[Perioperative tumour dissemination. 2. Effects of anaesthesia and analgesia]

There has been growing concern over the last few years on the effect that the anaesthetic drugs used during oncological surgery could have on long-term tumour progression. In laboratory studies, it has been observed how some substances used during the anaesthetic procedure influence tumour immunosurveillance, cell proliferation or tumour angiogenesis processes. The possible clinical relevance of the anaesthetic technique used as regards long-term tumour progression and survival is still to be determined. However, based on retrospective studies, it appears that those anaesthetic techniques combined with the use of regional anaesthesia and analgesia may be beneficial compared to those that are maintained on the use of opioids. Further research should help to clarify the long-term clinical relevance of the anaesthetic process during oncological surgery.