The expression of CXCR4 on human RCC correlated with their metastatic ability in both heterotopic and orthotopic SCID mouse models, and treatment with specific anti-CXCL12 antibodies markedly abrogated metastasis of RCC to target organs, expressing high levels of CXCL12, in the orthotopic model of RCC without significant changes in tumor cell proliferation, tumor cell apoptosis, or tumor-associated angiogenesis of the primary tumor. The gene discussed is CXCR4; the disease is neoplasm.