CXCR4-blockade for treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers including breast cancer. It has been shown to be involved in primary tumour growth and particularly in the metastatic potential of breast cancer. In treatment models of breast cancer, CXCR4 attenuation has shown promise as a monotherapy and potentially as a dual agent with other therapies. It may be particularly relevant in the management of bone metastases of breast cancer. Crosstalk between the oestrogen receptor (ER) and stromal derived factor-1 (SDF1), the unique ligand of CXCR4, has been implicated in the development of ER independence in ER-positive breast cancers. This highlights CXCR4 as a potential therapeutic target for this population of breast cancers that progress. CXCR4 blockade may be used as a possible adjuvant or palliative therapy. It could be exploited as a preventative strategy in the perioperative period.