Yasuda et al (2003) noted the inhibition of angiogenesis and tumour cell survival in stomach and melanoma xenografts following blockade of EPO signalling. The results of Hardee et al (2005), however, suggested that administration of rhEPO did not affect angiogenesis or tumour growth in human colon and head and neck xenografts. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is neoplasm.