The following variables were found upon univariate analysis to be similarly distributed in both Caucasians and AA patients (p > 0.1): smoking, family history, ECOG performance status, BMI, etiology of cirrhosis, platelet count, serum sodium, INR, serum albumin, MELD score, Child Turcotte Pugh score, esophageal varices, ascites, number of lesions at diagnosis, portal vein invasion, metastasis workup, serum ALT, vitamin E use, site of metastasis, and medical insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, commercial, no insurance). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is esophageal varices.