Cox regression analysis identified Ki‐67 index (HR 0·53, 95 per cent c.i. 0·31 to 0·91; P = 0·022), tumour grade (HR 0·63, 0·43 to 0·94; P = 0·022), N status (HR 3·37, 1·42 to 3·94; P = 0·001) and resection margin status (HR 1·93, 1·28 to 2·89; P = 0·002) as independent predictors of DSS (Table3). Here, MKI67 is linked to neoplasm.