The tumour microenvironment elements that were analysed were the levels of PGE2, VEGF and NO in the ascitis and, in the melanoma, the number of cells expressing COX-2, the number of intra-tumoural blood vessels and tumour infiltration by activated macrophages/dendritic cells expressing galectin-3, which is associated with the suppressive M2 phenotype. The gene discussed is PTGS2; the disease is neoplasm.