Real-time quantitative RT–PCR analysis was performed on mRNA transcripts of nine genes (VEGF121, VEGF165, VEGF189, VEGF-C, eIF-4E, b-FGF, TSP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9) involved in angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis as well as tumour cell invasion. This evidence concerns the gene MMP2 and neoplasm.