We then analysed the correlation between Raf1 and Pkm2 and clinicopathological characteristics by the rank‐sum test of two independent samples, and the results of this showed that both Raf1 and Pkm2 had a high correlation with pathological grades, suggesting that Raf1 and Pkm2 are cooperatively involved in the formation and development of HCC, and may become effective targets in the progression stage of HCC. This evidence concerns the gene PKM and hepatocellular carcinoma.