Collectively, these results demonstrate that ZBTB18 expression is progressively reduced in the transition from normal colonic epithelial cells to primary colorectal carcinoma and lymph node metastasis and that low expression of ZBTB18 in locally advanced primary colorectal tumors is associated with shorter patient survival. The gene discussed is ZBTB18; the disease is metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.