AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: However, due to delayed diagnosis, more than 70% of HCC patients are not suitable for surgery.[2] Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), the most common clinical biomarker, seems insufficient value in early diagnosis of HCC with a low sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 84%.[3] Imaging methods, including CT, MRI, and CEUS have improved the sensitivity from 66% to 82% and the specificity up to 90%, but the diagnostic efficiency of HCC is merely applicable to nodules larger than 1 cm diameter.[4] Therefore, more rapid and robust methods are crucial for early HCC diagnosis.