Non-linear association of baseline viral load with on-treatment hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B

Patients with moderate baseline viral load, particularly around 6 log₁₀ IU/mL, demonstrated the highest on-treatment HCC risk, despite long-term antiviral treatment. Early initiation of antiviral treatment, tailored to viral load, should be considered to minimise HCC risk in adult CHB patients without cirrhosis.