In particular, HR (95% CI) for the combined analysis of CD166/CD44s and tumour border configuration were 4.32 (1.3–14.3; P=0.017) and 1.73 (0.7–4.3; P=0.232), respectively, indicating that the poorer outcome in patients with an expression pattern showing a loss of CD166 and CD44s expression towards the invasive front, although highly linked to tumour growth pattern, may be independent of this histological parameter. The gene discussed is ALCAM; the disease is neoplasm.