AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: Univariate cox regression analysis showed that higher bilirubin (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.14, p < 0.001), higher AFP at the start of DAA therapy (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, p < 0.001), higher AFP at the end of DAA therapy (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.14, p < 0.001) and history of previous HCC despite curative treatment with confirmed complete radiologic response (HR 28.88, 95% CI 9.32–89.49, p < 0.001), were all strongly significant factors associated with the development of HCC after DAA therapy.