Considering the heterogeneous patterns of VCAN and TIM-3 staining within tumors, we used 24 tumors showing heterogeneous VCAN staining, and the stromal areas of each tumor were further divided into those with strong VCAN staining (VCANHigh areas) and those with negative or moderate VCAN staining (VCANLow areas) (Figure S4). Here, VCAN is linked to neoplasm.