In many human tumours, a close spatial correlation of local oxygen deficiency (determined by assessment of intrinsic or extrinsic hypoxia markers, eg, HIF-1α or EF5) and the production of VEGF was found (Damert et al, 1997; Maxwell et al, 1997; Blancher et al, 2000; Huss et al, 2001; Ziemer et al, 2001; Buchler et al, 2003). The gene discussed is HIF1A; the disease is neoplasm.