In univariate analysis, our data demonstrated that high AFP (≥400 ng/mL), large tumor size (≥ 5 cm), BCLC stage C, low serum miR-122 level (<4.1 log10 copies) and high serum miR-221 level (≥4.0 log10 copies) were predictive factors for overall TACE refractoriness in patients with HCC. Here, AFP is linked to neoplasm.