There were no significant differences at baseline between the two groups, including age, sex, HBsAg, maximum tumour size, number of tumours, alpha-fetoprotein concentration, Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin, total bilirubin, albumin, albumin-bilirubin grade, prothrombin time, glucose, creatinine or platelet count. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is neoplasm.