Published online Apr 15, 2024. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1097
Peer-review started: January 4, 2024
First decision: January 17, 2024
Revised: January 30, 2024
Accepted: March 6, 2024
Article in press: March 6, 2024
Published online: April 15, 2024
Processing time: 97 Days and 17.1 Hours
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major player in chronic hepatitis B that may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV genetics are diverse where it is classified into at least 9 genotypes (A to I) and 1 putative genotype (J), each with specific geographical distribution and possible different clinical outcomes in the patient. This diversity may be associated with the precision medicine for HBV-related HCC and the success of therapeutical approaches against HCC, related to different pathogenicity of the virus and host response. This Editorial discusses recent updates on whether the classification of HBV genetic diversity is still valid in terms of viral oncogenicity to the HCC and its precision medicine, in addition to the recent advances in cellular and molecular biology technologies.
Core Tip: This article discusses recent updates on the classification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) based on its genetic diversity (genotype) and its relationship with current data in HBV pathogenicity, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and HCC treatment.