Familial hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B antigenemia in a New Zealand Chinese family.

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is reported in three and probably a fourth member of a New Zealand Chinese family, with a high carrier rate of HBsAg. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and HLA tissue types were analysed in the three generations of the expanded family of 35. Twenty-one of the three generations were positive for one or more serum HBV markers, including six of the 18 children. Intrafamilial spread of HBV was seen in four of the eight families. Tissue types did not correlate with HBV status. The two propositi of the four with HCC studied and four of six siblings were positive for HBsAg: both propositi had identical HLA haplotypes, including Bw46/DRw9. Evidence is as yet insufficient that this haplotype may represent a disease susceptibility gene for HCC. Other family members at risk will be those positive for HBsAg and/or anti HBC, but those with Bw46/DRw9 will be monitored with special interest.