Since whether horizontally transferred mtDNA is “friend” or “foe” is determined by the role played by STING at the stage of tumor progression, if the release of mtDNA is not high enough to reach the threshold for full activation of STING, it is more likely that the tumor will choose the path of no return, driving malignant programs and inhibiting their anti-tumor functions, producing counterproductive effects. The gene discussed is STING1; the disease is neoplasm.