In addition, multivariate analysis proved low CASZ1 as an independent risk factor for both OS (HR = 1.972; 95% CI: 1.154–3.369; P = 0.013) and DFS (HR = 2.259; 95% CI: 1.365–3.738; P = 0.002) in HCC patients (Fig. 2c and Additional file 2: Table S3). Here, CASZ1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.