CBX3/HP1γ expression level (HR=1.375; 95% CI 1.080–1.928; P=0.045), liver cirrhosis (HR=1.537; 95% CI 1.065–2.218; P=0.022), tumor size (HR=2.214; 95% CI 1.419–3.455; P < 0.001), tumor number (HR=3.066; 95% CI 2.116–4.441; P < 0.001), and vascular invasion (HR=2.499; 95% CI 1.720–3.633; P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS in HCC patients. This evidence concerns the gene CBX3 and cirrhosis of liver.