Finally, the group not harbouring any VHL abnormality (n=11, 10.8%) was also characterised by increased mean VEGF plasma (309.8±281.9 vs 183.4±139.9 pg ml−1, P=0.03) and mean VEGF tumour expression (77.4±32.4 vs 45.8±37.4, P=0.009) compared with tumours with either mutation, deletion or methylation of the VHL gene (n=91, 89.2%). The gene discussed is VHL; the disease is neoplasm.