Rationale: The tumor microenvironment (TME) determines tumor progression and affects clinical therapy. Its basic components include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs), both of which constitute the tumor matrix and microvascular network. The ability to simulate interactions between cells and extracellular matrix in a TME in vitro can assist the elucidation of cancer growth and evaluate the efficiency of therapies.

Rationale: Tumors are commonly treated by resection, which usually leads to massive hemorrhage and tumor cell residues, thereby increasing the risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis.