirtide showed promising results.

Conclusion: This review highlights the critical impact of HBV and HDV co-infections on HCC development, emphasizing the need for more effective therapeutic strategies. While advances in antiviral therapies have reduced the incidence of HBV-related HCC, the high burden of HDV-related complications persists. Future research should focus on improving treatments for HDV and understanding its unique contribution to HCC pathogenesis.

Keywords: Cirrhosis; Fibrosis; HBV; HDV; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Liver cancer.