After adjusting for AFP levels and tumor size in the Cox multivariable model, the initial dosage of 120 or 160 mg/d (HR = 0.216, 95% CI 0.061–0.765, P = 0.018) and patients achieving PD (HR = 5.607, 95% CI 1.896–16.578, P = 0.002) were independently associated with PFS (Additional file 1: Table S1). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is neoplasm.