Previous studies have shown that elevated C-reactive protein concentrations have prognostic value in patients with a variety of primary operable tumours (Ikeda et al, 2003; McMillan et al, 2003; Hilmy et al, 2005; Jamieson et al, 2005) and also in patients with advanced breast cancer (Williams et al, 1990; Albuquerque et al, 1995; Zhang and Adachi, 1999; Al Murri et al, 2006). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is breast cancer.