Furthermore, similar to CCBE1 expression in tumor cells, high CCBE1 expression in tumor stroma was also correlated with advanced CRC (stage III and IV) and LN metastasis but not with other characteristics, such as pathology grade, tumor infiltration depth and distal metastasis (Table 1 and S1), indicating the potential role of tumor stromal CCBE1 expression in CRC lymphatic metastasis. The gene discussed is CCBE1; the disease is neoplasm.