Tsai YC, Sou FM, Liu YW, et al. - Researchers investigated the prognostic significance of the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade in patients with non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) receiving surgery.

• Of 2,137 patients with HCC who received hepatectomy and were screened for study eligibility, researchers finally included 168 NBNC-HCC patients in analysis.

• After a median follow-up of 76 months, recurrence occurred in 74 (44%) patients, and death was reported for 72 (42.9%) patients.

• Independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival included alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 200 ng/mL, number of tumors, and tumor stage.

• Independent risk factors for poor OS were AFP > 200 ng/mL, ALBI grade II/III, and tumor stage.

• Findings overall suggest a possible utility of the preoperative ALBI grade in predicting mortality in cases with NBNC-HCC after primary curative resection.