It also (i) stimulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promoting angiogenesis and tumour growth (Dulak et al., 2000); (ii) modulates cell adhesion molecules and metalloproteases, enhancing cancer cell migration and invasion (Carreau et al., 2011); (iii) facilitates immune evasion by inhibiting cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells (Sato et al., 2007; Cifone et al., 2001). The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is neoplasm.