VEGF levels are higher in SCLC patients than in healthy individuals [21, 22]; correspondingly, increased serum VEGF levels are the only independent prognostic factor other than tumour stage in untreated SCLC patients [23], as confirmed by Zhan and colleagues through a large review and meta-analysis of VEGF expression in lung cancer [24]. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is lung carcinoma.