Although both MAM and maspin are frequently used for detection of occult tumour cells in peripheral blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes (Luppi et al, 1996; Zach et al, 1999; Grünewald et al, 2000; Ballestrero et al, 2001; Corradini et al, 2001; Silva et al, 2002; Zehentner and Carter, 2004), their specificity has been questioned by some authors (Min et al, 1998; Merrie et al, 1999; López-Guerrero et al, 1999; Suchy et al, 2000). The gene discussed is SERPINB5; the disease is neoplasm.