Loss or altered expression of cadherin or catenins in neoplastic progression has been a frequent finding in a variety of human cancers (Gee et al, 1998; Bukholm et al, 2000; Bussemakers et al, 2000; Hajra and Fearon, 2002), where altered E-cadherin expression has featured most commonly as an indicator of poor prognosis in bladder cancer (Shimazui et al, 1996; Mialhe et al, 1997; Shariat et al, 2001). The gene discussed is CDH17; the disease is urinary bladder carcinoma.