Genes that were significantly up-regulated in patients with poor survival included pro-inflammatory genes (IL17REL, RETNLB) and genes that have been previously associated with progression and poor outcome in CRC (ERBB2, TBLRXR1, TAPBP, CPS1, AGR2) (Additional file 3: Table S4). Here, ERBB2 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.