For model 2, the research elements included AFP, hepatitis B virus infection status and PKM2 expression, and the analysis results showed that AFP (HR = 1.514, P = 0.028) and PKM2 expression (HR = 3.032, P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for DSS in patients with cirrhotic HCC; PKM2 expression (HR = 3.960, P = 0.007) was an independent prognostic factor for DSS in patients with non-cirrhotic HCC. Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.