We have recently demonstrated that persistent physical exercise raises plasma VASH1 concentrations in patients with peripheral vascular disease.23 Preoperative physical exercise has been reported to reduce the mortality of patients with NSCLC.26 In this context, it would be noteworthy to investigate whether preoperative physical exercise does indeed increase plasma VASH1 concentrations of patients with NSCLC, and if it is associated with an improvement in prognosis. The gene discussed is VASH1; the disease is peripheral vascular disease.