CHI3L1 and neoplasm: Of these, 4 studies reported the association between YKL-40 and tumor stage (III-IVvs.I-II, C-D vs. A-B or extended vs. limited); 3 studies reported the association between YKL-40 and metastasis status (lymph node or liver metastasis vs. no metastasis); and 1 study reported both.