ALB and metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), staging, presence of lymph node metastases, hormonal receptor expression, prior treatment existence, menopause, body surface area (BSA), liver dysfunction (grade 1 or higher aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin level elevation), renal dysfunction (grade 1 or higher serum creatinine level elevation), serum albumin level, regular alcohol intake (≥ 5 days per week), smoking history, and regular administration of antacids.