In subgroup analysis based on various clinical characteristics (Fig. 3), RFS was significantly higher in the statin group than non-statin group in the subgroups of patients with BCLC stage A (p = 0.001), AFP < 200 ng/mL (p = 0.004), without cirrhosis (p = 0.02), CHB (p = 0.051), without DM (p = 0.018) and with DM (p = 0.001). Here, AFP is linked to Cirrhosis.