Previous studies show that the potential tumor suppressor gene A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease domain with thrombospondin type 1 motifs 9 (ADAMTS9) is closely related to lymph node metastases, and it can inhibit tumor growth by suppressing angiogenesis in NPC.10, 11 The transcription factor (TF) adaptor-related protein complex 1 (AP-1) activated by the EBV-encoded Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1) can target hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, interleukin 8 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which promotes microtubule formation in NPC cells.12 This evidence concerns the gene VEGFA and neoplasm.