The statistically significant correlation of EpCAM+ CTCs with AFP ≥ 400ng/mL and vascular invasion was already been demonstrated in 2003 by Schulze et al. who, analyzing a total of 59 HCC patients and 19 controls, detected ≥ 1 per 7.5 mL in 30.5% of HCC group. The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.