The propensity of S1P to oppose apoptosis pathways and to promote malignant phenotypes coupled with the exaggerated expression of SPHK1 in some human tumor specimens and a negative correlation between SPHK1 mRNA levels and survival have prompted a heated suggestion that SPHK1 serves not only as a predictive biomarker, but also as a potential target in tumor therapy. This evidence concerns the gene MBTPS1 and neoplasm.