Multivariate Cox regression analysis included CENPL mRNA, age, sex and tumor size (dichotomized with a cut-off value of 3.5 cm) and CENPL mRNA (HR = 1.74, CI = 1.05–2.9, p < 0.05) and age (HR = 1.03, CI = 1.01–1.1, p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for the prognosis of PAAD patients (Fig. 3B). The gene discussed is CENPL; the disease is pancreatic adenocarcinoma.