If alpha-fetoprotein rises instead of decreasing after taking targeted drugs for liver cancer, it is necessary to consult doctor in time and improve examination to clarify whether there is tumor progression. If alpha-fetoprotein continues to rise even after targeted therapy for liver cancer patients, it should be alerted that there is active tumor progression, so it is necessary to consult doctor in time and improve auxiliary examinations such as tumor markers and abdominal CT to make clear whether it is a short time of taking targeted drugs or tumor recurrence. If there is no obvious change in tumor volume, it cannot be ruled out that the treatment time of targeted drugs is short and the therapeutic effect has not been fully reflected, so the patient can continue to take targeted drugs and undergo regular review. If the tumor volume increases in many times of review, consider that the effect of targeted drug treatment is poor, and change the treatment plan in time, such as interventional therapy. In addition, if necrosis of tumor tissue and regeneration of normal liver tissue occur, mild elevation of alpha-fetoprotein may also occur. In the course of treatment, liver cancer patients should consult doctor in time when discomfort occurs and standardize treatment under physician’s guidance, so as to avoid delaying the condition.