The DBCCR1 (deleted in bladder cancer chromosomal region candidate 1) gene at chromosome 9q33 was identified as a putative tumour suppressor gene that is frequently targeted by hypermethylation in transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder (Habuchi et al, 1997, 1998, 2001; Nishiyama et al, 1999). This evidence concerns the gene BRINP1 and urinary bladder carcinoma.