Neurobiology of cancer - the role of cancer tissue innervation.

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 neurobio-logical 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.