In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the potential diagnostic and prognostic role of circulating epithelial cells (CECs) using an isolation methodology based on immunomagnetic selection with cytokeratins 7/8 (CK) followed by ASGR1 and miR-122-5p characterization in a cohort of patients suffering from LC, with and without subsequent HCC. This evidence concerns the gene ASGR1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.