Interaction between CXCR4 and CXCL12 plays a role in tumor progression. The 
present study examined CXCR4, CXCL12 and CD133 expression in liver metastases of 
colorectal cancer (CLM) and determined whether the expression profiles affect 
the tumor microenvironment and thus progression, and whether they could serve as 
a prognostic marker for survival. Liver metastases of colorectal cancer 
collected from 92 patients were evaluated by CXCR4, CXCL12 and CD133 
immunohistochemistry and clinicopathological data were analyzed. The expression 
profile of CXCR4 was determined in the colorectal cancer cell line, SW48. The 
expression of cytoplasmic CXCR4 was higher in 36 (39%) patients than that 
indicated by CXCR4 staining intensity of hepatocytes. High levels of nuclear 
CXCR4 expression in 23 (25%) patients significantly correlated with CXCL12 
expression in hepatocytes. Nuclear CXCR4 expression was increased in the cancer 
cells after exposure to CXCL12. Univariate and multivariate analyses 
demonstrated that the high levels of nuclear CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression in 
hepatocytes were significantly better prognostic factors for overall and hepatic 
disease-free survival in patients with CLM. The expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 
in CLM may have an interactive effect that could alter the tumor 
microenvironment. CXCR4 expression in metastatic liver tumors together with the 
upregulation of CXCL12 in hepatocytes may help to predict the clinical outcomes 
of patients with CLM after hepatectomy.