So we conducted a study with the following objectives: (1) evaluate the usefulness of plasma OPN in the diagnosis of HCC in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, and compare its accuracy with AFP; (2) investigate whether increased OPN is due to the tumor or underlying disease; and determine if there is any relationship between plasma OPN levels and the activity or severity of liver disease. The gene discussed is SPP1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.