In fact, studies with similar methods of detection show comparable levels of DKK1 between plasma from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (mean of 3400 pg/ml) 18 to those from patients with FA (mean of 3465 pg/ml; our study) suggesting that increased DKK1 in patients with FA might reflect a propensity for cancer. The gene discussed is DKK1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.