Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen Levels Linked to Liver Cancer Risk

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Serum levels of HB core-related antigen (HBcrAg) have been associated with active replication of HBV. We investigated whether HBcrAg levels associate with development of HCC, especially in patients who do not require antiviral treatment. Methods We collected data from 2666 adults positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), infected with HBV genotypes B or C and without liver cirrhosis, who had a long-term follow-up at the National Taiwan University Hospital, from 1985 through 2000.

All the patients did not have antiviral treatment during the follow-up. Baseline levels of HBV DNA, HBsAg, and HBcrAg were determined retrospectively and participants were followed for a mean time of 15.95 years. The primary endpoint was association between serum level of HBcrAg and HCC development. Results In…