SMAD3 and neoplasm: Besides, multivariate Cox regression analysis data indicated that SMAD3 expression (p = 0.005, HR = 1.721, 95% CI 1.180–2.510), tumor stage (p = 0.010, HR = 1.288, 95% CI 1.063–1.561), and age (p = 0.008, HR = 1.026, 95% CI 1.007–1.046) could serve as independent prognostic factors for NSCLC (Fig. 2F).