Univariate analysis revealed that NPC at T4 stage (P = 0.006), N2-3 stage (P < 0.001), serum ALB < 42 g/L (P = 0.004) and SF > 300 μg/L (P = 0.022) were significantly risk factors associated with DM (Table 2). This evidence concerns the gene ALB and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.