Indeed, together with lymph node status, Ki-67 has been implicated as one of only two factors with an independent prognostic value for survival (Jung et al, 2009); in tumours not stratified for DCIS status, Ki-67 expression appears prognostically independent of tumour size and nodal status (Barnard et al, 1987; Bouzubar et al, 1989; Locker et al, 1992). The gene discussed is MKI67; the disease is ductal breast carcinoma in situ.