To assess whether the combined use of DKK1 and TEMs measurements was better than either of these two biomarkers alone, binary logistic regression analysis was further performed to create a new variable predicted probability (P2) for AFP-negative HCC on the basis of an equation (AFP-negative HCC versus all LC, CHB and NC groups): Logit P2 = -2.565+0.002×DKK1+0.137×TEMs. The gene discussed is DKK1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.