In multivariate analysis, high ph-STAT3 tumour cell expression was significantly associated with improved CSS (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51-0.95, P=0.030) independent of LVI, BVI, CD68+ macrophage infiltrate, CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltrate, tumour budding and locoregional treatment (Table 5). This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and neoplasm.