However, the predictive efficiency remains unsatisfactory, warranting more potential independent prognostic markers other than the N stage, such as molecular signatures (MSI, RAS, BRAF, etc.), pathological features (vascular invasion, tumour budding, etc.), tumour microenvironment characteristics (immune infiltration, extracellular matrix stiffness, etc.)and even imaging characteristics.36, 37, 38, 39. Here, BRAF is linked to neoplasm.