We also analyzed the prognostic value of combining PEDF, LR and N-cadherin for HCC patients and the results showed that patients with high co-expression of PEDF, N-cadherin and positive expression of LR had poorer outcomes (median OS time: 30.13 months, 95% CI: 25.62–34.64) (P=0.020; Figure 8e). This evidence concerns the gene SERPINF1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.