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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
08:59
A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: January 5, 2017
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Nerves in cancer
Ali H Zahalka1,2,3, Paul S Frenette4,5,6
1Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|January 25, 2020
Summary
Nerves significantly influence cancer development and progression by interacting with tumor cells. Targeting neural signaling pathways offers promising new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Tumor Microenvironment
Background:
- Nerves are increasingly recognized as crucial components of the tumor microenvironment.
- Peripheral nerves (sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory) interact with tumor and stromal cells.
- Cancers may exploit nerve-dependent processes for growth and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging concepts on the role of nerves in cancer pathogenesis.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting neural signaling in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on neuro-oncology.
- Synthesis of current understanding of nerve-tumor interactions.
- Discussion of therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- Peripheral nerves actively promote cancer initiation and progression.
- Tumors can hijack developmental and regenerative neural pathways.
- Neural signaling is a key modulator of the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- The nervous system plays a critical role in cancer pathogenesis.
- Manipulating neural signaling presents novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment and prevention.
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