COX multivariate analysis showed that CTC (≤ 2/3.2 mL vs > 2/3.2 mL) (HR:1.820; 95%CI:1.168–2.834; P = 0.008), AFP (≤ 20 ng/mL vs > 20 ng/mL) (HR:1.750; 95%CI:1.105–2.771; P = 0.017), DCP (≤ 40 mAU/mL vs > 40 mAU/mL) (HR:1.936; 95%CI:1.219–3.075; P = 0.005), maximum tumor diameter (≤ 20 mm vs > 20 mm) (HR:1.813; 95%CI:1.119–2.939; P = 0.016) and tumor number (single vs multiple) (HR:1.766; 95%CI:1.082–2.883; P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for tumor recurrence after RFA of HCC. Here, AFP is linked to neoplasm.