On multivariate analysis of these significant covariates, tumour size (HR 2.53, 95%CI 1.15–5.55, P=0.021), albumin (HR 4.44, 95%CI 1.60–12.28, P=0.004), loco-regional treatment (HR 3.55, 95%CI 1.30–9.67, P=0.013) and systemic treatment (HR 2.67, 95%CI 1.56–4.57, P<0.0001) were significant independent predictors of cancer-specific survival. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is cancer.