Hence, the role of other biomarkers (e.g., osteopontin, Lens culinaris agglutinin AFP–L3 and Des-y-carboxy prothrombin (DCP)) in the detection of early HCC has been evaluated, and their sensitivities and specificities were found to be higher than AFP when used alone or in combination with ultrasonography. This evidence concerns the gene ACE and hepatocellular carcinoma.