CCN2 and neoplasm: However, we observed that the reduced expression level of CTGF was markedly correlated with tumor size (T classification) (P = 0.036), lymph node metastasis (N classification) (N0–N1 vs. N2–N3) (P = 0.020), and clinical stage (I–II vs. III–IV) (P = 0.027) in NPC patients.