Shen J, et al. - Researchers explored the predictive significance of serum hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a propensity matching model. Risk factors for recurrence included positive serum HBeAg, positive HBV-DNA load, largest tumor size, multiple tumors, microvascular invasion and a high serum level of preoperative alpha-fetoprotein. The propensity model confirmed that positive serum HBeAg had a negative impact on recurrence and long-term survival, irrespective of tumor stages. The rate of recurrence might be reduced via HBeAg seroconversion.