Multivariate analysis using Cox’s proportional hazard model indicated that FIGO staging (P = 0.038), differentiation (P = 0.007) and REG4 expression (P = 0.006) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival of the patients with ovarian cancer (Table 3); whereas patient age, remnant foci size, pathological classification or serum CA-125 levels were not (P > 0.05; Table 3). Here, MUC16 is linked to ovarian cancer.