A significant correlation (r = 0.965; P < 0.001) was found between the baseline MIC-1 levels before the first operation (1602.0 ± 998.4 pg/mL) and that at time of tumor recurrence (1710.0 ± 946.5 pg/mL; P = 0.644) (Figure 4e and f). This evidence concerns the gene GDF15 and neoplasm.