This and the evidence that the combined use of several markers can improve the sensitivity and specificity of the test (Ayude et al, 2003–2004; Lu et al, 2004; Skates et al, 2004) prompted us to measure the levels of sEGFR EGF, TGF-α and AR in the serum of healthy individuals and patients with NSCLC or HNC. The gene discussed is EGF; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.