In the present study, Fuc-Hp but not AFP, the FIB-4 index or GGT was shown to be an independent risk factor for the development of HCC in patients with advanced liver fibrosis, suggesting that Fuc-Hp may be more useful than these other markers in stratifying the risk of HCC development in patients with advanced liver fibrosis. The gene discussed is HP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.