Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with its incidence and mortality rates ranking the third and second among all malignant tumors in the world [1]. Epidemiological data indicate that distant recurrence constitutes the primary cause of mortality in rectal cancer cases [2]. Therefore, precise risk stratification for recurrence is crucial for enhancing survival outcomes. Tumor deposit (TD) refers to a nodule devoid of identifiable lymph node tissue or vascular/neur…