AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: With respect to HCC, both albumin and α-FP mRNA are widely used as tumour markers for HCC cells in circulation (Chou et al, 1994; Hillaire et al, 1994; Jiang et al, 1997; Kar and Carr, 1995; Komeda et al, 1995; Lemoine et al, 1997; Malek et al, 1999; Matsumura et al, 1994; Wong et al, 1997).