In the multivariate analysis of the full cohort of patients, largest tumor size (P = 0.000), presence of PVTT (P = 0.000), and preoperative CTC ≥ 2 (P = 0.001) remained significant and independent for patients’ OS; largest tumor size (P = 0.000), higher serum AFP level (P = 0.022), presence of PVTT (P = 0.000), and preoperative CTC ≥ 2 (P = 0.004) remained significant and independent for patients’ DFS. Here, AFP is linked to neoplasm.