By employing multivariate Cox regression analysis (FIB-4 based model without the inclusion of the cirrhosis factor), DM, AFP 12M, FIB-4 12M ≥ 2.56, and △FIB-4 ≥ 0 were determined to be independent predictors of HCC (Table 3 and Table S5). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.