AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: Upon univariate survival analysis (Cox model), the following variables (Table 3) significantly impacted survival in the study group: nodule size 3,5 cm, multi-nodular HCC, gross vascular invasion, grading, AFP mRNA positivity, VEGF23 pg ml−1, Child-Pugh B–C, bi-lobar tumour, surgery, PST, TNM, and BCLC.