The concurrent elevation of both epithelial (E-Cadherin) and mesenchymal (N-Cadherin, Vimentin) markers does not support a model of full EMT but rather suggests a heterogeneous circulating tumor-derived compartment, in which epithelial and mesenchymal-like populations, as well as hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal states, may coexist. The gene discussed is CDH2; the disease is neoplasm.