The CHI3L1 gene encodes the pro-inflammatory YKL-40 protein [44] and we have previously reported circulating levels of YKL-40 to be associated with dismal outcome in NHL [45] and the existence of the functional (rs4950928) SNP in the CHI3L1 gene affecting serum-YKL-40 [33], however to the best of our knowledge the CHI3L1 gene have not previously been investigated in this setting. The gene discussed is CHI3L1; the disease is non-Hodgkin lymphoma.