Abstract 5925: Albumin-bilirubin score as a marker for predicting occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract Background: The newly developed albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score has been proved to be a simple and useful marker for predicting prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, evidence is scarce regarding the use of ALBI score to predict occurrence of HCC in patients with chronic liver disease. In the current study, we examined the usefulness of ALBI score to predict occurrence of HCC in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included only cirrhotic patients without previous history of HCC. A total of 68 cirrhotic patients (median age, 68 years old; 36 males and 32 females; 42 compensated and 26 decompensated cirrhosis) were included. Using a Cox proportional hazard model, we identified the risk factors for HCC occurrence and mortality. The potential factors were age, gender, causes of cirrhosis (hepatitis virus infection vs others), platelet count, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, serum endocan level, ALBI score, and successful treatment for cirrhosis (yes vs no). Results: The leading cause of cirrhosis was hepatitis virus infection (9 HBV- and 20 HCV-infected patients), followed by alcohol-related liver disease (23 patients), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (5 patients), and other causes (2 patients). The median follow-up period was 10 years. During the study period, 16 patients had HCC and 22 patients died (12 liver failure, 3 HCC, 2 variceal rupture, 2 bacterial infection, and 3 other causes). Cumulative survival rates were 92%, 72%, and 59%, at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Regarding risk factors for HCC occurrence, univariate analysis identified a low platelet count and an increased ALBI score as significant factors. However, on multivariate analysis, an increased ALBI score was the only significant factor [hazard ratio, 7.49 (1.65−34.04); p = 0.009]. Regarding risk factors for mortality, univariate analysis identified older age as the only significant factor; male gender and hepatitis virus infection tended to be significant. However, on multivariate analysis, older age, male gender, and hepatitis virus infection were significant factors. Conclusion: The results indicate that an increased ALBI score is a useful factor to predict occurrence of HCC in patients with liver cirrhosis. Citation Format: Nobuyuki Toshikuni, Mutsumi Tsuchishima, Mikihiro Tsutsumi, Joseph George. Albumin-bilirubin score as a marker for predicting occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5925.