In a previous study by our group, we found that a high expression of tumour-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI; synonymous to pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, PSTI, and serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1, SPINK1) in tumour tissue (t-TATI) was associated with an increased risk of metachronous liver metastasis and an impaired prognosis in CRC patients [3]. Here, SPINK1 is linked to metastasis.