TUSC3 expression was significantly decreased in primary tumors from HCC patients with bigger tumor size (P = 0.001, Table 2), worse differentiation (P = 0.006, Table 2) and an advanced BCLC stage (P = 0.026, Table 2), while there were no significant correlations between TUSC3 expression and age, gender, tumor number, vascular invasion, tumor capsule, AFP, HBsAg and Child–Pugh grade (Table 2). This evidence concerns the gene AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma.