Can Stopping Nerves, Stop Cancer?. Issue 12 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saloman, Jami L.; Albers, Kathryn M.; Rhim, Andrew D.; Davis, Brian M.
• Is Part Of: Trends in neurosciences. Volume 39:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 880
• Page End: 889
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: sensory neurons -- autonomic -- peripheral nervous system -- tumorigenesis; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0166-2236

Abstract

Abstract : The nervous system is viewed as a tissue affected by cancer and as a conduit for the transmission of cancer pain and perineural invasion. Here, we review recent studies that indicate a more direct role. Several studies have shown that reducing stress or suppressing sympathetic drive correlates with improved outcomes and prolonged survival. Recent studies using animal models of visceral and somatic cancer further support a role for the nervous system in cancer progression. Specifically, nerve ablation had a profound impact on disease progression, including delayed development of precancerous lesions, and decreased tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we summarize new evidence and discuss how future studies may address the role of neural signaling in the modulation of tumorigenesis. Trends: The peripheral nervous system is necessary for the homeostasis of target tissues. Two-way communication between the nervous system and target tissues engages multiple signaling pathways. The peripheral nervous system is a critical part of the tumor microenvironment and has a role in tumor initiation and metastasis.