RT-qPCR confirmed that PFKFB4, FOXK1, and TKTL1 were upregulated in HCC, while ADH4 and ADH1C were downregulated.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Eight prognostic genes were identified, and a risk model was established, providing valuable insights for clinical prognostic prediction and immunotherapy in HCC. This evidence concerns the gene PFKFB4 and hepatocellular carcinoma.