By adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and etiology of cancer, the multivariate analysis indicated that early AFP response (HR, 0.501; 95% CI, 0.339-0.742; P = 0.001), ECOG performance status of 1 or 2 (HR, 1.677; 95% CI, 1.100-2.557; P = 0.016) and AST > 40 U/L (HR, 1.933; 95% CI, 1.309-2.855; P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for longer PFS (Table 4). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is cancer.