With a random-effect model, a shorter DFS/RFS/MFS/PFS was seen in HCC patients with higher TGF-β1 expression in comparison to those with lower TGF-β1 expression (Figure 5; pooling HR = 1.60, 95 % CI = 1.20–2.14, p = 0.001). Here, TGFB1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.