IntroductionLymph node metastasis (LNM) is a critical prognostic factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to the potential influence of immune system on CRC progression, investigation into lymphocyte subsets as clinical markers has gained attention. The objective of this study was to assess the capability of lymphocyte subsets in evaluating the lymph node status and prognosis of CRC.MethodsLymphocyte subsets, including T cells (CD3+), natural killer cells (NK, CD3- CD56+), natural killer-like T cells (NK-like T, CD3+ CD56+), CD38+ NK cells (CD3- CD56+ CD38+) and CD38+ NK-like T cells (CD3+ CD56+ CD38+), were detected by flow cytometry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the risk factors of LNM. The prognostic role of parameters was evaluated by survival analysis.ResultsThe proportion of CD38+ NK cells within the NK cell population was significantly higher in LNM-positive patients (p