Journal Article

Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen predicts hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients

Wong, Vincent Wai-Sun, Yee-Kit, Tse, Kumada Takashi, Liang, Lilian Yan, Wong, Grace Lai-Hung, Tada Toshifumi, Lee, Hye-Won, Lui, Grace Chung-Yan, Yuen, Becky Wing-Yan, Toyoda Hidenori, Yip, Terry Cheuk-Fung, Chan, Henry Lik-Yuen

2020

Overview

BackgroundHepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel serum viral marker. Recent studies showed that its level correlates with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of serum HBsAg and HBcrAg levels at baseline to predict HCC.Methods1400 CHB patients who received nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) treatment since December 2005 were included. Their stored serum samples at baseline were retrieved to measure HBsAg and HBcrAg levels. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of HCC.Results85 (6.1%) patients developed HCC during a mean (± SD) follow-up duration of 45 ± 20 months. Serum HBcrAg level above 2.9 log10 U/mL at baseline was an independent factor for HCC in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients by multivariable analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.10–4.14, P = 0.025). HBcrAg above 2.9 log10 U/mL stratified the risk of HCC in HBeAg-negative patients with high PAGE-B score (P = 0.024 by Kaplan–Meier analysis), and possibly in cirrhotic patients (P = 0.08). Serum HBsAg level did not show any correlation with the risk of HCC in all patients or any subgroups.ConclusionSerum HBcrAg level predicts the risk of HCC accurately in NA-treated HBeAg-negative CHB patients.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Antigens / Antiviral drugs / Hepatitis B / Hepatitis B e antigen / Hepatitis B surface antigen / Hepatocellular carcinoma / Interferon / Liver cancer