Both univariate and multivariate Cox regression models revealed that HPSE mRNA level and serum AFP were the significant predictors for early recurrence in HCC (P = 0.031 and P = 0.016, respectively in univariate analysis, Table S5; P = 0.020 and P = 0.012, respectively in multivariate analysis, Table 4;), and no predictor was identified for late recurrence in HCC (all P>0.05, Table S6). This evidence concerns the gene AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma.