Harnessing brain-body communication to understand cancer

Genes Dev. 2024 Oct 16;38(17-20):820-822. doi: 10.1101/gad.352292.124.

Abstract

Solid tumors that arise in the body interact with neurons, which influences cancer progression and treatment response. Here, we discuss key questions in the field, including defining the nature of interactions between tumors and neural circuits and defining how neural signals shape the tumor microenvironment. This information will allow us to optimally target neural signaling to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Keywords: brain–body; physiology; symposium.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Brain* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / physiopathology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Microenvironment*