A Nested Case-Control Study of Factors Contributing to Acceleration of the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Stored Sera (Addendum to RP 1-04)

Summary

This research protocol is an addendum to RP 1-04. The objective of RP 1-04 is to study the effects of radiation exposure, hepatitis virus infection, and lifestyle-related factors on the risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we indicated that hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection, obesity, and alcohol consumption are independent risk factors for HCC. Furthermore, the ongoing analyses suggest that radiation exposure may contribute to increased HCC risk, irrespective of hepatitis virus infection. With this addendum protocol, we will measure biomarkers related to chronic inflammation and/or insulin resistance that are considered important factors contributing to acceleration of the development of HCC using stored sera among subjects of this nested case-control study (RP 1-04), as well as examine their contribution to HCC risk.

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