Title: Simple scoring index for early detection of non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with diabetes mellitus
Abstract: We examined the characteristics of patients with stage 1 non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) (n = 195) and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) without cancer (n = 82) and developed a new scoring index for the early detection of NBNC-HCC based on the common blood tests used in general practice. The formula for the new index, referred to as DM-HCC, was based on the results of logistic regression analysis and was AST-3 × Plt+20 (unit: 104/μL). The area under the receiver operation curve was 0.88. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting NBNC-HCC at a cut-off value of zero were 79% and 88%, respectively. Thus, this new scoring index is useful for the early prediction of NBNC-HCC in patients with DM. Additionally, image screening for HCC is recommended for patients with scores of greater than zero.