HBV-related HCC patients were divided into four groups: Group 1, absence of the deletion spanning the pre-S2 gene segment and high serum albumin level (>3.8 g/dL); Group 2, absence of the deletion spanning the pre-S2 gene segment and low serum albumin level (≤3.8 g/dL); Group 3, presence of the deletion spanning the pre-S2 gene segment and high serum albumin level; and Group 4, presence of the deletion spanning the pre-S2 gene segment and low serum albumin level. This evidence concerns the gene ALB and hepatocellular carcinoma.