As shown in Fig. 4, the multivariable analysis determined that AAR (HR 1.434, 95% CI 1.193–1.723; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of OS in HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy, followed by tumour size, multiple tumours, AFP > 400 ng/mL, satellite lesions, MVI, liver cirrhosis, HBeAg-positivity, and INR (all p < 0.05). Here, AFP is linked to cirrhosis of liver.