The number of EpCAMmRNA+ CTCs and Treg/CD4+ cells showed significant correlation as prognostic factors of postoperative HCC recurrence: EpCAMmRNA+ CTC ≥ 2.22 (P = 0.001) and Treg/CD4+ ≥ 5.07 (P = 0.045), with EpCAMmRNA+ CTC ≥ 2.22 (P = 0.003, HR = 6.668) being the most important indicator. This evidence concerns the gene CD4 and hepatocellular carcinoma.