The neural niche in cancer: mechanistic insights into tumor-neuron-immune crosstalk and therapeutic opportunities - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #tumor microenvironment
- #cancer therapy
- #neuroimmunology
- The nervous system is an important part of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer start, spread, and treatment resistance.
- Cancer cells release factors like NGF, BDNF, and GDNF to attract and change nerves in tumors.
- Nerves release signals like norepinephrine and acetylcholine that affect tumor growth, blood vessel formation, and immune cells.
- This interaction between nerves and immune cells creates a suppressive environment that helps tumors escape the immune system.
- Perineural invasion (PNI) is a process where cancer spreads along nerves, linked to worse patient outcomes.
- Chronic stress and body-wide nerve and hormone responses can promote cancer by suppressing immunity.
- The review discusses ways to target these nerve-cancer-immune interactions for new therapies.