In multivariate analysis, pN status was corrected for CTSK protein expression (tumor), and pathological N status showed once more a strong correlation (HR = 3.61, CI:1.12–11.57, p = 0.03), with a change though of the beta coefficient greater than 10%, confirming the role of CTSK as a significant confounder for DSS. Here, CTSK is linked to neoplasm.