In patients with cirrhotic HCC, a higher alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18-2.55, P = 0.005) and a higher albumin (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.61-3.72, P < 0.001) were related to a lower overall survival rate. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.