The measurement of both LP and HP in the urine is recommended for the detection of bony metastases in a multitude of malignancies, indicating a higher specificity of LP for bone turnover, as compared to HP alone (Pecherstorfer et al, 1995; Takeuchi et al, 1996; Papatheofanis, 1997; Walne et al, 1997; Coleman et al, 1999; Marttunen et al, 1999; Tamura et al, 1999; Woitge et al, 1999,2001; Demers et al, 2000; Liubimova et al, 2000; Tamada et al, 2001). The gene discussed is HP; the disease is cancer.