Madrid (EUROPA PRESS):- Several recently published studies have shown that there is a relationship between stress and the progression of cancer. In particular, they have shown that the neuroendocrine system, through the sympathetic nervous system, can regulate the activity of cells in the tumor microenvironment.
The sympathetic nervous system is activated in stressful situations, increasing the levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the blood; however, until now little was known about its effects on the progression of cancer and, in particular, on metastasis to distant tissues.
In this regard, researchers at the Monash Institute (Australia) are analyzing the molecular and cellular impact of the neurotransmitters adrenaline and noradrenaline on the tumor microenvironment. These neurotransmitters bind to B-adrenergic receptors on the tumor cell membrane.
Formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels
In fact, the organization of normal tissue architecture is altered during cancer development, resulting in the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels that help accelerate cancer progression. Factors that regulate the function of these new vessels include inflammation and nerve signals from the sympathetic nervous system.
Factors that regulate the function of these new vessels include inflammation and nerve signals from the sympathetic nervous system.
In this regard, stress affects tumor function through beta-adrenergic signaling pathways that recruit macrophages to the primary tumor. Under normal circumstances, macrophages help our immune system fight disease, however, cancer alters macrophages to help tumor cells spread throughout the body to colonize other organs.
In addition, in their latest studies they have been able to demonstrate that chronic stress accelerates breast cancer metastasis through macrophage accumulation in tumor tissue, as well as the progression of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
"These studies confirm the importance of stress control in cancer patients, in addition to opening up new perspectives in coadjuvant pharmacological treatments such as the use of drugs that block B-adrenergic receptors," said Esther Ibáñez, MD, of the Teryon Medical Center in Barcelona.
