For OS, univariate Cox analysis identified positive CLDN18.2 expression (HR = 2.545, 95% CI = 1.383-4.682; P = 0.003), serum CA19–9 elevation, advanced TNM stage, poor histological grade, microvascular invasion (MVI) and lymph node metastasis as significant factors (Table 2, all P < 0.05). This evidence concerns the gene CLDN18 and metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.