AFP and neoplasm: In the training cohort, univariate Cox regression identified several factors significantly associated with ER, including HBV-DNA load, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, tumor size, ES grade, satellite nodules, tumor capsule status, MVI classification, p53 mutation rate, Ki-67 index, CK19 expression, and intraoperative blood loss (Table 3; all P < 0.05).