HCV and cancer: a case-control study in a high-endemic area

Background/Aims: HCV is a RNA virus that cannot be integrated with the host genome; it can, however, exert its oncogenic potential indirectly by contr ibuting to the modulatory effects of the host immune system, probably throu gh a capacity to elude the immune system. We have carried out a case-contro lled study on the different oncological pathologies which have, to date, be en shown to have a relationship with HCV Methods: We screened 495 patients with different types of cancer: 114 cases of liver cancer, 41 of multiple m yeloma, I I I non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, 130 thyroid cancers, 63 cases of Hod gkin's disease. The controls were 226 patients with no history of cancer. T he relationship between each cancer and HCV infection was assessed by means of odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: R isks were greater for liver cancer (OR=32.9 95% CI 16.5-65.4, p <0.0001), m ultiple myeloma (OR=4.5 95% CI 1.9-10.7, p=0.0004) and B-cell nonHodgkin's lymphoma (OR=3.7 95% CI 1.9-7.4, p=0.0001). For Hodgkin's disease there was no significant association (p=0.3). An association between HCV and thyroid cancer was noted (OR=2.8 95% CI 1.2-6.3, p=0.01). Conlusion: Our study is particularly important for public health since the high prevalence of HCV i n the South of Italy gives reason to expect increases in not only liver can cer, but also tumors associated with the immune system and thyroid cancer i n years to come.