Further characteristics significantly associated with OS in univariable analysis included age (≥65 versus <65 years; P < 0.001), Child–Pugh class (P < 0.001), MELD score (P < 0.001), portal hypertension (P < 0.001), number of tumour nodules (P < 0.001), size of the largest nodule (P < 0.001), macrovascular invasion (P < 0.001), extrahepatic manifestation (P < 0.001), the Milan criteria (in versus out; P < 0.001), BCLC stage (P < 0.001), type of first-line treatment (P < 0.001), AFP (P < 0.001) and CRP (P < 0.001) (Table 3). The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is portal hypertension.