Conversely, a comparable OS outcome was observed between left-sided tumours and middle/low rectal tumours (Fig. 1d: 37.6 months vs 33.6 months, HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.68–1.20, P = 0.479) under non-first-line anti-EGFR therapy. This evidence concerns the gene EGFR and rectal neoplasm.