Although the results was similar, there was two major difference between the current and previous studies: firstly, our patients received non-surgical treatment only; Secondly, our study design was more strict; in addition to propensity score match to adjust the impacts of "un-modifiable factors" like liver function reserve and AFP, we only enrolled patients with survival > 2 years and adequate follow-up periods to avoid potential bias, since those with shorter survival more likely died from liver failure instead of HCC. The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.