Previous studies showed that the angiotensin II–AT1R system is deeply involved in tumour growth, metastasis and angiogenesis in experimental animal models, suggesting a therapeutic potential of RAS blockade using an ACE inhibitor or AT1R blocker (Rivera et al, 2001; Yoshiji et al, 2001; Fujita et al, 2002; Miyajima et al, 2002; Egami et al, 2003; Uemura et al, 2003; Arrieta et al, 2005). The gene discussed is AGT; the disease is neoplasm.