The DNP hapten was hybridized to a VEGF or OPN aptamer via complementary sequences as described in ref.24 To determine whether tumor growth can be inhibited in DNP-immune mice treated with VEGF–DNP or OPN–DNP conjugates, Balb/c mice immunized with DNP-KLH or with KLH were implanted subcutaneously with 4T1 breast carcinoma tumor cells and 7–8 days later when tumors became palpable mice were treated with VEGF–DNP or OPN–DNP conjugates. The gene discussed is SPP1; the disease is neoplasm.