Targeting the CXCR4/CXCL12 Axis in Cancer Therapy: Analysis of Recent Advances in the Development of Potential Anticancer Agents

Cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide and certainly represents a significant challenge for the world of scientific research [1]. The development of the tumor state is linked to the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic mutations that cause normal cells to acquire the ability to proliferate uncontrollably, resist cell death, and induce angiogenesis [2]. The formation of metastases is the primary problem in cancer treatment and is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. It is characterized by a series of stages that represent a ‘metastatic cascade’: during the process of metastatization, cancer cells leave the primary site, circulate in the blood stream, adapt to the new cellular environment at a secondary site, and escape the deadly fight with immune cells [3]. Tumor recurrence and the lack of effective treatment options contribute to high mortality rates; therefore, comprehending the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and progression is crucial for unraveling the intricate biology of cancer