Tseng TC, Liu CJ, Hsu CY, et al. – In this long-term follow-up study involving patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (genotypes B or C), researchers investigated the association of serum levels of HB core-related antigen (HBcrAg) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, particularly in patients who do not require antiviral treatment. From 1985 through 2000, data were gathered from 2,666 adults positive for HB 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. According to findings, HBcrAg level is an independent risk factor for HCC. In addition, HBcrAg level of 10 KU/mL may identify patients with an immediate viral load who are at high risk for HCC.