Chemokine signaling in tumors: potential role of CXC chemokines and their receptors as glioblastoma therapeutic targets

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumor, typically associated with poor prognosis. Its treatment is challenging due to the peculiar glioblastoma cell biology and its microenvironment complexity. Specifically, a small fraction of glioma stem cells within the tumor mass drives tumor growth and invasiveness by hijacking brain resident and immune cells. This process also involves modification of extracellular matrix components, such as collagen and glycoproteins, where the secretion of soluble mediators, particularly CXC chemokines, plays a significant role.