Upon multivariate analysis of the significant variables in the univariate analysis, without BCLC stage and Child-Pugh class to avoid potential bias due to multi-collinearity, the five components of mHAP-II, including tumor size > 7 cm (HR = 1.90), tumor number ≥ 2 (HR = 1.73), AFP > 400 ng/mL (HR = 1.58), total bilirubin > 0.9 mg/dL (HR = 1.31), and serum albumin < 3.6 g/dL (HR = 1.45), at the first TACE independently predicted mortality (all P < 0.05) (Table 2). Here, ALB is linked to neoplasm.