Given that Cavβ and Cavγ are both oncogenic but have antagonistic effects on α1 function, and Cavα2δ can be oncogenic or tumour suppressive, it would seem that the involvement of auxiliary subunit-mediated Ca2+ influx in cancer is tumour type/stage-specific, dependent on the expression profile of other subunits, or subordinate to a secondary function of the auxiliary subunit. This evidence concerns the gene CA5B and neoplasm.