Patients with higher MTSS1 mRNA expression revealed earlier residual HCC (P = 0.000, Fig. 2c), a higher number of lung metastatic nodules (P = 0.039, Fig. 2d), and lower 1-year survival rate after the first resection [40.0 % (8/20) vs. 76.5 % (13/17), P = 0.026]. The gene discussed is MTSS1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.