The rationale for SPARC selection was based on the following criteria: (i) multiple hits over a wide range of p-values; (ii) best score for one of the hit (p-value for 2072 c→t = 5 10-17); (iii) multifunctional protein; (iv) candidate for tumours with a highly invasive phenotype (i.e., with poor prognosis). Here, SPARC is linked to neoplasm.