Cancer cells release paradigmatic “osteolytic” cytokines, such as parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), receptor activator of NF-B ligand (RANKL), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), directly or indirectly responsible for the increase in osteoclast recruitment, activity and survival. The gene discussed is PTHLH; the disease is cancer.