Among the variables associated with M+ cancers in univariate analysis (K-Ras mutation, p16INK4A methylation, RASSF1A methylation, younger age and grading), multivariate analysis showed that only K-Ras mutations (OR 2.98, 95% CI, 1.37–6.46, P=0.006), p16INK4A methylation (OR 4.58, 95% CI, 2.14–9.76, P<0.001) and younger age (OR 0.95, 95% CI, 0.92–0.98, P<0.001) retained a statistically significant value. The gene discussed is KRAS; the disease is cancer.