Stepwise Cox regression analysis identified that one-month post-resection HBV DNA >20,000 IU/mL (p = 0.019; relative risk (RR) 1.67; 95% C.I.: 1.09–2.57) (Fig 1), the presence of lymphovascular permeation (p<0.001; RR 2.69; 95% C.I.: 1.75–4.12) (Fig 2), the presence of microsatellite lesions (p<0.001; RR 2.86; 95% C.I.: 1.82–4.51) (Fig 3), and AFP >100ng/mL before resection (p = 0.021; RR 1.63; 95% C.I.: 1.08–2.47) (Fig 4) were independently associated with HCC recurrence (Table 2). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.