Multivariate analysis further demonstrated that tumor depth (HR = 1.903, 95% CI: 1.184–3.056, P = 0.008) and lymph node metastasis (HR = 2.310, 95% CI: 1.585–3.365, P < 0.001), and also STING methylation (HR = 2.927, 95% CI: 1.984–4.321, P < 0.001) remained the independent prognostic factors for OS of LUAD patients among the variables examined (Table 1). This evidence concerns the gene STING1 and metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.