Our study identifies promising biomarker candidates that could address these limitations through three key mechanisms: (1) detection of AFP-negative HCC cases (e.g., via ABCA8 in HBV-associated HCC), (2) etiology-specific patient stratification, and (3) identification of therapeutic targets (e.g., CCNE1-CDK2 pathway inhibitors). The gene discussed is CDK2; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.