These features include radiographic measurements of tumor size and number, serologic parameters such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, and pathologic features such as histologic grade and the presence or absence of vascular invasion.12, 13, 14 Our methods to stratify the risk of HCC recurrence have evolved over time, beginning with a landmark paper defining the Milan criteria, a system based solely on the pre-operative radiographic measurement of tumor extent, which has remained the benchmark for assessing transplant suitability in patients with HCC.15 The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.