Hepatocarcinogenic

Hepatocarcinogenic is an adjective describing agents capable of causing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer. The term covers chemical, biological, and environmental exposures that increase the risk of malignant transformation in hepatocytes, often in the context of chronic liver injury or cirrhosis.

Mechanisms include direct genotoxic effects such as DNA adduct formation and mutations (notably aflatoxin B1–induced p53 mutations), as well as indirect routes through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and regenerative proliferation. Viral infections (hepatitis B and C) and cirrhosis create a pro-tumor environment and can act synergistically with other hepatocarcinogens.

Well-established hepatocarcinogens include aflatoxin B1, a mycotoxin found in contaminated crops, and exposures related to heavy alcohol use. Some industrial chemicals have hepatocarcinogenic potential in animals and humans, though risk depends on dose and exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies aflatoxin B1 as a Group 1 carcinogen; alcohol is considered a Group 1 carcinogen for liver cancer; other agents are categorized by IARC into Group 2A or 2B.

Detection of exposure uses biomarkers such as aflatoxin–DNA or aflatoxin–lysine adducts. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure, including food safety to limit aflatoxin contamination and vaccination and treatment for hepatitis B, along with reducing chronic liver disease risk factors.