However, evidence exists that glioma cells themselves release soluble factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, which promote BBB degradation.14 It is tempting to speculate on a similar effect conferred by the pro-apoptotic properties of glioma cell-derived isoferritins contributing to ferritinaemia in advanced GBM. The gene discussed is HGF; the disease is glioblastoma.