Shuaibing Ying

We thank Professor Taha for the insightful Editorial on our study addressing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk prediction after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance [1, 2]. His comments appropriately highlight emerging priorities in the future management of HCC, particularly the need for refined risk stratification and stage-shifting surveillance strategies [3].

1. Introduction Click to copy section linkSection link copied! Liver cirrhosis arises from chronic liver conditions, including viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). It is defined by diffuse fibrosis, structural destruction of liver tissue, and the formation of regenerative nodules. (1−3) Hepatocellular carcinoma has long been associated with liver cirrhosis, which is also a major cause of liver failure morbidity and death.