Spinal Cord Injuries and Nerve Dependence in Prostate Cancer

Trends Cancer. 2017 Dec;3(12):812-815. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.10.001. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Abstract

Nerves are emerging as drivers of tumorigenesis, as demonstrated in the mouse where denervation suppresses prostate cancer; however, clinical evidence is needed. Patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) resulting in functional denervation of the prostate have a lower incidence of prostate cancer. This may constitute a clinical evidence for nerve dependence in human prostate tumorigenesis.

Keywords: cancer; nerve dependence; nerves; prostate; spinal cord injuries.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics*
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Nerve Degeneration / genetics
  • Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Prostate / innervation*
  • Prostate / physiopathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology*