Abstract
The chemokine-receptor axis CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 is involved in a number of pathophysiological processes, among which migration of tumor cells to distant organs and enhancement of angioneogenesis are indeed relevant in the establishment and growth of metastases. Brain metastases are often associated with a poor prognosis, therefore, the identification of mechanisms involved and of possible therapeutic targets are of paramount importance. CXCL12 is largely expressed in the brain microenvironment where it may act as a chemoattractant for tumor cells displaying positivity for either CXCR4 or CXCR7. In a study on 56 patients operated for brain metastasis at a single institution, expression of CXCL12 at the level of endothelial cells in the brain was predictive of shorter survival at univariate analysis. Despite the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 system not being uniquely involved in metastasization to the brain, it may be a target for brain metastasis prevention/treatment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Brain Metastases from Primary Tumors: Epidemiology, Biology, and Therapy |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 25-36 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128008966 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Brain metastases
- Cell signaling pathways
- Chemokine receptor
- CXCL12
- CXCR4
- CXCR7
- Metastasization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)