A spectrum of angiogenesis stimulators, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), as well as inhibitors, such as tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), have been detected in NB tumours (Ara et al, 1998; Meister et al, 1999; Eggert et al, 2000). The gene discussed is FGF2; the disease is neuroblastoma.