Proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-12/IL-23p40 and chemoattractant molecules CCL3 and CCL4 were detected at lower levels in the treatment-naive serum of patients with adverse tumor features when compared to those with no adverse tumor features, potentially indicating a lack of an effective anti-tumor response, and instead reflecting an immune environment which promotes disease progression and the acquisition of adverse tumor features. The gene discussed is CCL3; the disease is neoplasm.