Central and peripheral nervous systems: master controllers in cancer metastasis

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2013 Dec;32(3-4):603-21. doi: 10.1007/s10555-013-9440-x.

Abstract

Central and sympathetic nervous systems govern functional activities of many organs. Solid tumors like organs are also innervated by sympathetic nerve fibers. Neurotransmitters released from sympathetic nerve fibers can modulate biological behaviors of tumor cells. Multiple physiologic processes of tumor development may be dominated by central and sympathetic nervous systems as well. Recent studies suggest that dysfunction of central and sympathetic nervous systems and disorder of the hormone network induced by psychological stress may influence malignant progression of cancer by inhibiting the functions of immune system, regulating metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, and inducing interactions between tumor and stromal cells. Over-release of inflammatory cytokines by tumors may aggravate emotional disorder, triggering the vicious cycles in tumor microenvironment and host macroenvironment. It is reasonable to hypothesize that cancer progression may be controlled by central and sympathetic nervous systems. In this review, we will focus on the recent information about the impacts of central and sympathetic nervous systems on tumor invasion and metastasis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cellular Microenvironment
  • Central Nervous System* / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System* / physiopathology
  • Hormones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System* / metabolism
  • Peripheral Nervous System* / physiopathology
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • nicotinic receptor beta2