Forming a paracrine loop of the VEGF-mediated expression of CXCR4 by endothelial cells and the CXCL12-induced expression of VEGF by endothelial cells [47], this pathway is believed to assist in pancreatic cancer progression by inducing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis [48]. This evidence concerns the gene CXCR4 and familial pancreatic carcinoma.