Further supporting the role of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis in cell growth was the finding that using VEGF-C antisense oligonucleotides, recombinant VEGFR-3/Fc, or VEGFR-3 antibody to inhibit the activity of the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability. The gene discussed is VEGFC; the disease is malignant pleural mesothelioma.