In patients with HCC, MCT4 expression was an independent negative prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.617; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.102–2.374; P = 0.014), and metabolic indicators were independent prognostic factors for OS (HR = 1.617, 95% CI = 1.102−2.374, P = 0.006) and TTR (HR = 1.348, 95% CI = 1.079−1.685, P = 0.009). The gene discussed is TTR; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.