In CRCs, the associations of p21 expression and better prognosis were reported in several studies, which is consistent with tumour inhibitory function of p21.44,45 The prognostic value of cyclin D1 in CRCs is still controversial.46 However, prospective studies by Ogino et al. and Belt et al.47,48 showed that cyclin D1 overexpression is associated with better clinical outcome in CRCs. This evidence concerns the gene CCND1 and neoplasm.