BIRC5 and cancer: Increased survivin mRNA or protein expression has previously been reported to be a prognostic indicator of tumour progression in different types of human cancer (Adida et al, 1998, 2000; Kawasaki et al, 1998; Monzo et al, 1999; Swana et al, 1999; Sarela et al, 2000; Kato et al, 2001).