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Serotonin Pathway in Cancer
Pragathi Balakrishna1, Sagila George1, Hassan Hatoum1
1Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 2, 2021
Summary
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) influences cancer growth, invasion, and angiogenesis. Targeting the serotonin pathway offers potential therapeutic strategies for various cancers, with ongoing research into its immunoregulatory effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), a monoamine derived from tryptophan, plays established roles in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
- Emerging research investigates serotonin's complex involvement in tumorigenesis across diverse cancers, including gliomas, carcinoids, and carcinomas.
- Elevated serotonin levels and receptor interactions within tumors are linked to cancer progression, affecting proliferation, invasion, dissemination, and angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of serotonin in cancer pathogenesis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the serotonin pathway in cancer treatment.
- To discuss current and future therapeutic strategies involving serotonin modulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on serotonin's role in cancer.
- Analysis of clinical data and in vitro/in vivo study findings.
- Evaluation of therapeutic agents targeting serotonin pathways.
Main Results:
- Serotonin demonstrates a potential stimulatory effect on cancer cell proliferation, invasion, dissemination, and tumor angiogenesis.
- Serotonin pathway modulation shows promise, with agents like octreotide and telotristat used or investigated for specific cancers.
- In vitro studies indicate anticancer effects of serotonin receptor antagonists across various cancer types.
Conclusions:
- The serotonin pathway represents a viable therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
- Further in vivo studies are crucial to fully elucidate serotonin's role in cancer and its therapeutic applications.
- Exploring serotonin's immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties may reveal synergistic effects with immunotherapy.
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