Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatocellular Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Advancements in Treatment

Globally, it is estimated that around 1.6 million individuals are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) every year. Chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the primary diseases associated with HCV. HCC ranks as the fifth most prevalent cancer in males and the seventh in females. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among males and the sixth among females. The precise role of HCV in cancer development remains poorly understood; nevertheless, numerous studies have demonstrated that nearly all HCV proteins are associated with the development of various aspects of malignant transformation or liver carcinogenesis. This review provides current insights into the molecular and oncogenic mechanisms underlying hepatocellular cancer, along with highlighting the profound impact of new and effective treatments on reducing the incidence of HCV and mitigating its chronic consequences.