The hepatitis B vaccine—the first anti-cancer vaccine (Lancet Gastro Hepato 2026)

The hepatitis B vaccine, often hailed as the first anti-cancer vaccine, represents a groundbreaking achievement in global public health. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a deadly form of liver cancer. By preventing HBV infection, the vaccine directly reduces the risk of HCC, making it a powerful tool in cancer prevention.

Since its introduction, the hepatitis B vaccine has significantly reduced HBV infection rates worldwide, particularly in regions with historically high prevalence, such as Southeast Asia. This region has long borne the brunt of HBV-related diseases, with millions suffering from chronic infections and liver-related complications. Universal vaccination programs, especially those targeting newborns and infants, have been instrumental in curbing HBV transmission from mother to child, one of the primary modes of infection.

The vaccine's impact is profound—countries with high vaccination coverage have reported dramatic declines in HBV prevalence and HCC incidence among younger generations. For example, in Taiwan, a pioneer in HBV vaccination, the incidence of childhood HCC has nearly been eradicated. As global vaccination efforts expand, the hepatitis B vaccine continues to save millions of lives, offering hope for a future free from HBV and its devastating consequences, including liver cancer.