Since NMB is a secretory protein, its serum level was also significantly increased in cervical cancer patients with PNI compared to those without PNI (Fig. 2j), with the activity in diagnosing PNI at an AUC value of 0.864 (0.741–0.987, 95% CI) (Fig. 2k). The gene discussed is NMB; the disease is cervical cancer.