Chen D, et al. - In order to accurately assess lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer (EGC), researchers developed and validated a prediction model based on a fully quantitative collagen signature in the tumor microenvironment in this retrospective study, conducted from August 1, 2016, to May 10, 2018, at 2 medical centers in China (Nanfang Hospital and Fujian Provincial Hospital). This study comprised 375 patients with early gastric cancer indicating a statistically significant association of collagen signature with lymph node metastasis. The newly developed lymph node metastasis prediction model based on the collagen signature showed good discrimination in the primary cohort. This supports its utility in decision making associated with tailored surgical interventions in patients with early gastric cancer.