CXCL12 and neoplasm: This tumor supporting function is due to their ability to upregulate ECM proteins and secrete growth factors and cytokines, (i.e., fibroblast growth factor (FGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), stromal-derived factor (SDF-1) and VEGF), thereby creating conditions that constitute an optimal milieu for tumor development [151, 152].