The enhanced apoptosis and reduction in proliferation of cancer cells may result from the reduction of Wnt signalling in the tumour compartment 13, disrupted fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling in the stromal compartment 17, or targeting of other signalling cascades such as hedgehog, IL6, and CXCL12 14. The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is cancer.