Sun F, Liu Z, Wang B, et al. - Data from chronic hepatitis B patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving curative hepatectomy were examined to describe the characteristics of low-level viremia patients and identify prognostic factors after curative hepatectomy.

• Based on preoperative HBV DNA levels, 212 patients were divided into two groups: patients with HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL (low-level viremia group), and those with HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL.

• There was a long tumor recurrence interval in correlation with preoperative low-level viremia.

• Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence appeared lower for those with complete virologic response after curative hepatectomy.

• Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence appeared higher in independent correlation with a tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm, intrahepatic metastasis, and an HBV DNA level ≥ 100 IU/mL.