In humans as well, chromosomal deletions of 5q21-22, the region harboring DCP2, is frequently observed in lung cancers (Hosoe et al., 1994; Mendes-da-Silva et al., 2000), colorectal cancer (Delattre et al., 1989) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (Mao et al., 1998). The gene discussed is DCP2; the disease is oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.