The cumulative incidence of HCC starting from 3 years after the diagnosis of LC in the continuously high-ALT group (annual average over 3 years always ≥80 IU; n = 41; Group A) was markedly higher than that in the continuously-low ALT group (always <80 IU; n = 48; Group B) (P < 0.005) during an observation period of 7.9 ± 3.7 years. This evidence concerns the gene GPT and hepatocellular carcinoma.