In a multivariate analysis, the ALB <35 g/L and dNLR >3 were independent risk factors for PFS (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.34–4.00; P=0.003; HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.03–2.85; P=0.037), the ALB <35 g/L, metastatic sites number ≥2 and squamous cell carcinoma were independent risk factors for OS (HR 3.90, 95% CI 1.77–8.64; P=0.001; HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.08–5.54; P=0.003; HR 4.22, 95% CI 1.97–9.04; P < 0.001) (Table 2). Here, ALB is linked to squamous cell carcinoma.