Multivariate analysis revealed that lymph node status, distant metastasis and NAV2 expression were independent prognostic factors that could affect RFS and OS of CRC patients (RFS, HR = 1.785, 95 % CI: 1.108–2.528, p = 0.010; OS, HR = 1.564, 95 % CI: 1.108–2.376, p = 0.012). The gene discussed is NAV2; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.