Recurrence occurs in approximately 70% of patients by 5 years after liver resection with curative intent.3 These recurrences include early recurrence within 2 years of hepatectomy and late recurrence after that time.13 There are many factors, including tumor size, AFP level before hepatectomy, presence of MVI, degree of liver fibrosis, HBV DNA replication level, and others, that have been shown to contribute to intrahepatic recurrence.3,20,21 Of these inherent factors, HBV DNA replication level is a factor that can be lowered by antiviral therapy. The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is neoplasm.