GSTM1 and anemia (phenotype): In the univariate analysis, the following factors were considered as independent prognostic factors for overall survival: clinical stage (P < 0.0001), histological type (P < 0.0001), lymph node involvement (P < 0.001), WHO performance status 2 (P < 0.0001), anemia (Hb <9.5 g/dL; P = 0.0002), leucocytosis (>12.5 G/L; P = 0.0011), LDH level (>185 U/L; P < 0.0001), concomitant diseases (P = 0.0012) and weight loss (P < 0.0001).The strongest independent risk factor for death was stage IV disease (P < 0.001).