In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for HCC recurrence were AFP >400 ng/mL (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.69–2.31, P = 0.01), moderate/poor differentiated tumor (HR = 3.06, 95% CI: 2.58–6.29, P = 0.02), and microvascular invasion (HR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.05–1.93, P = 0.01). Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.