In addition, even if these 2D systems were able to study the ability of tumor cells to grow, they did not adequately take into account the physiological three-dimensional (3D) environment, failing to provide information about cell–cell (3D network between tumor cells with stromal, immune and endothelial cells) and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, as well as cell surface receptors expression, growth factor synthesis and physical and chemical conditions [12, 13]. The gene discussed is CD177; the disease is neoplasm.