These data are supported by previous reports indicating that SDF-1 plus TGF-β treatment induces epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (Li et al, 2014; Yu et al, 2014) and Src activation (Cabioglu et al, 2005; Chinni et al, 2008; Wang et al, 2009) in cultured tumor epithelial cells. This evidence concerns the gene CXCL12 and neoplasm.