In hepatitis B-related HCC patients undergone palliative hepatectomy, those with higher MTSS1 mRNA expression accompanied by activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in residual HCC, had earlier residual HCC detection after hepatectomy and poorer survival when compared to those with lower MTSS1. In different cell lines, the levels of MTSS1 mRNA increased in parallel with metastatic potential. The gene discussed is MTSS1; the disease is hepatitis B virus infection.