Risk stratification of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus e antigen-negative carriers by combining viral biomarkers
Journal
Journal of Infectious Diseases
Journal Volume
208
Journal Issue
4
Pages
584-593
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Wang C.-C
Yang W.-T
Kuo S.F.-T
Abstract
Background. The serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) level can predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with an HBV DNA level of <2000 IU/mL. However, little is known regarding how well the combination of both viral biomarkers stratifies HCC risk. Methods. A total of 2165 Taiwanese HBeAg-negative noncirrhotic patients were followed for 14.9 years. The predictive power of the HBsAg level for HCC was analyzed for different viral load ranges. Results. In patients with HBV DNA levels of 2000-19 999 IU/mL (intermediate viral load), a positive correlation between HBsAg level and HCC development was identified after adjustment for other risk factors (P =. 002). In contrast, no association was found between HBsAg level and HCC in patients with higher viral loads. HBsAg level was subsequently included to stratify HCC risk in patients with low and intermediate viral loads. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that combining HBV DNA and HBsAg level better predicts 10-year HCC development as compared to using HBV DNA level alone in the overall cohort (P =. 028). Conclusions. Serum HBsAg level helps stratify HCC risk in patients with intermediate viral loads. Combining HBV DNA and HBsAg levels better predicts HCC risk. ? The Author 2013.
SDGs
Other Subjects
biological marker; hepatitis B surface antigen; virus DNA; adult; antigen detection; article; cancer risk; controlled study; disease association; female; follow up; human; liver carcinogenesis; liver cell carcinoma; major clinical study; male; priority journal; risk assessment; risk factor; Taiwan; virus load
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Type
journal article