In the context of cancer, CXCR4 is overexpressed in many tumor types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and others. The interaction between CXCR4 and CXCL12 promotes tumor metastasis by facilitating the migration of cancer cells to distant organs where CXCL12 is highly expressed. This tissue tropism is a key factor in the spread of cancer to organs like the liver, lungs, and bones.