Preclinical data have indicated that administration of epoetin can enhance response to therapy and delay tumour progression (Mittelman et al, 2001; Thews et al, 2001; Stuben et al, 2003), whereas early clinical studies have suggested a potential survival benefit associated with epoetin in patients receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (Antonadou et al, 2001; Glaser et al, 2001; Littlewood et al, 2001). The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is neoplasm.