PROTEIN-BOUND POLYSACCHARIDE K induces IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in peripheral mononuclear cells, as well as tumour necrosis factor and macrophage chemotactic factor at the tumour sites (Hirose et al, 1990; Ebina and Murata, 1992), thereby activating programmed cell death (Yefenof et al, 1995; Lacour et al, 2001). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is neoplasm.