Compared with AFP, which is nonspecific because it reflects regeneration of hepatocytes and often increases in benign conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis,13, 14 a high serum level of DCP is associated with more aggressive tumor behavior, such as a poor histologic grade of tumor differentiation, presence of intrahepatic metastasis, and presence of MVI.15, 16. This evidence concerns the gene ACE and hepatitis A virus infection.