The particular significance of IGFBP-3 in regulating epithelial cell growth has been highlighted because the actions of many growth inhibitors, apoptotic agents and anti-cancer treatments (transforming growth factor-β, retinoids, p53 and anti-oestrogens) are, at least in part, mediated by their ability to stimulate local IGFBP-3 production [1-3]. The gene discussed is IGFBP3; the disease is cancer.