We independently validate the stability of the expression patterns and prognostic value of the LGALS9-SLC1A5 and SPP1-PTGER4 pairs using both bulk transcriptome profiles of 542 HCC samples from three independent cohorts and multiplexed fluorescence in situ hybridization-based profiles of 258 HCC samples from two cohorts. Here, SPP1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.