On univariate analysis, tumor size (P < 0.001), pathological TNM stage (P < 0.001), AJCC grade (P < 0.001), pre-NCRT cT stage (P = 0.017), pre-NCRT CEA level (P = 0.011), pre-NCRT CA19–9 level (P < 0.001), anemia (P = 0.037), NLR level (P < 0.001), SII level (P = 0.001), PLR level (P = 0.004), neural invasion (P = 0.007), vascular invasion (P = 0.030), and tumor differentiation (P < 0.001) were independently associated with DFS in LARC patients following NCRT and TME (Table 2. The gene discussed is CEACAM5; the disease is neoplasm.