CD44 and cancer: To benchmark our model, we utilized flow cytometry to analyze the CD44<sup>+</sup>/CD24<sup>-</sup> cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype across microtissues, 2D monolayers, and established 3D models, including spheroids, collagen domes, and laminin-rich domes.<h4>Results</h4>The cells showed sustained cell viability with minimal cell death, along with natural development of tumour properties, such as hypoxia.