Liver Cancer

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Liver Cancer: Fast Facts

• There are several distinct forms of liver cancer, the most common of which is called hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as HCC. Most primary liver cancers begin in liver cells, or hepatocytes.
• The main cause of liver cancer around the world is infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Other risk factors include heavy alcohol use, obesity and diabetes.
• The number of liver-cancer cases associated with hepatitis C infection is likely to triple over the next 10 to 20 years because of the high incidence of this virus. Hepatitis C affects an estimated 3 percent of the world’s population and 2 percent of the U.S. population.
• The overall survival rate of HCC is poor because most patients are diagnosed when the tumor is in an advanced stage.

Read more about liver cancer prevention, symptoms and treatment options at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. »

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Liver Cancer: Some of Our Key Research

At the Hutchinson Center, Dr. Laura Beretta leads research on the links between the hepatitis C virus and liver cancer. Beretta's lab uses state-of-the-art technologies in an effort to identify particular genes and proteins involved in liver-cancer development, which is currently not well understood.

Their ultimate goal is to single out biomarkers—that is, telltale molecules in the blood—that are necessary for hepatitis C to replicate and that could help detect liver cancer at its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. They're also seeking more information at a cellular level about how healthy liver tissue becomes cancerous and why some people develop liver cancer after a hepatitis infection while others do not.

This work, which employs new strategies developed by Beretta's lab, may also lead to effective early-stage therapies for both hepatitis C and liver cancer.

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Liver Cancer: More Resources

• Every advance in cancer treatment in recent years has come out of clinical trials that test innovative medical approaches on patients. Find out more about clinical trials on liver cancer. »

• The Hutchinson Center also conducts ongoing cancer-prevention studies that depend on participation of healthy volunteers. Learn more about getting involved in research studies. » 

• In need of medical attention for liver cancer? Visit the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to get help. »

• The Hutchinson Center is on a mission to eliminate cancer and related diseases as causes of human suffering and death, and you can help. Make a gift today. »

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