In summary, we have shown for the first time that (1) expression of UGT8 is higher in breast cancer metastases to the lung than in matched primary tumours and that increased amounts of this enzyme in cancerous tissue are associated with progression to a more malignant phenotype, and (2) expression of UGT8 and GalCer is limited only to breast cancer cell lines forming metastases in a nude mice model. The gene discussed is UGT8; the disease is neoplasm.