Further multivariate analysis, both HBV infection (HR, .54; 95% CI, .31–.95; P = .0332) and antiviral time >5 years (HR, .49; 95% CI, .26–.9; P = .0219) were found to be independent protective factors, and AFP >200 ng/mL (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.1–3.22; P = .0216) was the independent fisk factor for predicting HCC progression. Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.