Im et al (1999) also reported that an antisense cDNA molecule of VEGF induces anti-tumorigenic effects in vivo on human glioma tumours established in nude mice. Therefore, it is likely that VEGF is a clinical target molecule for cancer therapy. Thus, our finding that heat shock inhibited VEGF expression in tumour cells strongly suggests that hyperthermia might be one therapeutic strategy for preventing angiogenesis together with known therapeutic properties such as anti-tumorigenic activity in vivo. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is central nervous system cancer.