The µ‐Opioid Receptor in Cancer and Its Role in Perineural Invasion: A Short Review and New Evidence. Issue 9 (9th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cata, Juan P.; Uhelski, Megan L.; Gorur, Aysegul; Bhoir, Siddhant; Ilsin, Nisa; Dougherty, Patrick M.
• Other Names: Amit Moran guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Advanced biology. Volume 6:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-05-09
• Subjects: cancer progression -- µ‐opioid receptor -- opioids -- perineural invasion; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Systems biology -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2701-0198

Abstract

Abstract: Cancer is a significant public health problem worldwide. While there has been a steady decrease in the cancer death rate over the last two decades, the number of survivors has increased and, thus, cancer‐related sequela. Pain affects the life of patients with cancer and survivors. Prescription opioids continue as the analgesic of choice to treat moderate‐to‐severe cancer‐related pain. There has been controversy on whether opioids impact cancer progression by acting on cancer cells or the tumor microenvironment. The μ‐opioid receptor is the site of action of prescription opioids. This receptor can participate in an important mechanism of cancer spread, such as perineural invasion. In this review, current evidence on the role of the μ‐opioid receptor in cancer growth is summarized and preliminary evidence about its effect on the cross‐talk between sensory neurons and malignant cells is provided. Abstract : This work summarizes the role of the cancer µ‐opioid receptor in cancer progression and perineural invasion. The expression of the µ‐opioid receptor in cancer cells may facilitate neuronal sensitization and promote the invasion of cancer cell into neurons.