In the subgroup of NSCLC, high bFGF expression indicated worse prognosis when the tumor was considered at an operable stage (HR = 1.553, 95%CI, 1.120–1.986, I2 = 0%), but it had no influence on advanced stage (HR = 1.060, 95%CI, 0.828–1.293, I2 = 0%, Fig 5). Here, FGF2 is linked to neoplasm.