In the univariate analysis, combining the overall data for the training and validation cohorts revealed the following prognostically significant variables: AFP level (P = 0.02), tumor size (P = 0.03), multiple/solitary tumors (P = 0.009), liver cirrhosis status (P = 0.02), TNM staging (P = 6.6 × 10−9), BCLC staging (P = 2.1 × 10−10) and the RGC (P = 1.6 × 10−6). Here, AFP is linked to cirrhosis of liver.