In the Multivariate Cox regression model, tumor stage (HR = 2.274, 95% CI = 1.538–3.362, P < 0.001) and PBK expression (HR = 1.566, 95% CI = 1.062–2.311, P = 0.024) were likewise confirmed to be independent prognostic factors of overall survival in HCC patients (Table 1). Here, PBK is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.