CXCL12 and malignant colon neoplasm: Besides, CXCL12 can trigger anti-apoptotic and proliferative signals in colon cancer cells by inducing mononuclear phagocytes to release HB-EGF, which binds the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR/HER1) and stimulates its signaling (Rigo et al., 2010).