Statistical analysis showed that the presence of laminin-containing basement membranes was correlated with low histological grade (well-differentiated tumours), but not with stage (progression through the bowel wall and the development of lymph node metastases) and, in a highly significant way, with a reduced incidence of distant metastases and increased patient survival. The gene discussed is LAMB2; the disease is metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.