Hepatitis C and its sequelae: the biology of hepatitis C virus and implications for its control.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most important cancers worldwide and at least two hepatitis viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) appear to be etiologically associated with its development. Regardless of the nature of this association, control of these two viruses would likely be effective in the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma. The control of HBV is achievable through proper utilization of highly effective vaccines against HBV. However, the development of useful vaccines against HCV will require more knowledge about the genetic and serologic heterogeneity of this virus and the nature of the host's immune response to it.