CTSS and cancer: Previous research has demonstrated that cathepsins are potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for a variety of diseases under pathological conditions.[7,8] In recent years, the role of cathepsins in cancer development, progression, and dissemination has been increasingly recognized.[9] It has been found that cathepsins can be used as prognostic markers in cancer progression and interact with the tumor microenvironment making them one of the targets for antitumor therapy resistance.[10]