Multivariable analysis identified low intratumoral CD4<sup>+</sup> (HR 7.98; 95% CI 1.63-39.07) and reduced peritumoral CD8<sup>+</sup> expression (HR 4.98; 95% CI 1.14-21.70) as independent predictors, whereas HIF-1α, VEGF, Treg, PD-1, and PD-L1 were not significantly associated.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Early HCC recurrence shows HIF-1α-independent angiogenesis alongside spatial immune depletion, supporting integrated immune profiling over single angiogenic markers. Here, PDCD1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.