On multivariate analysis, older age (adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 1.05; p < 0.001), mUICC stage III (aOR, 2.94; p = 0.005) and stage IV (aOR, 6.75; p < 0.001), and higher AFP ratio (aOR, 3.79 for AFP ratio of 1.1–2.0, p < 0.001; aOR, 17.47 for AFP ratio > 2.0, p < 0.001) were independent factors indicating HCC progression (Table 3). This evidence concerns the gene AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma.