Previous studies have found that miR-218 inhibited the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by targeting the roundabout, axon guidance receptor, homolog 1 (Robo1) receptor and suppressing nasopharyngeal cancer progression through the downregulation of survivin and the Slit homolog 2 (Slit2)-Robo1 pathway (16,17). The gene discussed is BIRC5; the disease is gastric cancer.