CTHRC1 was initially identified in a screen for differentially expressed genes in balloon-injured versus normal rat vessels.17 Recent studies have demonstrated that aberrant expression of CTHRC1 is associated with tumor malignance in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer and gastric cancer.18, 19, 20, 21 We also reported that CTHRC1 expression is correlated with the progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer.7 This evidence concerns the gene CTHRC1 and cancer.