In the univariate analysis for survival in all DM patients, nodal involvement (N2 stage) (p = 0.020), tumour location (p = 0.050), level of CEA (p = 0.019), CRP (p < 0.001) and CLR (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with OS (Table 2). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is neoplasm.