Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that NOTCH1 SMs [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.2, P < 0.01) is an independent prognostic factor associated with 5-year disease-free recurrence for HNSCC patients; the HR increased to 5.2-fold (P < 0.01) after controlling for age at surgery, disease status (cancer site and stage), and adjuvant therapies (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) (also refer Table 2). This evidence concerns the gene NOTCH1 and cancer.