In univariate analysis, male gender (HR 1.29), Child-Pugh class B (HR 1.56), BCLC stage B-C (HR 1.64), the five components of mHAP-II score (HR 1.98 for tumor size > 7 cm; HR 1.88 for tumor number ≥ 2; HR 1.62 for AFP > 400 ng/mL; HR 1.29 for total bilirubin > 0.9 mg/dL; and HR 1.51 for serum albumin < 3.6 g/dL), and C-D class mHAP-II score (HR 2.07) were significant risk factors associated with mortality at the first TACE (all P < 0.05) (Additional file 2: Table S3). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is neoplasm.