The multivariate analysis indicated that ALBI grade (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.19–2.18, P = 0.039), postoperative α-fetoprotein (AFP) > 8 ng/ml (HR 2.99, 95% CI 2.64–3.33, P < 0.001), tumor size > 5 cm (HR 2.84, 95% CI 2.46–3.21, P < 0.001), surgical margin ≤ 1 cm (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.53–2.67, P = 0.002), and multiple tumors (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.94–3.46, P = 0.010) were independently associated with HCC recurrence after curative resection (Table 4). Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.