Neurobiology of cancer – the role of cancer tissue innervation

Czech version

Authors: B. Mravec ^1,2; F. Blaško ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Fyziologický ústav, Lekárska fakulta Univerzity Komenského v Bratislave, Slovenská republika ¹; Biomedicínske centrum, Ústav experimentálnej endokrinológie, SAV, Bratislava, Slovenská republika ²
Published in: Klin Onkol 2022; 35(3): 208-214
Category: Review
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccko2022208

Overview

Background: Experimental and clinical studies have shown that the nervous system also plays an important role in the processes of carcinogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, and metastasis. These studies, focused on the neurobiological aspects of cancer, elucidate the mechanisms and pathways by which the nervous system affects tumor macro- and microenvironment. The modulatory effect of the nervous system on the tumor microenvironment is significantly mediated by nerves that innervate cancer tissue. The innervation of cancer tissue is already an accepted fact, and several authors consider it to be another hallmark of cancer. Purpose: The aim of this review article is to present a recent data about the role of innervation of cancer tissue, as well as to describe therapeutic consequences. Conclusion: Based on recent data, it can be concluded that the innervation of cancer tissue represents an important factor in the etiopathogenesis of cancer as well as a potential target for new therapeutic interventions in cancer patients.

Keywords:

cancer innervation – neurobiology of cancer – sympathetic nerves – parasympathetic nerves – sensory nerves

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