Based on univariate Cox regression model analysis, significant correlation of tumor emboli in vessels, lymph node metastases, mesenteric root lymph node metastases, and GCC mRNA with 5-year DFS, and high correlation of lymph node metastases, GCC mRNA, and CK20 mRNA with 5-year OS in rectal cancer patients were shown in our study (Table 2 and Supplementary Table 2). Here, GUCY2C is linked to metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.