On multivariate analysis of these significant covariates, age (HR 5.02, 95%CI 1.49–16.93, P=0.009), tumour size (HR 2.34, 95%CI 1.18–4.62, P=0.015), albumin (HR 3.65, 95%CI 1.71–7.78, P=0.001), loco-regional treatment (HR 2.56, 95%CI 1.17–5.59, P=0.019) and systemic treatment (HR 2.26, 95%CI 1.54–3.32, P<0.0001) were significant independent predictors of relapse-free survival. This evidence concerns the gene ALB and neoplasm.