The positive expression of EIF2C2 (r = 0.268, P < 0.05), EIF2C3 (r = 0.269, P < 0.05), EIF2C4 (r = 0.242, P < 0.05) and PIWIL4 (r = 0.301, P < 0.01) in colon cancer was associated with the presence of distant metastasis. The gene discussed is PIWIL4; the disease is malignant colon neoplasm.