We previously found that the expression of the mitogen activated protein kinase-phosphatase 1 (MKP-1, also called DUSP1 or CL100), a dual specificity phosphatase whose known substrates are ERK, JNK and p38, is an independent prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, suggesting a potential role of this phosphatase in lung cancer (3). The gene discussed is DUSP1; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.