This multi-step approach yielded top 16 HCC EV-specific gene candidates (VPS72, TMEM106C, PRIM1, SPDL1, FLAD1, SMYD3, SORT1, ATAD2, SETDB1, H2AX, PUF60, TUBG1, STT3A, UBL4A, C8orf33, and KLHL12). Here, C8orf33 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.