Researchers identified six optimal methylated DNA markers (MDMs), including ECE1, HOXA1, cle11a, AK055957, PFKP, and EMX1, and performed phase I and phase II clinical validation, finding them to be highly AUC (0.96), sensitive (95%) and specific (92%) in the diagnosis of HCC.112 Expert consensus on early screening strategies for liver cancer in China incorporates cfDNA whole genome sequencing into the whole process of early liver cancer screening.113 CTCs are malignant cells that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the primary tumor. The gene discussed is EMX1; the disease is liver cancer.