Neutrophils, through the secretion of tumor growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase, and elastase, contribute to the stimulation of the tumor microenvironment, while also suppressing the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes, activated T cells, and natural killer cells, which are crucial elements in the prognosis and cytotoxic treatment of cancer patients20–22. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is cancer.