To find out how HCV eradication will influence NKG2D expression, and how this difference will correlate to early post-treatment HCC emergence, we conducted a real-world practice-based observational study of patients infected with genotype-1 HCV who were treated with IFN-free DAAs, and compared to those treated with IFN-combined regimen. Here, KLRK1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.