SOX9 and hepatocellular carcinoma: RT-qPCR validation confirmed overexpression of SOX9 and TNFAIP3 in PBMCs and liver tissues from HCV-HCC patients, with PBMC levels closely reflecting tissue expression, and ROC analyses highlighted their potential as non-invasive biomarkers.<h4>Conclusions</h4>SOX9 and TNFAIP3 emerge as key mediators linking persistent epigenetic alterations with immune remodeling in HCV-related HCC, and as potential non-invasive biomarkers for evaluation of HCC risk and post-DAA surveillance.<h4>Clinical trial number</h4>Not applicable.