CDK2 and PAF are unfavorable prognostic markers in multiple cancers. (A) CDK2 and PAF mRNA expression was significantly increased in ESCC tumors compared with case-matched normal control tissues (n = 119, Gene Expression Omnibus accession number GSE53625). (B) Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to determine the prognostic significance of CDK2 and PAF in the same cohort of ESCC tumors (n = 119, Gene Expression Omnibus accession number GSE53625). Optimal cutoff values of gene expression were used to stratify the samples, and Log-rank test was used in the statistical analyses. HR represents hazard ratio, and 95% confidence interval values of HR are shown. (C, D) Using a publicly available database (http://kmplot.com/analysis/) (49), the prognostic significance of CDK2 and PAF was assessed in large cohorts of ER+ breast tumors (n = 1802) and HER2+ gastric tumors (n = 233). Follow-up data from the 2014 version database was used, and optimal cutoff values of gene expression were used to stratify the samples. Log-rank test was used in the statistical analyses. HR, hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval values of HR are shown.