Yet, ductal tumor cell breakthrough and metastasis occurred earlier in the 4T1- compared to the Py230-based intraductal model and was associated with high expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) and lipocalin 2 (LCN2) as well as an increased influx of immune cells (mainly macrophages, neutrophils and T-cells). The gene discussed is LCN2; the disease is neoplasm.