Theoretically, VEGF-C and VEGF-D are likely to promote metastasis in 3 mechanisms, i.e. (1), enlarging the surface area where cancer cells contact the lymphatic endothelium (2); facilitating vascular permeability; and/or (3) changing the adhesive properties or cytokine/chemokine expression of the lymphatic endothelium. This evidence concerns the gene VEGFC and cancer.