Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Despite the vast amount of information available on HCC, it remains difficult to manage because of its intricate molecular characteristics and aggressive nature. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) together account for an estimated 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases worldwide. A detailed understanding of the molecular events and signalling pathways involved in HCC is imperative for understanding the possible therapeutic options. Given the strong epidemiological link between hepatitis viruses and HCC associated with oncogenic progression, many years of research have aimed to understand these complex processes. Viral oncoproteins from both HCV and HBV are key targets in the anticancer paradigm. Unchecked proliferation, aberrant cycling and recurrence of hepatic carcinoma cells occur when canonical signalling networks are subverted. This review provides a synthesis of the last few years of findings on the multiple molecular pathways involved in modulating HCC in the context of HBV and HCV infection.