Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the combination of COMP and GP73 was by far the strongest negative predictive factor for the development of HCC [hazard ratio (HR) = 13.55, 95% CI: 3.616–50.78; P < 0.001] even after adjustment for other known risk factors for HCC development such as age, male sex, platelets, and FIB-4 (Table 3). This evidence concerns the gene COMP and hepatocellular carcinoma.