Compared with IPLRs in the BCLC staging system, those in the HKLC staging system but beyond the BCLC staging system had a higher percentile of HBV infection (P < 0.001); smaller tumor size (P < 0.001); more tumors (P < 0.001); higher frequencies of liver cirrhosis (P < 0.001), portal venous hypertension (P < 0.001), and macroscopic vascular invasion (P < 0.001); lower albumin level (P = 0.009); higher total bilirubin (P < 0.001), ALT (P < 0.001), and AST (P < 0.001) levels. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is cirrhosis of liver.