Univariate analysis showed that SHMT2 (HR = 1.910 (1.180–3.090), P = 0.008), tumour size (HR = 2.038 (1.259–3.298), P = 0.004), pathological grade (HR = 2.363 (1.082–5.162), P = 0.031), vessel invasion (HR = 4.164 (2.366–7.327), P < 0.001), T stage (HR = 3.320 (1.209–9.116), P = 0.020), M stage (HR = 5.094 (2.370–10.950), P < 0.001), TNM stage (HR = 2.379 (1.392–4.067), P = 0.002) were prognostic factors in patients with gastric cancer. The gene discussed is SHMT2; the disease is gastric cancer.