We first investigated the role of TAM receptors in human bladder carcinoma, by analysing, using RT-qPCR, the levels of expression of AXL, MERTK, TYRO3 and GAS6 in our previously described CIT cohort of 169 bladder tumours encompassing 87 NMIBCs and 82 MIBCs.5,11 Seven normal urothelium samples were used as controls (Fig. 1a). The gene discussed is AXL; the disease is urinary bladder neoplasm.