AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: Treatment exposure (HR = 2.191; 95% CI: 1.533–3.132; p <  0.001), tumor size (HR = 1.973; 95% CI: 1.230–3.164; p = 0.005), serum AFP level (HR = 1.752; 95% CI: 1.277–2.403; p = 0.001), and TNM stage (HR = 0.470; 95% CI: 0.319–2.504; p <  0.001), were independent factors for OS in HCC patients.