Using ≥1 CD44+ CTC/mL as a cut-off for positivity, the positivity rate of CD44+ CTC was significantly higher in HCC patients with more advanced TNM stages (84.6%, n = 26), compared with those in early TNM stages (50%, n = 16) (p = 0.0159) (Fig. 3C). This evidence concerns the gene CD44 and hepatocellular carcinoma.