TNM stage (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.87, P=0.0426), treatment (HR 3.67, 95% CI 1.74–7.75, P=0.0006), appetite loss (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, P<0.0001) and C-reactive protein (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.21–3.83, P=0.0091) were independently associated with cancer-specific survival. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is cancer.