The prognostic and predictive value of PD-L1+ CTCs has been reported in various cancers.10 In HCC, PD-L1-expressing CTCs have been proposed as potential prognostic and predictive markers for immune checkpoint inhibitors.11–13 However, most patients in these studies had unresectable advanced disease, and no reports have assessed whether PD-L1+ CTCs are prognostic in patients undergoing hepatic resection. This evidence concerns the gene CD274 and hepatocellular carcinoma.