Objective To evaluate the prognostic value of clinical characteristics including China Liver Cancer staging system (CNLC) for patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.

Methods A total of 126 HCC patients with hepatitis C who underwent a curative hepatic resection in Zhongshan Hospital were enrolled in this study. Major clinical parameters and surgical outcomes were analyzed for long-term survival.

Results Kaplan-Meier curve was applied to evaluate the relationship between clinical characteristics and prognosis. Pre-operative AFP and albumin level, maximum tumor diameter, tumor encapsulation, vascular invasion, and CNLC stage were significantly associated with overall survival. Cox regression model indicated elevated AFP level and decreased albumin level, maximum tumor diameter, tumor encapsulation, vascular invasion, and CNLC stage were significant poor prognostic factors for post-operative overall survival.

Conclusions This research indicates the relationship between clinical indicators and prognosis of patients with hepatitis C-related HCC, and verify the prognostic value of CNLC staging in these patients.