This opposing role of Lcn-2 appears to be regulated in an iron-dependent manner, whereby holo-Lcn-2 (i.e., iron–siderophore-loaded Lcn-2), can fuel tumor growth, while apo-Lcn-2 (i.e., iron–siderophore-complex-free Lcn-2), promotes apoptosis. Here, LCN2 is linked to neoplasm.