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Roadmap for the Emerging Field of Cancer Neuroscience
Michelle Monje1, Jeremy C Borniger2, Nisha J D'Silva3
1Departments of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Pediatrics, Pathology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Cell
|April 18, 2020
Summary
The nervous system significantly impacts cancer development and progression. This field, cancer neuroscience, explores these complex interactions between cancer and the nervous system, urging collaborative research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- The nervous system is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer pathogenesis.
- Cancers and their treatments can profoundly affect the nervous system's structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and define the emerging field of cancer neuroscience.
- To highlight the critical interactions between cancer and the nervous system.
- To advocate for multidisciplinary research collaborations in this area.
Main Methods:
- This commentary synthesizes current evidence on cancer-nervous system interactions.
- It reviews the bidirectional communication pathways involved.
- It discusses the implications for understanding and treating cancer.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports a central role for the nervous system in cancer.
- Cancer and therapies induce significant alterations in nervous system function.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for novel therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Cancer neuroscience is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to advance the study of cancer-nervous system interactions.
- Further research promises to uncover new avenues for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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