Interestingly, two reports have indicated that a low preoperative NLR [cutoff points: 2.50 (22), 2.84 (23)] was significantly correlated with good DFS and OS in stage I NSCLC, including some cases with elevated CEA [16.73% (43/257) (22), 20.56% (37/180) (23)]. The gene discussed is CEACAM5; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.