The expression level of the IRGs was validated in 25 matched tissue pairs by qRT‐PCR ESM1 and SLC10A2 showed the maximum differential expression between CRC and normal tissues, and consistent with the results of the bioinformatics analysis, ESM1 was significantly elevated and SLC10A2 was significantly down‐regulated (P < .05) in the tumours (Figure S1A,B). The gene discussed is SLC10A2; the disease is neoplasm.