Most importantly, multivariate regression analysis provided evidence that highly expressed E2F2 was strikingly associated with poor OS, PFI and DFI even after other factors were excluded (Figs. 4, 5 and 6, Tables 3, 4 and 5), suggesting that E2F2 can independently predict the prognosis of HCC patients. This evidence concerns the gene E2F2 and hepatocellular carcinoma.