Among the 688 genes common to NSCLC and CRC QCCs, we found an enrichment in gene categories involved in angiogenesis, cancer stemness and TGF-β signaling and several factors involved in metastatization (Cathepsin A, ROCK2), hypoxia regulation (EGLN1) and in the ubiquitin proteasome system (Cul3, Cul4). Here, CTSA is linked to non-small cell lung carcinoma.