Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein predicts early occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after sustained virologic response by direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus

Aim The aim of this study is to clarify the value of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis C patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) by therapy with interferon‐free, direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study that included 567 patients who underwent antiviral therapy with an interferon‐free DAA regimen and achieved SVR. Serum WFA+‐M2BP was measured after SVR. Factors predictive of HCC occurrence and recurrence were analyzed in the patients after stratification by previous treatment history of HCC. Results Among 518 patients who had no history of HCC, 13 developed HCC. Post‐SVR WFA+‐M2BP ≥1.75 cut‐off index (C.O.I., P