On the other hand, a higher number but a lower percentage of pERK+/pAkt− CTCs in a single patient indicates that more tumor cells are resistant to sorafenib, thus generating poor clinical effectiveness, whereas a patient with a low number but higher percentage of pERK+/pAkt− CTCs may achieve a better outcome after sorafenib treatment. The gene discussed is EIF2AK3; the disease is neoplasm.