Heparanase is well-recognized as an important effector in cancer progression, neovascularization and aggressive behaviour 7–12, acting through breakdown of extracellular barriers for cell invasion and release of HS–bound angiogenic and growth factors (i.e. bFGF, VEGF, HGF) from the ECM depots 8,9,13–17. Here, HPSE is linked to cancer.