Distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) rates in patients with stage I-III lung cancer. (A) DMFS was significantly reduced in the CTNB group in comparison to the non-CTNB group (CTNB group, n = 168; non-biopsy group, n = 1499; P = 0.006, log-rank test). (B) OS was significantly reduced in the CTNB group as compared to the non-biopsy group (CTNB group, n = 168; non-CTNB group, n = 1499; P = 0.005, log-rank test). (C) DMFS was similar for the two groups in the matched cohort (CTNB group, n = 168; non-CTNB group, n = 168; P = 0.142, log-rank test). (D) OS was similar for the two groups in the matched cohort (CTNB group, n = 168; non-CTNB group, n = 168; P = 0.125, log-rank test). DMFS: distant metastasis free survival. OS: overall survival.