The combinations of IL-6, glucose, and LDH, as well as CEA, IL-6, SAA1, MMP-9, and lactate, have 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in distinguishing patients with stage IIB lung cancer from those with stage IIA, with the combination of IL-6, glucose, and LDH having a lower AUC value (0.8333 in comparison to 1.0000). The gene discussed is SAA1; the disease is lung cancer.